Our Story

Joel earned his bachelor’s degree in Finance from the Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona, where he was elected Outstanding Senior in his major and graduated Magna Cum Laude. He later returned to the University of Arizona to earn a Master’s Degree in Accounting before becoming a Certified Public Accountant. During his remarkable career, Joel served in prestigious roles at the Federal Reserve of Kansas City and a top accounting firm in Arizona. Joel demonstrated his considerable leadership skills managing a large, diverse team as the Director of Finance And Employee Services at the University of Arizona BookStores and satellite operations. Joel ultimately found his professional home at David Cutler Accountants + Advisors in Tucson, where he was a cherished team member and devoted mentor.

​

Joel was consistently recognized by friends, classmates and colleagues for his warmth, charisma, enthusiasm and wit. He found joy in mentoring newcomers from diverse backgrounds to the workplace and helping them recognize and realize their potential. He had an unmistakably bright, sincere smile that instantly put people at ease. He balanced a tremendous work ethic with levity and a disarming sense of humor, while holding himself to the highest standard of professional excellence and ethics.

​

Joel’s untimely passing at age 44 due to cardiovascular disease left a profound void in the hearts of all who knew him, but his signature spark, brilliance, and generosity of spirit live on by way of the Joel Burstein Family Foundation.