Steven Spencer

Biography

Steven Spencer brings more than 40 years of business leadership, financial management, and entrepreneurial experience to his role as an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Accounting and Finance at Montclair State University.

Throughout his career, he has held senior executive positions, including Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and has founded or helped build five companies. His experience spans financial reporting, corporate strategy, business operations, capital formation, and international financial management. Most recently, at Alef Edge, he led global accounting and finance operations and managed four consecutive PCAOB audits as the company prepared for a potential public offering.

Mr. Spencer holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Union College, a Master of Engineering from Cornell University, and an MBA from New York University's Stern School of Business. He is also a Certified Management Accountant (CMA).

After a successful career as a business executive and entrepreneur, Mr. Spencer turned to higher education to share his experience and help prepare the next generation of business leaders. He finds particular satisfaction in mentoring students and helping them bridge the gap between classroom theory and the realities of business decision-making.

His teaching philosophy emphasizes the practical application of accounting and financial concepts through real-world case studies, interactive discussions, and collaborative problem-solving. His goal is to help students develop financial literacy, critical thinking skills, and the confidence to apply what they learn throughout their professional careers.

Outside the classroom, Mr. Spencer is certified in high-power rocketry and actively mentors high school and college rocketry teams. Drawing on his engineering background, he helps students apply principles of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to the design, construction, and launch of high-power rockets. His involvement in rocketry reflects his longstanding commitment to experiential learning, technical innovation, and mentoring the next generation of engineers and scientists.

Honors & Awards

• Union College Engineering Alumni Gold Award – Recipient of the Electrical Engineering Gold Award from Union College, Schenectady, New York, recognizing outstanding professional achievement, leadership, and contributions to the engineering profession and community.
• MBA with Distinction – NYU Stern School of Business – Graduated with Distinction, an academic honor recognizing outstanding scholastic achievement among the top 10% of MBA graduates.
• Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society – Member of Beta Gamma Sigma, the international honor society recognizing outstanding academic achievement in business programs accredited by AACSB International.
• U.S. Patent Inventor – Named inventor or co-inventor on at least five granted U.S. patents, with additional published patent applications covering telecommunications, digital media, interactive video, mobile technology, and digital content management. His inventions span work with AT&T Bell Laboratories, Beezag, Fancaster, and Vringo.
• Certified Management Accountant (CMA) – Earned the Certified Management Accountant designation, recognizing professional expertise in management accounting, financial analysis, strategic planning, and business decision-making.
• High-Power Rocketry Certification – Certified in high-power rocketry and actively involved in mentoring high school and collegiate rocketry teams, promoting STEM education and hands-on engineering experience.