VASQUEZ55
FROM THE MANAGING PARTNER
As we celebrate 55 years of Vasquez + Company, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude. What started as a small Firm has grown into the largest diverse CPA Firm in the nation. This milestone is not just a reflection of our success, but of the incredible people who have been part of this journey partners, clients, team members, alumni, friends, and family.
To my fellow partners: your leadership, dedication, and vision have been the bedrock of this Firm. Together, we’ve built an organization recognized for its excellence and integrity. One of my personal goals has always been to make Vasquez + Company the largest minority-owned Firm in the country and thanks to our collective efforts, we’ve achieved that.
To our alumni: your contributions have shaped who we are today, and we are forever grateful. You will always be a part of the Vasquez family.
To our clients: you are our greatest asset. Serving you has been an honor, and our success is a direct reflection of the trust and relationships we’ve built together.
To our team members: you are the heart and soul of this Firm. Your professionalism, dedication, and hard work are what drive us forward. We strive for excellence and reliability, and it is your unwavering commitment that allows us to live up to these ideals every day.
And to our friends and families: Your support has given us the strength to persevere. Through every challenge, you’ve been there, offering your belief in us and encouragement to keep going. For that, we are deeply grateful.
As we look back over the years, we are reminded not only of our accomplishments but also of the importance of community. Our mission has always been to lift one another up as we rise together, and that commitment continues to define us today.
Thank you for helping us reach this incredible milestone. As we celebrate today, I look forward to all that we will continue to achieve together in the years to come.
With gratitude,
Gi quez, CPA Managing Partner
MEET THE PARTNERS
GILBERT R. VASQUEZ, CPA
Our Founder, Gilbert R. Vasquez, was born and raised in the thriving community of East Los Angeles, California. He attended local schools graduating from Roosevelt High School in 1957. He went on to East Los Angeles College, then proceeded to earn his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from California State University, Los Angeles in 1964 Attending local schools helped to strengthen his ties to the community
Upon entering the workforce, Gil encountered various obstacles reflective of his heritage and the era. Through hard work and dedication, he overcame those obstacles, making significant advances in his chosen profession.
Undeterred by the challenges he faced - and with unwavering resolve - Gil pursued his vision, that of establishing his own Certified Public Accounting Firm. In 1969 Gil founded Vasquez + Company LLP in Los Angeles, California
erved on numerous boards of directors for publicly traded companies, nonprofit organizations, and governmental entities Gil is lauded for tackling complex challenges and addressing critical issues Gil is a passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion, and equity He has championed the rights of all individuals, ensuring that underrepresented Latino, minority communities, and women are given a strong voice and provided with active and fair participation Through innovation and success, Gil has inspired countless others to continue moving forward despite barriers that may stand in their way.
GILBERT R. VASQUEZ PERSONAL HIGHLIGHTS
1969
1971. Serves on the AICPA Committee on Minority Recruitment and Equal Opportunity. Study indicated there were only 232 Latino CPAs in the country.
1971. Served as Professor of Accounting at East Los Angeles College for a period of two years. It was a way of serving as a role model to Latino youth. It was also a way to give back to the community, to East LA College, and to the public schools from which he received such an excellent education.
1975. Founding Board member of publicly traded Los Angeles National Bank, the second Latino owned bank in California.
1979. Became the only Latino to be appointed to the LA84 Olympic Executive Committee, which oversaw the most successful Olympic Games in its history at that time. East Los Angeles College Stadium selected as an Olympic Venue.
1981. Appointed to the public traded company boards of Glendale Federal Bank and General Telephone.
1982
1969. Founded Vasquez + Company in a one room office in East Los Angeles with an abundance of experience after becoming a CPA in 1967.
1972. Founded ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals for America) to promote Latino procurement, creating upward career enhancement. It is the largest Latino professional organization in America.
1972. Appointed chair of the Citizens for Belvedere Park in East Los Angeles which became the first county park to have a soccer field connected to its playground.
1978. Elected to the board of UnidosUS. Upon election as Chairperson, he is responsible for UnidosUS becoming the first nonprofit to have even number of women and men on its Board of Directors; established Corporate Advisory fundraising board.
1980. Became the first Latino to serve as President of the California Board of Accountancy, the largest in the country.
1980. Elected to the board of The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, with the condition that a “Y” be built in East Los Angeles.
1982. Founding board member of NALEO, (National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials).
GILBERT R. VASQUEZ HIGHLIGHTS
1983. Founding member of LA84 Foundation, (Legacy of the 1984 Olympics). The Foundation has provided more than $300 million in grants to youth sports.
1988. Elected to the Board of Blue Cross of California and in 1996 to its successor organization The California HealthCare Foundation.
1987 1983 1988
1987. Appointed Major Gifts Chair for the construction of the East Los Angeles YMCA. Responsible for raising 90% of construction costs.
2005. Elected to Board of Directors of Manufacturers Bank a subsidiary of Sumitomo Matsui Bank.
1992
2005
2013. Founding member of ISFFA, A US based Filipino accounting organization focused on education and upward mobility of its members.
2013
2007
1992. Appointed a Chapter 7 Trustee in the Central District of California by the United States Trustee Program that oversees bankruptcy cases.
2017. Bestowed by Cal State LA Alumni of the Year for his many achievements on behalf of the community.
2017
2016
2007. Elected to Board of Directors of Entravision Communications, a publicly traded company with more than 100 Latino television and radio stations.
2016. Elected Chair of Los Angeles Latino Chamber of Commerce. The organization is recognized as a California Latino Chamber of the Year in 2017.
2022
2022. Elected to Latino Corporate Directors Education Foundation.
Gilbert R. Vasquez has served on 40 board of directors.
MEET THE PARTNERS
ROGER MARTINEZ, CPA
Roger Martinez earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics with a minor in Accounting, from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) He has over 25 years of Certified Public Accounting experience and served as Partner in KPMG's Department of Professional Practice prior to joining Vasquez. As an Audit Partner, he focuses on conducting complex audits, performing accounting procedures, and navigating risk management issues.
Linda Narciso earned her Bachelor of Science in Accountancy at De La Salle University She has over 30 years of Certified Public Accounting experience Having previously served at PwC, Linda oversees our audit, assurance, and compliance services for nonprofit organizations, including Housing and Urban Development (HUD) compliance and real estate investments. Her extensive background equips her to effectively address the unique needs of clients in the nonprofit sector.
LINDA NARCISO, CPA, CGMA
CRISTY CANIEDA, CPA, CGMA
Cristy Canieda earned her Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and Associates in Government Auditing from Enverga University She also earned her Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Ateneo Graduate School of Business. She has over 30 years of Certified Public Accounting experience. Having previously served at PwC, she oversees our audit, assurance, and compliance services for governmental entities. Cristy manages client services for our Business Process Outsourcing office in the Philippines (The Vasquez Advantage, Inc ), and ensures high-quality support and guidance for our clients
STILWELL, CPA
Elisa Stilwell earned her Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics and Sociology from the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) She has over 30 years of Certified Public Accounting experience Having previously served at KPMG, she oversees audit, assurance, and consulting services for government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and both private and publicly traded companies. Her extensive background enables her to effectively address the diverse needs of her clients across various sectors.
ELISA
MEET THE PARTNERS
TONETTE SANTILLAN, CPA, CGMA
Tonette Santillan earned her Bachelor of Science in Commerce, major in Accounting from Divine World College of Legazpi, and her Master of Business Administration from De La Salle University. She has over 30 years of Certified Public Accounting experience. Having previously served at PwC and RSM, she oversees audit, assurance, and consulting services for both private and publicly traded companies, employee benefit plans, as well as regulated entities. Her extensive background equips her to effectively meet the diverse needs of clients across various sectors Additionally, she co-manages The Vasquez Advantage, Inc office in the Philippines
REGINA L. PRINCE, CPA
Regina L Prince earned her Bachelor of Arts from The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan She has over 30 years of Certified Public Accounting experience, she has built a distinguished career as a former Tax Partner at KPMG As the Tax Practice Partner-in-Charge, she provides tax advisory, compliance, and consulting services, overseeing all aspects of the tax department. Her extensive expertise enables her to deliver comprehensive tax solutions that meet the diverse needs of clients.
VASQUEZ + COMPANY KEY MILESTONES
VASQUEZ + COMPANY LLP IS A MINORITY OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (MBE) and reflects our Founder’s commitment to implementing inclusion and equality initiatives throughout his accounting career.
1970. Latino/Black joint venture formed with Wilfong & Davis to audit the largest anti-poverty agency in California, the Greater Los Angeles Community Action Agency.
1977. Firm’s headquarters relocates to Downtown Los Angeles. Acquires Altamed Health Services Corporation as a client. Altamed has become the largest FQHA (Federally Qualified Health Center) in the country.
1984. Retained by Coors to audit historic agreement with HACR (Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility) and the Latino community to report on agreedupon milestone goal attainment.
1969. Vasquez + Company LLP begins accounting operations in a one-room office in East Los Angeles.
1972. Founded ALPFA founded along with 15 other Latino CPA firms, The organization was then known as the American Association of Spanish Speaking CPAs.
1978. Awarded the largest small business accounting contract to audit 142 Indian tribes in the Western USA. Required the overseeing of 16 other CPA firms to assist in completing the engagement.
1985. Awarded Department of Labor contract to audit 300 CPA firms assisting in the updating of the Employment Benefit Plan (EBP) audit guide of the AICPA.
1986. Retained, along with KPMG, as the auditors of the University of California system, the largest educational system in the United States.
1995. Retained along with KPMG by Los Angeles County as auditors.
VASQUEZ + COMPANY KEY MILESTONES
2005. Joins BDO Alliance to enhance firm’s capabilities and expand opportunities.
2005
2009. Retained to audit the largest museum in the country, the Getty Museum.
2008
2009
2013. Joins RSM to continue to expand opportunities and enhance capabilities.
2017. Vasquez + Company LLP is selected as an AICPA Group of 400 (G400) member. G400 companies are the next 400 largest CPA firms in the US following the top 100 CPA firms.
2017
2010
2016 2020 2013
2023. Vasquez + Company LLP attains the distinction of becoming the largest minority-owned CPA firm in America.
2023
2024
2008. During the Great Recession, the Firm does not lay off any employees or reduce their pay during a time of great economic instability.
2010. Retained to audit the Los Angeles Community College District, the nation’s largest community college district.
2016. Establishes Vasquez Advantage, Inc. in the Philippines to provide offshoring/outsourcing services.
2020. COVID-19 stay at home order contributes to the dynamic growth of the Philippine office due to remote work. The firm does not lay off any employees or reduce their pay.
2024. Accounting Today recognizes the Firm as a West Coast Regional Leader.
OUR PERSONNEL
Over the past 55 years, Vasquez has grown to 250+ professionals, with 75% identifying as female reflecting our commitment to diversity and inclusion. Vasquez’s low turnover rate, averaging just 10% over the past three years, allows us to provide clients with continuity of service and experienced personnel.
TESTIMONIALS
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY ABOUT US
“VASQUEZHASCONSISTENTLYEXCEEDEDEXPECTATIONS SINCEJOININGOURTEAMTHEYHAVE DISPLAYEDAHIGHLEVELOFPROFESSIONALISM,RELIABILITY,ANDEXCEPTIONALSKILLSIN MANAGINGHERRESPONSIBILITIES YOURTEAMTACKLESEVERYTASKWITHGREATATTENTIONTO DETAILANDEFFICIENCY,ANDWORKSVERYEFFICIENTLYWHICHEXCEEDSOUREXPECTATIONS WE AREFORTUNATEASTHEIRWORKCONSISTENTLYREFLECTSTHEIRDEDICATIONTOHIGHQUALITY ANDTIMELYCOMPLETIONOFPROJECTSFOROURCLIENTS.”
ATCHLEY&ASSOCIATES,LLP
“IWOULDLIKETOTAKEAMOMENTTOEXPRESSMYSINCEREGRATITUDEFORTHEEXCEPTIONAL WORKYOUDIDINAUDITINGWHCC'SFINANCIALANDPENSIONRECORDSANDTHEPREPARATION OFFORM990FORTHEYEARS2021AND2022.YOURTEAM'SUNDERSTANDINGOFFINANCIAL REPORTINGFORNON-PROFITORGANIZATIONSANDFQHC'SWASQUITEIMPRESSIVE,ANDIAM APPRECIATIVEOFTHERECOMMENDATIONSYOUMADE.THEPROFESSIONALISMOFTHEENTIRE TEAMWASEXEMPLARY.ITWASAPLEASUREWORKINGWITHEVERYONE.“
“I JUST WANTED TO SAY THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE IN THE PAST YEAR IT'S BEEN SUCH A PLEASURE TO HAVE YOU AS PART OF THE HORNE FRANCHISE TEAM. THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR WILLINGNESS TO LEAN IN, ESPECIALLY AT YEAR-END WHEN THINGS ARE ALWAYS CRAZY AND A LOT IS GOING ON JUST SO WE CAN GET THINGS DONE, SERVE OUR CLIENTS WELL, AND GROW TOGETHER ”
ANNIVERSARY HIGHLIGHTS
ANNIVERSARY HIGHLIGHTS
The evening came alive with vibrant music from a talented live band Their lively performance added an upbeat rhythm to the celebration, encouraging guests to immerse themselves in the joyous atmosphere and let the music be the soundtrack to the milestone occasion
Guests arrived to a relaxed and inviting atmosphere that set the tone for the evening The casual yet sophisticated setting of City Club LA encouraged connections and conversations, making everyone feel like part of the Vasquez family. The warm ambiance was an ode to the Firm’s inclusive and collaborative spirit.
ANNIVERSARY HIGHLIGHTS
The Firm extended heartfelt gratitude to its clients, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to Vasquez’s success. Guests were reminded of the shared trust and collaboration that have been the foundation of lasting partnerships
Team members, clients, alumni, friends, and supporters of Vasquez came together to celebrate this remarkable milestone Throughout the evening, candid and posed moments were captured, reflecting the joy and significance of the event From warm reunions to laughter-filled conversations, the photographs will serve as lasting memories of this monumental celebration
ANNIVERSARY HIGHLIGHTS
The evening unfolded in a relaxed and joyful setting, beginning with a warm welcome from Dorene Dominguez, who opened the ceremony Guests reminisced, celebrated, and looked ahead together, with the casual vibe perfectly complementing the event’s purpose honoring the past while embracing the opportunities to come
