A Winning Team, A Stronger Future
Thefirstquarteroftheyearhasbeena testamenttoourstrengthandcommitment
OurFirmhasgrown,steadily,strategically, andwithconfidence.Themomentumwe havebuiltthroughouttheyearswillcontinue, andourfutureisbrighterthanever
Ourstrengthliesinourpeople.Eachofyou, whetherinaudit,auditadministration, administration,proposals,ormarketing,plays avitalroleinoursuccess Itisyourdedication, capabilities,andsharedcommitmentthat makesusatruewinningteam.
Weareexpandingacrossalltheindustriesweserve TheFirmremainscommittedtoprovidingopportunitiesforprofessionaland personal growth, ensuring that each of our employees can reach their full potentialwhilecontributingtoourcollectivesuccess.
This year, our marketing efforts are reaching new audiences, reinforcing our Firm’s reputation and influence We are embracing innovation, leveraging moreautomation,AI,andtechnologytoenhanceefficiencyandclientservice. Andmostimportantly,weareinvestinginourpeople,enhancingbenefits,and fosteringaworkplacewheretheycandotheirbestworkwhilefeelingvalued andsupported.
Our clients trust us to deliver excellence, and we will continue to honor that trust
Thank you for your dedication and passion Let’s move forward with confidence,knowingthattogether,wecanachieveevengreatersuccess.
Sincerely,
Gilbert R. Vasquez Managing Partner
Meet the newest members of our team!
LOS ANGELES
LILIT KHACHATRYAN TaxSupervisor TAX
PHILIPPINES
JONG CORTEZ III SeniorAssociate IT AUDIT
FERNANDA COLUNGA AuditAdministrativeAssistant ADMINISTRATION
GEORGINA ANGEL AuditAdministrativeAssistant ADMINISTRATION
KEN PACIS MarketingAssistant ADMINISTRATION
Happy Anniversary!
Thank you for your hard work and dedication. You are an inspiration to us all.
LOS ANGELES
9
6
4
Girlie Cabije
Rhoda Dollaga
Erica Ong
Anshul Verma
3
1
Bethany Pedro May Yap
Claudine Garcia Christian Lidres
S
PHILIPPINES
4
3
Erin Manila
Jonalie Lepon
Theresa Litao
Kenneth Lopez
Aughstin Perez Jr.
Kriezl Patalinghug
Katrina Ramos
Queenie Cortes
Ericka Fernandez
Joram Panahon
Lorraine Ngan
Shannah Gorgonia
2
Princess Andres
Lucille Bessitt
Schulaika Estela
Kathlene Dauan
Elijah Ceredon
Rachel Estoque
Regine Enrile
Marielle Dionisio
John Laurence Cabaces
Marjilyn Fulgar
Kaith Montaña
Joshua Libunao
1
Ivan Bendiola
Jessa Dimaunahan
Pamie Timtiman
Happy Birthday!
We wish you joy and prosperity in the year ahead.
LOS ANGELES
APR
Soc Mendiola
Erica Ong
Sam Tolentino
Girlie Cabije
Joanne Jung
Jemimah Maclang
MAY
JUN
Jovel De Guzman
Suzette Wenseslao
Roger Martinez
Lani Santos
Tonette Santillan
PHILIPPINES
APRIL
Michelle Castillo
Katlyn Sta. Rita
Renaliza Talagtag
Mikaella Sambajon
Angelika Ignacio
Schulaika Estela
Marjilyn Fulgar
Yza Villanueva
Lesly Dela Cruz
Rochelle Gutierrez
Jessa Dimaunahan
PHILIPPINES
MAY
Scyla Gacis
Alma Malveda
Mark Lloyd Gaviola
Aughstin Perez Jr.
Rizbee Poblete
Regine Enrile
Julius Guardian
JUNE
Erin Manila
Theresa Litao
Katrina Ramos
Jeanne Bernardo
Jessa Sarimo
Elena Kasilag
Princess Andres
Elijah Ceredon
Seanne Musngi
Joanne Licmuan
Jerame Sarmiento-Potato
SENIOR AUDIT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT - PH OFFICE
SENIOR MARKETING ASSISTANT - PH OFFICE Erin
52nd Saturn Awards
February 2025 | Hilton Universal City | Los Angeles, California
Vasquez was honored to attend the 52nd Annual Saturn Awards, the official ceremony of The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films. We're proud to support creators of today’s most imaginative storytelling.
Valentine’s Day
February 2025 | Glendale Office | Los Angeles, California
Our LA office got crafty this Valentine’s Day by making handmade cards for teammates. A fun and heartfelt way to spread appreciation and a little extra love around the office!
Clippers vs Grizzlies
March 2025 | Intuit Dome | Inglewood, California
Suite events are a Vasquez tradition and the Clippers vs Grizzlies game didn’t disappoint! It was a great night of basketball and bonding time with Team Vasquez.
TVA Focus Group Discussions
February 2025 | KMC Armstrong | Makati, Philippines
Empowering voices, shaping the future! The Vasquez Advantage (TVA) in the Philippines team continues its Focus Group Discussions bringing employees together, in person and virtually, to share insights that help us grow stronger together.
Dr. Guerra’s 40 years at LMU
February 2025 | LMU Campus | Los Angeles, California
We celebrated Dr. Fernando J. Guerra’s 40 years at Loyola Marymount University (LMU), where his leadership in political science, Chicana/o Latina/o studies, and local governance reform, along with his work at StudyLA, has made a lasting impact on both the university and the community.
Town Hall 2025
March 2025 | The Langham Huntington | Pasadena, California
Team Vasquez gathered for face-to-face LA Office Town Hall to align on strategic priorities and celebrate successes. Leaders shared key updates across departments, celebrated promotees, award recipients, upcoming opportunities for professional growth, and Firm events. The day concluded with a team happy hour, celebrating what’s ahead.
REGIONAL LEADER
We’re honored to be recognized once again as a West Coast Regional Leader by Accounting Today for 2025.
This distinction reflects Vasquez + Company’s ongoing commitment to excellence, innovation, and delivering highquality service to our clients.
We extend our gratitude to our dedicated team and valued clients for their trust and partnership. As we continue to grow, we remain focused on providing strategic guidance to help our clients succeed.
Ericka Fernandez
ASSOCIATE MANAGER - AUDIT PHILIPPINES
Q:Howlonghaveyoubeen withV+Co.?
A:I'vebeenwiththecompanyforalmost 3years(2yearsand10months)
Q:Whatdoyoulikebestaboutworking forV+Co.?
A:WhatIlikebestaboutworkingfor V+Co isthecollaborativeandsupportive environment.Theteamisalwayswilling tohelpeachotherout WheneverIhave questionsaboutwork,evennon-work topics,theyarealwaysonechataway. Additionally,themanagementis approachable,supportiveandgenuinely caresaboutemployeewell-being,making itagreatplacetowork.
V+Co.alsoprioritizeswork-lifebalance, whichhelpsmemaintainahealthy balancebetweenmyprofessionaland personallife.
Q:Doyouhaveamottoorpersonal mantrathatyoufollow?
A:Liveinthemoment.
Q:Whatdoyouliketodoinyourfree time?
A:Asidefromspendingtimewithfamily andfriends,Iliketospendmyfreetime playingvideogames,bothmobileand computergames It'safunwaytounwind andconnectwithfriendsonline.
Q:Howlonghaveyoubeenwith V+Co.?
A:Morethan5years.
Q:Whatdoyoulikebestaboutworking forV+Co.?
A:TheFirmpromotesahighly collaborativeenvironmentwhere teamworkandopencommunicationare encouraged.Thismakesiteasytoshare ideas,getfeedback,andworktogether. TheFirmalsosupportsemployeesin obtainingfurthercertificationsforcareer advancement,providingnumerous opportunitiesforprofessionalgrowth.
Q:Doyouhaveamottoorpersonal mantrathatyoufollow?
A:Makeeverysecondcount.
Sam Tolentino
MANAGER - AUDIT
LOS ANGELES
Q:Whatdoyouliketodoinyourfree time?
A:Cycling,Mountaineering,WatchingTV.
Q:Whatisoneskillyou’dlovetolearn?
A:Carpentry.
Q:What,ifanything,areyoucurrently binge-watching?Orreading?
A:TheRighteousGemstonesonHBO.
Q:What’sonyourbucketlist?
A:ClimbtoMountEverestBaseCamp andoneoftheSevenSummits.
Q:Whatarethe3placesthatyou wouldliketotravelto?
A:Nepal,Tanzania,Argentina.
Q:Whatare3wordsthatbest describeyou?
A:Adventurous,Curious,andResilient.
Jeanne Bernardo
ASSOCIATE - ACCOUNTING PHILIPPINES
When I first thought about my future, anxiety often took over, and I had big dreams but lacking expertise. Starting out at Vasquez nearly three years ago, I wasfilledwithdoubtsbutdeterminedto grow. I didn't know it then, but my journey of self-investment was about to unfold,leadingmeonapathofgrowthI neverthoughtpossible.
Inmyfirstyear,Iboughtourfamily’sfirst motorcycle and began supporting my siblings in ways I never experienced growing up. By year two, I reached a personal milestone: I moved into my dream minimalist home, a goal made possible through hard work, faith, and persistence.
In my third year, I stepped out of my comfort zone by joining the Vasquez Talent Quest with Trix. We won 2nd place,anditwasamomentthathelped meovercomemyfearofperformingand remindedmetotrustmytalents.
Everymilestone,bigorsmall,hastaught methevalueofself-beliefandconsistent growth. I’ve learned that success isn’t about arriving at a destination it’s aboutcommittingtothejourney.There’s always more to learn, more to give, and moretobecome.
Tips for driving change and driving out drama AICPA
Listen Now
Alex Dorr speaks to audiences and organizations all over about ditching the drama and getting more productivity and engagement from employees and more overall value for companies. His session at Digital CPA in Denver in December 2024 focused on many of those sameprinciplesandwastailoredtomodernaccountingFirms.
OntheJournalofAccountancypodcast,Dorr,vicepresidentatRealityBased Leadership, explained more about how readiness for change canleadtoabetterworkrealityforemployeesandmanagers.
Whatyou’lllearnfromthisepisode:
Dorr’s reflection on whether he was a “high-drama” college basketballplayer.
Why the examination of an employee’s or team’s value should includeanassessmentof“readinessforwhat’snext.”
The “juicy” question Dorr answered about speaking to accountinggroups.
The importance of validating someone’s experience in the workplacebeforeaddressingwaystomakeitbetter.
Vasquez + Company: Trusted Advisors to the Water Utility Sector
Waterutilitiesplayanimportantroleinsustainingcommunitiesandecosystems.
In supporting their mission, the Vasquez + Company team is well aware that it requires more than compliance and reporting. We are proud to serve the water industrywithaproactive,risk-basedapproachgroundedinathoroughknowledge ofthesector.
Vasquez+Companyisexperiencedindealingwiththecomplexitieswaterutilities face, from regulatory compliance to performance measurement and operational efficiency. We help clients navigate evolving requirements and combine tailored service with cutting-edge technology to meet their needs. Whether it’s conducting financial, performance, or compliance audits; evaluating internal controls,ormanagingtaxandaccountingstrategies,Vasquez+Companyhasthe knowledgeandexperiencetomeetthespecificneedsofthewaterutilitysector.
Spot and Tackle Stress Triggers
Stressisanaturalpartoflife,butchronicstresscantakeatollonyourhealth andwell-being.Thefirststepinmanagingstressisidentifyingwhatcausesit.
Once you know what triggers your stress, you can take action to reduce its impact. Here's how to identify your stress triggers, along with physical and emotionalsymptomstowatchfor,andtipsonmanagingthemeffectively.
HowtoIdentifyStressTriggers
Stresstriggersarespecificsituations,events,orpeoplethatleadtofeelingsof tension,anxiety,oroverwhelm.
Everyone has different things that trigger stress. Some common stressors include:
Work-relatedpressures:Deadlines,workload,orconflictswithcolleagues
Personalresponsibilities:Integratinghomelife,relationships,andself-care.
Financialconcerns:Worryingaboutbills,debt,orunexpectedexpenses.
Healthissues:Copingwithillnessorphysicaldiscomfort.
Socialpressures:Expectationsfromfriends,family,orsociety.
The first step is to become aware of when stress is affecting you. Here's how youcanrecognizeyourtriggers:
Payattentiontopatterns:Stressdoesn'talwaysshowupinthesameway. It'simportanttoobservewhathappensbeforeyoufeelstressed.Docertain tasks, deadlines, or interactions consistently lead to anxiety? Do stressful feelings surface at particular times of day, such as when you're rushing to meetdeadlinesorjugglingtoomanyresponsibilities?
Keep a stress journal: Track your feelings, physical symptoms, and any events or situations that preceded stress. Over time, you'll start to notice patternsthatcanhelpyouidentifyyourtriggers.
Ask yourself key questions: Reflect on past stressful moments was it a situation at work, something personal, or an unexpected change? Understanding the "why" behind your stress can help pinpoint your triggers.
RecognizingPhysicalSymptomsofStress
Stress often shows up in the body long before you consciously recognize it. Physicalsymptomscanhelpyouidentifywhenyou'rebeingtriggered. Commonsignsinclude:
Increasedheartrate:Youmightnoticeyourheartracingorfeelinglikeit's pounding,especiallyinhigh-pressuresituations.
Tightnessinthechestorshoulders:Stresscancauseyourbodytotenseup, particularly in your chest, neck, and shoulders. This can lead to physical discomfort,suchasheadachesormusclesoreness.
Shallow breathing: You may begin breathing more rapidly or shallowly when you're stressed. This can make you feel even more anxious or overwhelmed.
Stomach discomfort: Stress can lead to digestive issues, such as stomachaches,bloating,ornausea.
Fatigue: Chronic stress can leave you feeling physically drained, even if you'vehadenoughsleep.
Sweating or shaking: Stress can trigger a fight-or-flight response, causing yourbodytoreactwithsweating,trembling,orfeelingjittery.
RecognizingEmotionalSymptomsofStress
Along with physical symptoms, stress also affects your emotions Understandinghowyouremotionalstateshiftscanhelpyouspotwhenstress istakinghold.Commonemotionalsignsinclude:
Anxiety or restlessness: A feeling of unease or a constant need to move aroundorfidgetcansignalstress.
Irritability or anger: You may find yourself snapping at others or feeling impatientorfrustratedmorethanusual.
Feeling overwhelmed: When stress triggers feelings of being unable to cope,youmayexperienceasenseofhelplessnessorbeingtrapped.
Difficulty concentrating: Stress can cloud your mind, making it hard to focusormakedecisions.
Moodswings:Youmayfeelmoreemotionalorexperiencesuddenshiftsin yourmood,goingfromcalmtoanxiousorangrywithoutaclearreason.
TipstoMinimizetheImpactofStress
Onceyou'veidentifiedyourstresstriggersandsymptoms,youcantakeaction to reduce their impact. Here are some strategies to help you manage stress effectively:
Prioritize and organize: When you're feeling overwhelmed, break down tasks into smaller, more manageable steps Prioritize what needs to be doneandfocusononetaskatatime.
Practice deep breathing: Slow, deep breaths can help calm your nervous systemandreducethephysicalsymptomsofstress,suchasrapidheartrate orshallowbreathing.
Setboundaries:Identifyareaswhereyoutendtoovercommit.Learntosay no when necessary to avoid overwhelming yourself with too many responsibilities.
Exerciseregularly:Physicalactivityhelpsreleaseendorphins,whichareyour body'snaturalstressrelievers.Exercisealsoreducestensioninmusclesand helpsimprovesleep.
Practicemindfulness:Takeafewminuteseachdaytopracticemindfulness or meditation. This helps you stay grounded and reduces the emotional reactivitythatstresscancause.
Talk it out: Sharing your feelings with a trusted friend, family member, or therapist can help relieve emotional pressure and give you a fresh perspective.
TheBenefitsofStressManagement
Managingstresseffectivelycanleadtoarangeofbenefits,including:
Improved mental health: Reducing stress can decrease anxiety, improve mood,andpromoteaclearer,calmermindset.
Better physical health: Chronic stress contributes to a range of health problems, from high blood pressure to weakened immune function By managingstress,youcanimproveyourphysicalhealthovertime.
Increased productivity: When stress is under control, you'll feel more focused,energized,andcapableoftacklingtasks.
Healthierrelationships:Reducedstressleadstofeweremotionaloutbursts, bettercommunication,andmorepositiveinteractionswithothers.
Byidentifyingyourstresstriggersandrecognizingthephysicalandemotional symptoms,youcantakeproactivestepstomanagestressbeforeitspiralsout ofcontrol.Withtherightstrategies,youcanminimizetheimpactofstressand improveyouroverallwell-being.
Copyright©2025LifeCare,Inc Allrightsreserved
Thispublicationisforgeneralinformationalpurposesonlyanditisnotintendedtoprovideanyreader withspecificauthority,adviceorrecommendations Whereyoudeemnecessary,wesuggestthatyou seekadviceregardingyourparticularsituationfromtheappropriateprofessional.
Gain Insights & Knowledge
Vasquez+CompanyLLPinvitesyoutopart2ofourexecutiveorderswebinar series on federal grant compliance. This session is designed to equip governmentandnonprofitleaderswiththeknowledgeandstrategiesneeded toconfidentlymanagefederalfunding.
Federal grant compliance is complex, but staying informed is key to protectingyourorganizationandensuringfundingsuccess.
WhyAttend?
Inthiswebinar,ourpanelwillguideyou through:
EngagingwithFederalGrant Officers
ReviewingGrantAgreements& ComplianceTerms
TrackingActivities&CostsCarefully TrainingStaffonFederalFunding Compliance
WhoShouldAttend?
CFOs,Controllers,andFinance Directors
GrantManagersandCompliance Officers NonprofitandGovernment Executives
PleaseemailCassandraBaeatcbae@vasquezcpa.com foranyquestionsregardingthisevent.
How to become a CRMA
MeettheEligibilityRequirements
Haveaminimumof24monthsofinternalauditor riskmanagement-relatedexperience.
ApplyfortheCRMAProgram
Submitallrequireddocumentation,including educationandworkexperience.
PreparefortheExam
Studycoretopics:governance,riskmanagement, controlprocesses,andassurance-related practices.
ScheduleandPasstheExam
Onceapproved,scheduleyourexamataPearson VUEtestingcenteroronline.
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Philippines USA
SENIOR LEVEL Senior Associate Audit Senior Auditor SOX Compliance
SENIOR LEVEL
SENIOR LEVEL Senior Associate Accounting
Noteworthy Dates
09 01
11
ARAW NG KAGITINGAN
Commemorating the fall of the Bataan peninsula during the Second World War
12
15 26
LABOR DAY
Honoring workers and recognizing their contributions to society
MOTHER’S DAY
Celebrating all moms, mamas, nanays, and makuahine
MEMORIAL DAY
Honoring the fallen heroes who served in the U.S. military
ARAW NG KALAYAAN
(Independence Day)
Commemorating the declaration of Philippine independence from Spain in 1898
FATHER’S DAY
Celebrating all dads, papas, tatays, and makua kāne
See what our clients are saying
I want to express my sincere gratitude to the entire Vasquez team. We truly appreciate the time and effort invested by the entire audit team
Mythical Games
Really appreciate your collective efforts on turning this around quickly for us
Moulton Niguel Water District
Great advisors and have a lot of patience as we navigate the audit
Alexander Group
Thank you for your professionalism, guidance, and flexibility The first year is always the hardest, and you made it easy
Comprehensive Community Health Centers
