JAMES ERNST ACCOUNTING was established in 1993. Since that time we have grown into a well respected and highly regarded CPA firm. Our staff is always ready to meet and exceed the needs and expectations of each of our clients.
Over the years our firm has developed specialized skills in the areas of Income Tax Planning and Preparation including IRS and FTB Audit Representation. Further, our firm is widely known for its expertise in the Homeowners' Association arena (Monthly Bookkeeping as well as Year-end Audits and Reviews).
Value added services are also available to our clients, including Mortgage Loan Services, Financial Services, and Human Resources Consulting. Through our affiliations with Home Loans USA, Inc., AFA Financial Group, LLC, and Lynch & Associates, we are able to provide these services to each of our clients on an as needed basis. Further, our staff has obtained the training and education necessary to meet the needs of our clients in each of these specialized areas - General Securities Representatives and Real Estate Salespersons.
------------------------------------------------------- OUR MISSION ------------------------------------------------------------
To provide timely and accurate professional accounting, tax and consulting services to our individual, small business and homeowners' association clients. Our goal is to meet or exceeds the needs and expectations of each of our clients in a thoughtful and professional manner.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We look forward to working with each of you in order to improve our services and increase your understanding and awareness of the issues you face on a daily, weekly, monthly and annual basis. Our staff is always available to answer any questions or assist you in any way.
--------------------------------------------------------- OUR STAFF -------------------------------------------------------------
JAMES H. ERNST was licensed by the California Board of Accountancy in 1980 as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and has been working in the area of accounting, taxes and consulting ever since. He has a Masters Degree in Taxation (MS-Tax) from Golden Gate University and a Bachelors degree in Business/Accounting from CSU Long Beach.
In order to stay on the leading edge of new tax laws and accounting rules, he regularly attends educational seminars and workshops. In addition, Jim is a frequent speaker in the areas of tax and business services for individuals and businesses as well as accounting and tax related issues for Homeowners' Associations.
Jim also has a license as a General Securities Representative and a license as a Real Estate Salesperson. In addition, he is a Certified Community Association Manager (CCAM).
DONNA L. SMITH is a licensed Enrolled Agent (EA) and specializes in individual and small business taxes. Donna has been working in this area since 1985 and she continues to increase her skills and abilities by actively participating in education and training courses.
Donna also has a Real Estate Salesperson's license and heads our Mortgage Loan Department.
DIANE M. HART is our Office Manager. As such, she is responsible for our day-to-day operations as well as the bookkeeping for our firm. In addition to handling the daily and monthly financial reporting needs of our firm, she also handles the bookkeeping for our small business clients. Diane is also responsible for the staff that provide our bookkeeping services to our Homeowners' Association clients.
CORINNE E. DIAZ works in our Homeowners' Association Bookkeeping Department where she is responsible for the preparation of the monthly financial statements and billing for our Homeowners' Association clients. Corinne is our primary contact for members of our various Homeowners' Association clients.
TRISHA L. CONTE works with our Homeowners' Association clients and is primarily responsible for the preparation of their monthly financial statements and bank reconciliations.
MICHELLE REUTLINGER is our contact for Homeowners' Association for billing and member account balance information.
LIBBY B. ADAMS is our contact for Homeowners' Association clients in the Accounts Payable Department. Libby brings several years of experience in Accounts Payable, and she also provides assistance to the other members of the firm on an as needed basis.
IVY RIVAS is the newest member of our staff. She is working in our Audit Department where she will assist in the Audits and Review of our Homeowners' Association clients, as well as participate in the preparation of their Federal and State tax return.
THYDA POK is our receptionist, and will be able to get you to the right individual in our firm to answer your questions or to set appointments.
RIC SCHNEIDER is in charge of our Audit Department. As an independent contractor, Ric has over 30 years experience as a CPA and is responsible for the management and completion of all year-end Audits and Reviews of our Homeowners' Association clients.