Making a difference in the life of one person will make a difference in the world.

Karen A. Artasanchez

CPA, MST, Shareholder

Karen has over 35 years of experience advising businesses and their owners on sophisticated tax planning and transaction strategies. Having been with the firm’s tax department for more than 15 years, she serves as the Practice Leader for both the firm’s Mergers & Acquisitions Group and its Professional Services practice groups. She works with clients across a diverse range of industries, including manufacturing, life sciences and pharma, professional services, real estate, technology, and restaurant/food service – providing tailored guidance to both funded start-ups and closely held, multi-generational family-owned businesses.

Her expertise spans tax planning, deal structuring for buy-side and sell-side transactions, and navigating complex cross-border issues in collaboration with the firm’s International Tax practice group. Known for delivering highly customized, strategic solutions, she brings a deep understanding of each client’s goals and operational dynamics to every engagement. Her ability to translate complex tax regulations into actionable advice has made her a trusted advisor to companies with sophisticated planning needs.

Beyond her client work, she is deeply committed to mentoring and developing the next generation of professionals. She takes pride in coaching emerging leaders within the firm, helping them grow their technical expertise, develop their client service skills, and build meaningful, purpose-driven careers. She also holds a Green Belt in Lean Six Sigma for Professional Services, reflecting her dedication to driving continuous improvement in both client outcomes and firm operations.

Before joining the firm in 2010, Karen was a Tax Manager at an international CPA firm and later a Partner at a regional CPA firm.

Licenses and Certifications:

CPA License: New Jersey
CPA License: New York
Lean Six Sigma CPA Green Belt

Professional and Civic Achievements:

2025-2026 Named to the NJBIZ Finance Power List
2025 Named to the NJBIZ Leaders in Finance List
2021–2024 Named to the NJBIZ Power 50 in Accounting
Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
Member, New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJCPA)
Member, New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA)
Past Author, New Jersey CPA Magazine
Past Author, Mid-Atlantic Real Estate Journal

Education:

Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Science in Taxation, Pace University

What motivates you?

I’m motivated by helping people succeed.

What is your favorite part of the culture at WG?

My favorite part of the culture at WG is that all levels of staff have input into what the future of our firm will look like – everyone’s ideas are discussed.

If you had a theme song, what would it be?

What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger by Kelly Clarkson

What advice would you give to the next generation of CPAs and Advisors?

As long as you never stop asking questions or challenging the status quo, every day will be different than the one before and you will learn something new every day.