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VASQUEZ & COMPANY LLP Oct–Dec 2021 Issue 6

Quarterly

Message from our Managing Partner Dear Vasquez and Company Team Members, YOU shined in 2021! With everything we learned in the unprecedented year of 2020, 2021 was a transformative year. With confidence in our success and a high level of team morale, our Firm has thrived. We acquired new clients, obtained former clients, and provided our outstanding service to current clients. Together, we moved forward and currently have more than 120 employees. As we leverage our growing marketing efforts and continue our growth, your hard work and innovation will make this quarter a firm springboard for 2022. Our expectation is to continue to exceed our goals year after year. Thank you for your dedication and good work. Cheers! Gil

Oct–Dec 2021 Issue 6

Regina Prince Nonprofit Tax Practice Leader

Regina, prior to joining the Firm, was KPMG LLP’s Partner-in-Charge of the Western Region Exempt Organizations Tax, having joined the Company in 2001. Regina has 30 years of experience in the taxation of IRC section 501(c) organizations and is considered a subject matter expert in analyzing complex non-profit transactions. She is skilled in the nuances of tax law pertaining to the organizational and operational requirements of private and public foundations, healthcare, higher education, business leagues, and social welfare organizations. She consults on non-profit issues such as transactions with related and unrelated third parties, complex structures, investing in partnerships and LLCs. Regina earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Regina enjoys aerobics, hiking, and traveling abroad. She especially loves the sunny shores of Spain. Click here to read the Firm’s press release on Regina.

Tonette Santillan Private/Public Company Practice Leader

Tonette oversees all aspects of the Firm’s assurance, accounting, and

consulting services for private and publicly traded companies. She also assists in providing oversight to Vasquez BPO, Inc., a subsidiary of Vasquez & Company, LLP. Tonette joined the Firm in October 2020 and has over 25 years of experience in public accounting and private industry practice. Previously, Tonette was an assurance director at RSM US LLP’s Financial Institutions Practice Group. Before joining RSM, she was the manager for the Securities and Exchange Commission financial reporting of IndyMac Bank. She was also with the Financial Services audit practice of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in Los Angeles and formerly the Assistant Vice President for financial accounting, management accounting, and treasury at Colonial Mutual Group of Australia.

MEET THE PARTNERS Featuring two of our partners and three of our managers.

Tonette received her Bachelor of Science in Commerce, Major in Accounting from Divine Word College of Legazpi, and her Master of Business Administration from De La Salle University. She was one of the founding board members of the International Society of Filipinos in Finance and Accounting, whose primary goal is to assist, educate, train, and mentor emerging professionals, both domestically and globally.

Fun fact: Tonette enjoys cooking and baking and loves to bring home-cooked food and homemade cakes to family potlucks.

Arceli Peran Los Angeles

Arceli has over 20 years of progressive accounting and consulting experience. As a Senior Manager, she focuses on managing financial and single audits of nonprofit and government agencies. Before joining the Firm in 2007, she worked as internal audit manager for the Bank of the Philippine Islands and an accounting professional at SGV & Co. Arceli holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Philippine School of Business Administration, where she graduated with distinction. Arceli is inspired by her husband and two teenage sons. When she is not working, she enjoys biking, going to the mall, and spending quality time with her family. She also enjoys video chatting with her 91year-old mom in the Philippines.

Arlene Pingul Los Angeles

MEET THE MANAGERS Ronelle Aceron Manila

Arlene has more than 20 years of public accounting,

Ronelle has over 20 years of experience in auditing,

consulting and tax experience. She started her career in PwC Manila and later on co-pioneered the set-up of the Compliance Audit Department of the Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. She joined the Firm in 2010 and she specializes in the financial and compliance audits of government sector clients, with a focus on cities, special districts and other local government units.

accounting, and tax. She mostly worked at PwC (Philippines and Vietnam) and briefly at EY (Vietnam) doing auditing and tax. Before joining Vasquez, she also managed global mobility tax for a multinational IT company for 9 years.

Arlene graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Tarlac State University and finished her Master in Business Administration at De La Salle University. Arlene loves traveling and creating meaningful memories with her loved ones. She also enjoys gardening, creating DIY projects and organizing things at home; and just recently, she discovered the joy of cooking. But above all these things, she prioritizes church activities, Bible studies, and fellowshipping with her brethren.

Ron, to her friends and colleagues, is thankful and proud to have witnessed and been part of the growth of Vietnam and its people. While working there for nearly 13 years, she acquired invaluable experiences and gained life-long friends from across the globe. She’s excited to be part of yet another growth, this time in Vasquez Manila. Ron earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting, Magna Cum Laude, from the University of the East, Philippines. Ron loves to cook, bake, and watch cooking channels, cartoons /animated series, and movies with her artistic daughter and CPA-lawyer 2 husband.

Oct–Dec 2021 Issue 6

W E L C O M E

Regina Prince Tax Partner (Nonprofit)

Angelica SegarraRufino IT Audit Manager

Joan Lascoña Audit Supervisor

C’zar Sanchez Audit Supervisor

Aryana Martinez Audit Senior

Jane Go Audit Senior

Judlouise De Leon Audit Senior

Jemimah Maclang Audit Senior

Arianne Alba Audit Senior

Jo Ann Bumal-o Audit Senior

Rey Buyco, Jr. Audit Senior

Emmalyn Plaza Audit Senior

Jamar Lagarico Audit Staff

Jerome James Audit Staff 3

Yvette Delos Santos Accounting Team Lead

Kristine Belleza Senior Accountant

Robelyn Lacorte Junior Accountant

Sophia David Junior Accountant

Hamida Amerol Junior Accountant

Mich Signey Junior Accountant

Yhara Aviles Junior Accountant

Millicent Orilla Junior Accountant

Janel Rañola Junior Accountant

Jemiah Rosita Junior Accountant

Chester Francisco

Alma Malveda Tax Associate

Junior Accountant

N E W H I R E S

Manila Personnel Do you know someone who would be a good addition to our Los Angeles or Manila Team? Learn more about the Firm’s Employee Referral Program, contact Eden Marfori (LA Office) or Michelle Castillo (Manila Office) for the details.

Oct–Dec 2021 Issue 6

The Firm would like to recognize the following employees that have reached milestone anniversaries.

Thank you, everyone, for your hard work and dedication!

Cristy Canieda

Arceli

Scyla Gacis

Mary

Peran

Talent

Tanglao

Cruz

Management

Audit

Audit Staff

Officer

Manager

2 Years

Audit Partner

Senior Audit

14 Years

Manager

14 Years

Eden

3 Years

Carlos

3 Years

Girlie

Cher

Jovel De

Krizia

Marfori

Cabije

Jiang

Guzman

Aguilar

Audit Admin &

Audit

IT Supervisor

Junior

HR Manager

Manager

Supervisor

2 Years

Accountant

15 Years

6 Years

4 Years

1 Year

Linda

Suzette

Narciso

Wenseslao

Audit Partner

Administrative

20 Years

Assistant

4 Years

Tonette

Lech

Quennie

Nice

Micka

Santillan

Plamenco

Mendoza

Caneda

Pena

Audit Partner

Audit Senior

Junior

1 Year

Accountant

1 Year

Angelika

Kristen

Carmela

Vea

Ronelle

Santiago

Tucio

Gacho

Ricaborda

Aceron

Junior

Senior IT

Audit

Accountant

Auditor

Manager

1 Year

Pamela Tolentino Audit Supervisor

1 Year

ANNIVERSARY Phoebe

Arshley

Dellosa

Conos

Junior

Audit

Accountant

Supervisor

1 Year

Manila Personnel 6

Oct–Dec 2021 Issue 6

LA Team Goes to Temecula

Employees

At long last! After more than a year of working safely from our homes, the Los Angeles Team had a fun and relaxing day at Temecula, California. The Team had a blast touring different wineries and trying varieties of wines as we caught up, laughed, and posed for the camera 8 with our work friends, whom we had not seen for a long time.

Oct–Dec 2021 Issue 6

8 Tips to Make Healthier Holiday Choices The holidays are often filled with time-honored traditions that include some of our favorite meals and foods. As you celebrate, think of little changes you can make this holiday season to create healthier meals and more active days. 1.

Make healthier holiday favorites: Makeover your favorite holiday dishes. Find ways to improve holiday recipes and get healthier results.

Make sure your protein is lean: Turkey; roast beef; fresh ham; beans; and some types of fish, such as cod or flounder, are lean protein choices. Trim fat when cooking meats. Go easy on the sauces and gravies; they can be high in saturated fat and sodium.

Cheers to good health: Quench your thirst with low-calorie options. Drink water with lemon or lime slices. Offer seltzer water with a splash of 100% fruit juice.

Tweak the sweet: For dessert, try baked apples with cinnamon and a sprinkle of sugar instead of apple pie. Invite your guests to make their own parfait with colorful sliced fruit and low-fat yogurt.

Be the life of the party: Laugh, mingle, dance, and play games. Focus on fun and enjoy the company of others.

Make exercise a part of the fun: Make being active part of your holiday tradition. Have fun walking and talking with family and friends after a holiday meal. Give gifts that encourage others to practice healthy habits such as workout DVDs, running shoes, and reusable water bottles.

Enjoy leftovers: Create delicious new meals with your leftovers. Add turkey to soups or salads. Use extra veggies in omelets, sandwiches, or stews. The possibilities are

endless! 8.

Give to others: Spend time providing foods or preparing meals for those who may need a little help. Give food to a local food bank or volunteer to serve meals at a shelter during the holiday season.

Source: LifeCare, Inc. through ADP

EMPLOYEE WELLNESS To read more articles on health and wellness, log in to your ADP Total Source, click on My Company – Discount Programs – ADP Discounts.

Employees Featured Artist

Shweta Mehrotra

I began painting as a toddler- it was one of the few outlets I had, aside from reading, as a girl growing up in a conservative industrial town in India. The painting stopped when I finished high school and moved to the United States for university, because I became very busy with first school, then work and then home. In 2021, post pandemic, I revived my artwork in an attempt to support my mental health. I accomplish 1-2 paintings a month now, and it brings me much peace and comfort.

ARTIST CORNER Our Firm is composed of not just smart and hardworking employees, but of talented individuals as well. Every issue, we will feature one artist from the Firm’s pool of talented team members.

Oct–Dec 2021 Issue 6

Continuing Professional Education OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

As the only globally recognized internal audit certification, becoming a Certified Internal Auditor® (CIA®) is the optimum way to communicate knowledge, skills, and competencies to effectively carry out professional responsibilities for any internal audit, anywhere in the world. The Firm recognizes that the path to becoming a CIA requires time and attention that’s why the Firm encourages and supports team members who aspire to be one. Please reach out to Eden Marfori if you have questions on the Firm’s policies related to taking and passing the CIA exam.

Please note that RSM uses CDT.

How to Become a Certified Internal Auditor (California)

For a complete list of courses, log in to your RSM MyLearning .



All audit staff must complete 80 hours of CPE every two-year period, with a minimum of 20 hours in each year of that period. Of these 80 hours, at least 24 hours should be Yellow Book CPE.

Source: The Institute of Internal Auditors

Professional Development Steps to Certification

Step 1: Apply ➢ Create a profile in The IIA’s Certification Candidate Management System (CCMS) or access an existing profile. ➢ Upload required documents for program approval (education, government-issued photo ID). ➢ Obtain character reference(s) electronically via the CCMS. ➢ You will not be able to register for the exam until your documents and application are approved.

Step 2: Test ➢Access your profile in CCMS. ➢Click “Manage Program”. ➢Register for the exam or exam part. ➢Schedule your exam.

Step 3: Become Certified ➢Complete your experience verification. ➢Receive your certification. ➢Access your certificate via the CCMS. A printed copy may be obtained with a fee.

Oct–Dec 2021 Issue 6

Glendale, California – Main

San Diego, California

Fresno, California

Phoenix, Arizona

Irvine, California

Las Vegas, Nevada

Sacramento, California

Manila, Philippines

OFFICE LOCATIONS

We are in 8 different locations, and we serve our clients from our headquarters based in Glendale, CA.

Firm Profile Featured industry :

Government

In over 50 years of auditing and accounting history, Vasquez has performed over 10,000 financial and compliance audits of governmental entities and nonprofit organizations. We have worked extensively with governmental entities and have the expertise to conduct quality audits in this area.

Full Suite Of Services For Government Clients: Organizational Assessments External Audit / Assurance Services Fraud Risk Assessment Budget Formulation Internal Control Review and Design Government Contract Audits Technology Controls Assessment Outsourced Accounting and Controllership

Our Extensive Footprint In Industries Are From: Local Municipalities Water Districts Transportation Agencies Joint Powers Authorities Airports This year, we acquired 5 City clients and currently working for 40 Cities in the Greater Los Angeles area.

We work with governmental agencies to ensure that their Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports are in compliance with the Government Accounting Standards and meet the requirements of Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting program.

Click here to know more.

WHO DO WE SERVE? Learn more about our Firm and the clients that we serve.

Oct–Dec 2021 Issue 6

Birthdays Aryana Martinez

Joper Del Rosario

Emart Ulit

Micka Pena

Vea Ricaborda

Angelica Telan

Elisa Stilwell

Gil Vasquez

Cassandra Bae

Kaiser Ruado

Arvee Flores

Mary Tanglao

Angelika Santiago

Melissa Ojeda

Danica De Ocampo

Jonalie Lipon

Andrea Bote

Hamida Amerol

Denice Abrenica

Kristen Tucio

Elijah Wanagen

EJ Santiago

Anshul Verma

Eva Aquije

Rhoda Dollaga

Cher Jiang

Cheng Portugal

Manila Personnel

Holidays NOVEMBER 1 – All Saints’ Day is observed by Christians in honor of all the saints, known and unknown. Its roots go back to the 4th century, and in the 9th century began to be celebrated on November 1. All Saints' Day includes liturgical services for some denominations.

NOVEMBER 2 – All Souls’ Day is a day of prayer and remembrance for the souls of those who have died, and is observed by Latin Catholics and other Christian denominations annually. Practice of All Souls' Day can include remembering deceased loved ones in various ways on the day.

NOVEMBER 25 – Thanksgiving Day originated from the practice of giving thanks for the harvest. The centerpiece of this day is the Thanksgiving dinner. The dinner traditionally consists of foods and dishes indigenous to the Americas — namely, turkey, potatoes, stuffing, squash, corn, cranberries, and pumpkin pie.

NOVEMBER 30 – Bonifacio Day is a national holiday in the Philippines, commemorating Andrés Bonifacio, one of the country's national heroes. He was the founder and eventual Supremo of the Katipunan, a secret society that triggered the Philippine Revolution of 1896 against the Spanish Empire.

DECEMBER 8 – Immaculate Concepcion Day celebrates the belief in the sinless life and Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. It is one of the most important Marian feasts in the liturgical calendar of the Roman Catholic Church celebrated worldwide.

DECEMBER 25 – Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is celebrated by billions of people around the world. It is a public holiday in many of the world's nations, celebrated religiously by most Christians, as well as culturally by many non-Christians.

DECEMBER 30 – Rizal Day is a Philippine national holiday commemorating the life and works of José Rizal, a national hero of the Philippines. It is celebrated every December 30, the anniversary of Rizal's 1896 execution at Bagumbayan (present-day Rizal Park) in Manila. Manila Holiday

Source: www.wikipedia.org

Oct–Dec 2021 Issue 6

5 Films to Inspire CPAs Movies inspire people, offering them a release from reality, and give them a chance to pause and ponder life and their decisions. The impact of motion pictures is not lost on accountants. Here are some movies with important themes for accountants. All the President’s Men (1976). Based on the nonfiction book by Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, this movie shows how the

dogged journalists uncovered the Watergate scandal. Woodward (Robert Redford) and Bernstein (Dustin Hoffman) famously “follow the money” in their investigation of a break-in at the Watergate office complex, discovering a conspiracy that ultimately brings down Richard Nixon’s presidency. The film, which garnered four Oscars, showcased Woodward and Bernstein’s sheer tenacity in uncovering the truth, even at great personal risk.

Schindler’s List (1993). This heart-rending motion picture, based on a book

by Thomas Keneally, focuses on German businessman Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson) and his accountant Itzhak Stern (Ben Kingsley). Together they devise a plan to save 1,200 Polish Jews from being sent to Nazi concentration camps during the Holocaust. They did this by creating a list of Jews—including women, children, and the elderly—who Schindler argued were needed as laborers and thus were exempt from being sent to the death camps.

The Shawshank Redemption (1994). This film, based on a Stephen King

novel, focuses on banker Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), who is sent to a brutal prison after being wrongly convicted of murdering his wife and her lover. He finds that providing financial advice to the guards and the warden— including being forced to devise a money laundering scheme—awards him a measure of protection from some of the most violent inmates.

The Untouchables (1987). Set in the 1920s in Chicago, this film focuses on

U.S. Treasury Agent Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) and his frustrating attempt to take down gangster Al Capone (Robert De Niro) during the Prohibition Era. While Ness was unable to arrest Capone on murder, bootlegging, and racketeering charges, he worked closely with veteran police officer Jimmy Malone (Sean Connery) and Treasury agent and accountant Oscar Wallace (Charles Martin Smith), to nail Capone on tax evasion.

Wall Street (1987). This cautionary tale, set in New York City in the age of excess that was the 1980s, follows the rise and fall of ambitious junior stockbroker Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen). Fox is enamored of merciless corporate raider Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas), who leads him into a cesspool of illegal activities such as insider trading and securities fraud. Douglas won an Oscar for Best Actor for his role as the man who extolled “Greed is good.”

Source: Journal of Accountancy

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We would like to thank our wonderful Vasquez team members for your efforts and for continuously contributing to the Firm’s success. Working together enables us to achieve all our goals! Contact us at hr@vasquezcpa.com

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Vasquez BPO, Inc.