Spotlight: Leaders in accounting

The accounting leaders featured here were selected from the Oct. 22 Business Journal list of the largest North Bay accounting firms. They are listed alphabetically by last name.Jeff Belingheri, managing partner Bregante + Company330 Ignacio Blvd., Ste 201, Novato 94949, bcocpa.com, 415-883-4262

Jeff Belingheri is a managing partner at Bregante + Company. A CPA since 1993, Mr. Belingheri has a master of science degree in taxation from Golden Gate University and a bachelor's in business administration and finance from California Polytechnic State University.

Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Belingheri worked in the audit department at Price Waterhouse, working exclusively with high-tech startups. He now works primarily with startups, closely held businesses and individuals. Greg A. Bennett, managing partner G & J Seiberlich & Co. LLP3264 Villa Ln., Napa 94558, gjscollp.com, 707-224-7948

[caption id="attachment_65027" align="alignleft" width="180"] Greg Bennett[/caption]

Greg Bennett has been with G & J Seiberlich & Co. LLP since 1983 and became a partner in 1987. Prior to working at G & J Seiberlich & Co. LLP, he was with an East Bay CPA firm. Mr. Bennett received his bachelor of arts from University of California, Santa Cruz, with a degree in modern society and social thought and was headed to law school. Circumstances in his life, at that time, dictated another direction, and he entered the field of public accounting, having worked his way through college working in CPA firms, thereafter, taking undergraduate and graduate courses at Golden Gate University and Cal State University Hayward.

G & J Seiberlich focuses on industries that are strong in the Napa Valley, including wine, hospitality, professional services, manufacturing, distribution, real estate and medical companies.Bret Blyth, managing partnerBrown Holder Alfaro & Co1344 Adams St., St. Helena 94574, brownholder.com, 707-963-9494

[caption id="attachment_65028" align="alignleft" width="180"] Bret Blyth[/caption]

Breton “Bret” Blyth is a managing partner at Brown Holder Alfaro & Co. He assumed that role in June, and has been a partner since 2006.

Mr. Blyth, who began working at the St. Helena office full-time in 1996, has focused primarily on assisting winery and vineyard clients during his time at the firm, with an emphasis on taxation. He is a graduate of Sonoma State University, and received a master’s of science in taxation from Golden Gate University. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the California Society of Certified Public Accountants, and serves as director and treasurer for the Napa Valley Wine Library Association and as board member and treasurer for Legal Aid of Napa Valley.David Brotemarkle, managing partner Brotemarkle, Davis & Company899 Adams St., Ste. H, St. Helena 94574, bdcocpa.com, 707-963-4466

David Brotemarkle has been with the firm since 1990, and is currently a managing partner. He specializes in tax and business advising, and uses that specialty with clients including the wine and hospitality industry.

Mr. Brotemarkle has served as the president of the St. Helena Rotary Club and as the chairman of the city’s chamber of commerce. He has been a CPA for over 25 years and holds an accounting degree from California State University, Long Beach.Norm Capper, managing partnerFriedlander Cherwon Capper, LLP1101 Fifth Ave., Ste. 350, San Rafael 94901, fcccpas.com, 415-456-5500

[caption id="attachment_65029" align="alignleft" width="180"] Norm Capper[/caption]

As the firm’s founding and managing partner, Norm Capper has over 28 years of experience in accounting, taxation, management consulting and finance. He assumes primary responsibility for firm clients whose industries include manufacturing, retail, wholesale, real estate, service, technology, and construction.

He is a tax specialist with a master’s degree in taxation from Golden Gate University and consults in a wide variety of areas including business formation, sale, and dissolution, mergers and acquisitions, executive compensation, partnership and syndicate structuring, employee fringe benefits, retirement, estate, family succession, and real estate planning. Mr. Capper serves on the advisory board to the dean of taxation of Golden Gate University and has fostered a strong affiliation between the firm and the university, resulting in many of the firm’s partners and employees having become graduates of the Master’s in Taxation Program.

In the mid 1980s and into the 1990s, Mr. Capper was an early advocate of mid-range and low-end accounting software, and he continues to advise clients in these areas. In the area of management consulting, he works extensively with business owners on financial statement analysis and interpretation.

He has discussed tax laws and advice on KQED Radio. He has been a public speaker in the area of real estate tax law.

In addition to Golden Gate University, Mr. Capper is a graduate of the University of San Francisco with a bachelor's degree in accounting. He is a member of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants.Jon Dal Poggetto, managing partner

Dal Poggetto & Company LLP149 Stony Cir., first fl., Santa Rosa 95401, dalpoggetto.com, 707-545-3311

[caption id="attachment_65030" align="alignleft" width="180"] Jon Dal Poggetto[/caption]

Jon Dal Poggetto was born in Santa Rosa and has lived here his entire life. He is currently managing partner of Dal Poggetto & Company LLP, a position he has held since the firm’s inception on Nov. 1, 1992.

He graduated from University of California, Berkeley with a bachelor of science degree in business administration-accounting emphasis in June, 1975. He began his career in the Santa Rosa office of Touche Ross & Co. (one of the “Big Eight” accounting firms) and then worked in the San Francisco office of that firm as a manager in their Private Company Advisory Services department. He left the firm in 1982 to manage the Santa Rosa office of Eisenberg & Company, a regional CPA firm that also had an office in San Francisco. He became a partner of that firm in 1984.

 In 1986, Eisenberg & Company merged with Touche Ross & Co., and Mr. Dal Poggetto became partner in charge of that firm’s newly acquired Santa Rosa office as well as national director of winery services for the firm. In 1989, Deloitte, Haskins & Sells merged with Touche Ross & Co., and he  became partner in charge of those combined firms’ Santa Rosa office. When Deloitte decided to close the Santa Rosa office in 1992, he founded Dal Poggetto & Company LLP.

The firm serves over 500 clients from its Santa Rosa office with a particular emphasis in serving wine industry clients.

He has been the recipient of various awards and recognition by service clubs and professional organizations. He is proud that his firm has been chosen one of the Business Journal's Best Places to Work in the North Bay for each of the past six years.

He believes his most satisfying accomplishment has been providing an accounting career path to all of his partners, professional and administrative staff. His goal is to grow the firm to twice its current size over the next ten years.

In his spare time, he enjoys golfing, fishing and socializing with his family, friends and colleagues.Tony Ganze, presidentGanze & Company1500 Third St., Ste. C, Napa 94559-2809, napacpa.com, 707-255-6540

[caption id="attachment_65031" align="alignright" width="162"] Tony Ganze[/caption]

Tony Ganze, president of Ganze & Company, is a CPA with over 30 years of experience in public accounting. His 17-person firm provides high-tech and high-touch service: planning, consulting, and compliance services to closely held business, high net-worth individuals and estates and trusts. Their experience covers a wide range of income tax, estate tax, and accounting services.Jerry Ghirardo, managing partner, owner Ghirardo CPA7200 Redwood Blvd., Ste. 403, Novato 94945, ghirardocpa.com, 415-897-5678

[caption id="attachment_65032" align="alignleft" width="144"] Jerry Ghirardo[/caption]

Jerry and Steve Ghirardo founded Ghirardo CPA in 1990, a firm that has grown to be the largest in Marin County.

The two brothers moved to Novato at the age of two. Their father also had an accounting practice, one that ultimately evolved into the current Ghirardo CPA.

Both men attended Stanford University and University of California, Berkeley. Jerry received a master's in business administration from University of California, Berkeley. Both were recognized by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants for placing within the top 120 scores of the more than 70,000 individuals taking the uniform CPA examination nationally in November, 1986. Jerry also received the Elijah Watt Sells Award from the AICPA.

Jerry Ghirardo said he spends a lot of time with his family, coaches youth sports, volunteers at school and through Rotary and assists with the leadership of his local church fellowship. He is a resident of Novato.Lawrence Harris, managing partnerL.H. Harris CPA6400 Redwood Dr., Ste. 400, Rohnert Park 94928, lharriscpa.com, 707-546-2727

Lawrence Harris has been an accountant in Sonoma County for more than 32 years, working with both individuals and businesses in tax and financial planning. His firm offers tax planning, auditing and business valuation services.John Jones, owner and managing partnerLinkenheimer LLP187 Concourse Blvd., Santa Rosa 95403, linkcpa.com, 707-546-0272

[caption id="attachment_65033" align="alignleft" width="180"] John Jones[/caption]

John Jones is owner and managing partner at Linkenheimer LLP, a firm that he joined in May 1977.

Mr. Jones has been the managing partner at the firm since 1986. He graduated from Sonoma State University and also attended Santa Rosa Junior College.

He spends his work-related time assisting clients in areas that include -- forecasting, budgeting, feasibility studies, mergers and acquisitions, lender financing, succession planning, compensation planning, as well as income and estate tax planning.

He is the immediate past Worldwide Chairman of Alliott Group, an international alliance of more than 170 accounting and law firms. John is active in international service through the Santa Rosa Sunrise Rotary Club including the leadership in fund raising and construction of a surgery center in the remote jungles of Nicaragua, and leading the club's eye and dental projects overseas which have benefited over 15,000 people.

Tom Knopf, president, managing partner

Eckoff Accountancy145 N. Redwood Dr., San Rafael 94903, eckoff.com, 415-499-9400

Tom Knopf is the president and managing partner of Eckoff Accountancy Corporation. He has been with the firm for more than 30 years, and became a managing partner in 1997.

Mr. Knopf received a bachelor of science in accounting from Santa Clara University. He is on the board of directors of AGN International, the board of the Rotary Club of San Rafael, the Marin County Athletic Foundation, the Marin Catholic Board of Regents and the Dominican College of San Rafael Planned Giving Advisory Council.

Outside of accounting, Mr. Knopf is known for competitive swimming, added to the Marin Athletic Foundation’s Hall of Fame in 1998. He continues to participate in USMS Masters and rough water swimming programs.Scott Littman, managing partner Jones, Schiller & Company, LLP100 Drake’s Landing Rd., Ste. 200, Greenbrae 94904, jonesschiller.com, 415-771-5335

Scott Littman is a managing partner at Jones, Schiller & Company, LLP. He studied at California State University, Chico.

Mr. Littman specializes in the representation of high net-worth individuals in tax and accounting matters that include tax planning and preparation, tax controversy, succession planning, buy/sell restructures, attestation audits and estate planning.Timothy R. Moratto, CPA, partnerPisenti & Brinker LLP3562 Round Barn Cir., Ste. 300, Santa Rosa 95403, pbllp.com, 707-542-3343

[caption id="attachment_65034" align="alignleft" width="180"] Tim Moratto[/caption]

Tim Moratto is a general service partner with an emphasis on taxation, and is the partner in charge of cost segregation services. He currently serves over 400 clients throughout the western United States. He enjoys assisting his business clients with corporate, partnership and individual tax issues, mergers and acquisitions and strategic planning.

Mr. Moratto owned and operated vineyard property in Windsor, California for 22 years and gained considerable experience in the operations and tax issues associated with this industry. He has successfully represented many winery and vineyard clients in front of the IRS and has taught various tax classes at Sonoma State University.

Tim is a graduate of St. Mary's College in Moraga. He resides with his wife Sally in Santa Rosa. He is past chairman of the Board of Trustees for St. Joseph Health System of Sonoma County.Rob Morris, director of wine business services Frank, Rimerman + Co. LLP899 Adams St., St. Helena, frankrimerman.com, 707-963-9222

[caption id="attachment_65035" align="alignleft" width="180"] Rob Morris[/caption]

Rob Morris leads Frank, Rimerman’s Wine Business Services group, an experienced team of professionals focused primarily on the wine industry. They provide a variety of accounting services including auditing, tax, consulting, valuation and bookkeeping. He and his group particularly enjoy helping winery clients with developing financial forecast models and operational reviews of their business. The Wine Business Services team also conducts custom wine industry research for wineries, suppliers, trade organizations, customers, and investors. The team also conducts a number of industry workshops on key industry issues and teaches an annual UC, Davis Extension class on Winery Accounting and Finance for Executives.

Mr. Morris graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelors degree with honors in Accounting. He began his accounting career with KPMG in San Jose, eventually becoming a partner at KPMG Consulting. Looking to mix a passion for wine and his extensive accounting background, he ran the accounting department for a winery for two years. Mr. Morris then joined Frank, Rimerman + Co. LLP  in 2004 and finds that his hands-on experience from working at a winery allows him to appreciate and understand the perspective of his clients in working with outside auditors and advisers.

Mr. Morris lives with his wife, Sallie, in Santa Rosa.  In his spare time, Mr. Morris enjoys maintaining his single-digit golf handicap, wine collecting and travel.Carol O'Hara, managing partner, North BayBurr Pilger Mayer (BPM)110 Stony Point Road, Ste. 210, Santa Rosa, 95401, bpmcpa.com,  707-524-6530

[caption id="attachment_65036" align="alignleft" width="200"] Carol O'Hara[/caption]

Carol O’Hara is managing partner, North Bay for Burr Pilger Mayer (BPM), an accounting and consulting firm with five offices in the Bay Area.  “As partner in charge of BPM’s North Bay practice, it’s my job to lead the team in executing the firm’s vision of 26 years: Deliver full service assurance, tax and consulting skills, have fun and participate in the community.

In the past three years BPM’s North Bay practice has been fortunate to experience tremendous growth primarily because of our unique approach to client service; a relationship driven approach focused on our client’s success.   BPM offers the best of both worlds -- “Big Four know how, and small firm know you” with nearly half our partners bringing Big 4 experience to our clients.   Our winery and vineyard land industry group has exploded growing -- more than 200 percent over the past three years.   A direct benefit for the North Bay marketplace has been our ability to add jobs -- growing from 35 to 45 employees in the past three years.

Ms. O’Hara was born and raised in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, Pa., then moved to San Francisco to begin her career with Peat Marwick Mitchell, which is now KPMG, after graduating from Penn State.  Carol and her husband  moved to Sebastopol in 1998 to raise their two children now 13 and 16, “in a smaller, close knit community.”   Carol and her husband grow Pinot Noir grapes and make their own wine. David Perotti, partnerPerotti & Carrade CPAs1100 Larkspur Landing Cir., Ste. 358, Larkspur, 94939, pc-cpas.com, 415-461-8500

[caption id="attachment_65037" align="alignleft" width="180"] David Perotti[/caption]

David Perotti has been with the firm now known as Perotti & Carrade for more than thirty years. Prior to joining, Mr. Perotti spent nine years at the San Francisco firm then known as Deloitte, Haskins & Sells, where he played a key role in the formation of their small business department.

Mr. Periotti has significant experience in real estate management and development, affordable housing, wholesale distribution, travel, insurance brokerage, customs house brokerage, broadcasting and professional services. He also has significant experience with nonprofits and provides income tax assistance to individual clients.Ty Pforsich, regional managing partner

Moss Adams LLP3700 Old Redwood Highway, Ste. 200, Santa Rosa, 95403, mossadams.com, 707-527-0800

[caption id="attachment_65038" align="alignleft" width="212"] Ty Pforsich[/caption]

Ty Pforsich is the regional managing partner for Moss Adams’ Greater Bay Area region, which comprises three offices in Santa Rosa, San Francisco and Silicon Valley. He has a bachelor's degree in accounting and a master's degree in tax. He has been with Moss Adams for 25 years and is a member of Moss Adams’s Executive Committee. 

Mr. Pforsich was born and raised in Sonoma County and graduated from Cardinal Newman High School. His father owned a hardware store in Sebastopol for many years. "I have a wonderful wife, Cindy, and three boys and enjoy supporting youth sports and activities, tennis, reading and travel," he said.

Moss Adams’s practice is focused on mid-sized to large businesses, both public and privately held, and their shareholders. It also serves not-for-profit organizations and high net-worth individuals. The firm bases its wine industry practice in Santa Rosa and announced a new office in the city of Napa this July. The North Bay office also admitted Shawn Jensen as partner in October, recognizing his expertise in the wine, food and beverage industries.Meredith Rennie, director and owner

Zainer Rinehart Clarke CPAs3510 Unocal Place, Ste. 350, Santa Rosa, 95403, zrccpas.com, 707-525-1163

Meredith Rennie is a native of Sonoma County. She grew up in Petaluma and has lived in Windsor for the last 12 years. 

[caption id="attachment_65039" align="alignleft" width="180"] Meredith Rennie[/caption]

Ms. Rennie started her college education as an engineering major at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, but later opted to pursue business at Sonoma State University.  It was her first accounting professor, Sherri Anderson, who suggested she be an accountant. "I truly appreciate the variety of client opportunities and the challenging and interesting work that my accounting career has offered over the last fifteen years," said Ms. Rennie.

As the lead director of the firm's auditing and accounting practice, Ms. Rennie performs audits of statements and policies for a client base largely composed of local businesses. She also is a peer reviewer for other accountants, and the firm provides accounting services for clients across the country through an affiliation with DFK International/USA.

Ms. Rennie is an avid volunteer for community organizations and has served on the board of directors for Extended Childcare Coalition for the past ten years. She has also served on the board of directors for the Golden State Land Conservancy for the past five years.

The firm will soon open a new office in St. Helena, and currently has offices in Santa Rosa and Sonoma.Charles H, Stuckey, principal Wilson, Markle, Stuckey, Hardesty & Bott, LLP101 Larkspur Landing Cir., Ste. 200 , Larkspur,  94939, wmshb.com, 415-925-1120

[caption id="attachment_65040" align="alignleft" width="180"] Charles Stuckey[/caption]

Charles Stuckey specializes in accounting and taxation consulting for high net-worth individuals. He also provides litigation support for organizations and serves as an expert witness. He has been a Certified Public Accountant since 1966.

He began his professional accounting career as an auditor with Price Waterhouse & Company. He participated in and managed audits for clothing manufacturers, banks, wholesale businesses specializing in electronics and a range of other firms. He served as manager of corporate analysis and development for Pacific National Life Assurance Company, reporting to the chairman of the board. He also established a securities broker-dealer subsidiary.

He received his bachelor's degree from Tufts University and his master's degree from the University of Michigan. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the California Society of Certified Public Accountants. He is a trustee of the San Rafael Public Library, a director of the Rotary Club of San Rafael, and serves on other nonprofit boards and committees.Montgomery Taylor, owner and managing partner

Montgomery Taylor & Company2880 Cleveland Avenue, Ste. 2, Santa Rosa, 95403, TaxWiseAdvisor.com, 707-576-8700

[caption id="attachment_65041" align="alignleft" width="180"] Taylor Montgomery[/caption]

Montgomery Taylor is a CPA specializing in wealth management.  His book, Before It’s Too Late, was published in August and addresses retirement and estate solutions for baby boomers whom are behind in their planning. The book takes a unique approach and has received praise from Rod Dole, Rich Abazia, Terry Davis, Ron Seaman, William Fritz, Esq., Jeff Sacher, Edward Rosa and Michael Arendt -- all locally recognized professionals.

He owns and manages a CPA firm, Montgomery Taylor, CPA, and a separate investment management company, Montgomery Taylor & Company, LLC. His firm is independent and offers unbiased advice with a holistic approach to wealth management. He has built a multidisciplinary team approach which includes experienced professionals specializing in tax, investment, insurance and law.

 The firm serves over 500 clients from its Santa Rosa office. The firm has a particular emphasis in serving high net-worth individuals.

Mr. Taylor’s extensive experience includes four years with Pisenti & Brinker, CPAs, building their personal financial planning department, seven years with the Sonoma County Employees Retirement Association assisting in the institutional investment management of hundreds of millions of pension dollars. He initially pursued an accounting degree from Sonoma State University with plans to become an agent with the FBI. During this pursuit, he fell in love with the part-time work he was doing as a stockbroker and tax preparer and chose to pursue those fields.

He believes his most satisfying accomplishment has been providing an unbiased service to his clients with a look in the eye and a handshake. He says he’s just a country kid who grew up on a farm in Alexander Valley and has marveled at the success of his businesses. His goal is to grow the firms to twice their current size over the next 10 years.

Mr. Taylor recently released a book, Before It’s Too Late, which covers taxes, investments, wealth preservation, risk management and legal documents in a retirement plan approach that embraces the inevitability of planning failures.

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