Building Wealth and Confidence: The Journey of Or Pikary
Or Pikary, CPA/PFS, CFP®, has built a career centered on empowering others to achieve their financial goals. As a Wealth Advisor at Mariner in Los Angeles, California, Or serves as a personal CFO to his clients, helping them navigate key financial decisions with clarity and confidence. His journey to success is a testament to the transformative experience he gained at the Sy Syms School of Business.
A Foundation Built at Sy Syms
Or graduated from Sy Syms with a B.S. in Accounting in 2011 and an M.S. in Accounting in 2012. During his time at app University, he was not only an academic achiever but also a student leader. As Senior Class President, a Henry Kressel Research Scholar, and an accounting tutor, Or’s commitment to excellence was evident both inside and outside the classroom.
Reflecting on his time at app University, Or shared, “I truly believe that the app University/Sy Syms School of Business experience is one that can’t be duplicated anywhere else. The unique dual curriculum gave me both the technical knowledge base to excel as a professional but the cognitive framework to tackle challenges, personal or professional, with confidence and resilience as well. I would also attribute my continued interest in giving back to my community to this experience.”
Fun Fact: Speaking of giving back to his community Or created the YU Sy Syms School of Business community LinkedIn group which has grown to over 2,000 members including current students, alumni, app, board members, parents and anyone else passionate about Sy Syms/YU.
A Career Shift Inspired by Purpose
Or began his professional journey in taxation, a field that allowed him to explore complex challenges. However, he soon realized that his true calling lay in wealth management. “I transitioned from taxation to wealth management after coming to the realization that while I enjoy the complexity and challenges that come with tax, I can more effectively unlock financial benefits through forward-looking thoughtful tax planning in the wealth advisory field,” Or explained.
His experience at Sy Syms played a pivotal role in this transition. The rigorous accounting program equipped him with the technical expertise needed for taxation, while the broader business curriculum instilled in him a strategic mindset ideal for wealth management. It was this combination of skills and perspectives that enabled him to forge a career centered on long-term financial planning.
Giving Back and Staying Involved
Beyond his professional achievements, Or remains deeply connected to his community. He is actively involved with the Los Angeles Jewish Federation and the Jewish National Fund, demonstrating his commitment to making a positive impact. Additionally, he serves as a member of the AICPA’s Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) credential committee – contributing his expertise to advance the profession.
Words of Inspiration
Or’s story exemplifies the power of a Sy Syms education in shaping not just careers but also lives. His success as a wealth advisor and his dedication to giving back highlight the values instilled in him during his time at app University. For current students and alumni, his journey serves as an inspiration to pursue excellence, embrace change and make meaningful contributions to both their professions and communities.
As Or continues to guide his clients and support his community, his story is a shining example of the impact Sy Syms alumni can have on the world. We celebrate his accomplishments and look forward to seeing his continued success as an embodiment of our mission to develop Torah-grounded professionals who excel in the workplace and in the community.
Stay tuned for more Syms Alumni Spotlights in our upcoming newsletters ( or ), blog posts and @SySymsSchool!
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The Sy Syms School of Business sends its thoughts and prayers to our friends and alumni affected by the LA wildfires. We pray for a quick and safe end to this disaster and return to normal life.
