Colleen Fay is the Practice Leader of Withum’s Financial Services Team. Overseeing a team of over 200 professionals, Colleen’s vision and goals have been shaped by her passion for the industry, solidified by her more than 20 years of experience in accounting.
Throughout her career, she has had an extensive focus in the alternative investment industry and is an expert in tax compliance and consulting for hedge funds, private equity funds, venture capital funds, funds of funds, general partners, and management companies. Always at the forefront of industry trends, ever-changing tax laws, and complex regulations, Colleen provides her clients with exceptional service, advice, and options to give them every advantage in this multidimensional environment.
Her unrelenting dedication and sought-after experience have proven invaluable to her clients, providing real-time solutions to achieve investment goals while mitigating risk. Colleen is fully versed in domestic and international investment funds, understanding the complexities surrounding fund structures, which brings a holistic approach to tax planning.
Actively involved in the firm’s internal best practices and continuing professional education program, Colleen develops course curriculum and provides instruction for national and local training seminars. As the firm’s Women in Financial Services Group leader, Colleen oversees networking events and educational seminars for women entrepreneurs. These events provide opportunities for professional development and further empower women within the financial services space. Colleen is passionate about this initiative because it facilitates the opportunity to advocate for our women team members and colleagues across the industry and supports them as they grow into the next generation of leaders.
Colleen applies this forward-thinking mentality to all facets of her position at Withum and beyond, making her a truly invaluable resource to her colleagues, clients, and organization.
Learn more about my professional experience and how I spend my time outside the firm.
Education:
Professional Affiliations:
Colleen is a Girl Scout Troop Leader and was named the 2023 GSNNJ Women of Achievement Honoree. She is also a Student Community Association Member. She is a reliable voice in the profession and a sought-after speaker at numerous industry events, including but not limited to the Markets Group Private Equity Summit, The Women’s Venture Capital Conference, the Emerging Managers Conference by Hedge Week, and the Women’s Private Equity Conference.
Colleen also hosts ‘The Alternate Route,’ a podcast that invites industry thought leaders to delve deeper into the world of alternative investments. The show tackles complex topics, compartmentalizing them into thought-provoking content aimed at providing the audience with a deeper understanding of alternative investments.
Colleen believes in the importance of staying active. Outside of the office she can be found playing soccer and spending time with her family.
A video series focused on the exciting world of alternative investments. Our mission is to provide you with an exclusive look into the unconventional and often esoteric realms of the asset management industry including changes in the marketplace, operational factors, investment strategies, all while learning from thought leaders in the front seat helping to drive…
On January 16, 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit issued a split decision (2–1) in Sirius Solutions v. Commissioner, a case with significant implications for partnership taxation. The ruling addresses the scope of the self-employment tax exclusion under Internal Revenue Code §1402(a)(13) and could reshape tax planning for limited partners in…
Withum is proud to share that Colleen Fay, Partner and Financial Services Practice Leader, has been named on NJBIZ’s 2025 Leading Women in Business List. Colleen has been recognized by NJBIZ for her significant contributions to the business community in New Jersey. Formerly known as the Best 50 Women in Business, this honor highlights women…