elvis obanor

Senior tax, finance, and public policy professional with over seventeen (17) years of leadership experience across private practice, nonprofit governance, and international civic advocacy. Founder of a high-volume accounting and tax advisory firm serving multinational and domestic clients. Recognized nationally for excellence in finance, taxation, and community leadership. Brings a rare blend of technical rigor, legal insight, and policy strategy to complex financial, regulatory, and governance challenges.

Education

• Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA), Cornell University, Ithaca, NY — Expected 2026
• Executive Juris Doctor (EJD), Tax Law, Purdue Global Law School at Purdue University Global — 2022
• Master of Accountancy in Taxation (MAcc), Rutgers University Graduate School of Business, Newark, NJ — 2015
• Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, Diplomacy & International Relations, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ —2007

Honors & Awards

• Marquis Who’s Who for Excellence in Finance & Taxation, Nov 17, 2023
• Newark Municipal Council Entrepreneur of the Year – Odyssey Award of Excellence in Business, 2022
•  New Jersey General Assembly Resolution of Commendation, Dec 23, 2023
• U.S. Congressional Letter of Commendation 2024 in recognition of professional excellence and public service leadership. And unwavering commitment to social justice and community empowerment
• Office of the Mayor of Newark, NJ, commendation and award for leadership, devotion, and excellence in community service. 2023

Keynote Speaker Award, Faculty of Arts 60th Anniversary Lecture, University of Lagos (UNILAG), 2025. Delivered the official anniversary keynote address in recognition of contributions to civic education, justice advocacy, and public intellectual engagement.  

Professional Experience

Principal & Senior Tax Advisor, Banor Associates LLC – Hillside, NJ | 2008 – Present.

• Founder and CEO of a full‑service tax and accounting practice supporting 900+ multinational and domestic clients.
• Manage federal & state tax compliance, payroll, sales tax filings, property tax appeals, and audits.  
• Advise nonprofits on governance, IRS compliance, and financial reporting.
• Implement tax mitigation strategies and resolve complex legal issues. Tax Expert, Intuit Inc. – Mountain View, CA | June 2021 – May 2021
• Delivered expert tax guidance to clients across multiple jurisdictions remotely. Troubleshot complex tax issues and ensured accurate federal/state filings. Leadership & Global Engagement
• Service Vice President & Lead Strategist, Nigeria Diaspora Coalition for Change (NIDCC). A civic and policy advocacy organization mobilizing Nigerians abroad to influence constitutional reforms. Demand electoral inclusion through diaspora voting rights, and champion a restructured federal system rooted in competence, transparency, and service.
• Senior Vice President, Diaspora Open Space (DOS). An independent convening platform fostering dialogue, collaboration, and civic action among African diaspora professionals.
• President, League for Social Justice. An international nonprofit organization providing free legal services, promoting civil rights education, and spearheading campaigns for social equity, women's suffrage in Africa, and government accountability. LSJ operates at the intersection of law and grassroots advocacy.
• President & CEO, Indigents Project Inc. A U.S.-based nonprofit delivering free IRS tax clinics, compliance, and educational outreach to the elderly and lowincome individuals. The organization is recognized under the IRS-SPEC program and partners with local agencies for community impact. Publications & Media
• “Tribalism: Nigeria Self-Imposed Impediment”, Kaftanpost, Feb 19, 2022
• The 7th Zone: Constitutional Inclusion, Electoral Justice, and the Diaspora’s Role in Rebuilding Nigerian Democracy. TheSight news, June 2025
• Ongoing columnist for Diaspora Despatch and TANTV, covering economic and sociopolitical issues affecting diaspora communities
• Publisher of The Change Agent: Reigniting the Spirit of the Founding Fathers, Featured in New Jersey’s Semiquincentennial civic discourse. Core Competencies
• Tax Strategy & Mitigation
• Multi‑State & International Taxation
• Compliance & Audit Representation
• Financial Reporting & Payroll Management
• Nonprofit Governance & Advocacy
• Leadership, Mentoring & Team Development Personal & Professional Philosophy Elvis combines unwavering ethical integrity with a client-first service ethos. Guided by ethical rigor, public responsibility, and a client-first philosophy, and committed to building durable systems that combine financial integrity, legal accountability, and democratic values. Long-term academic interests include doctoral research on government and public-sector reform.