Michael C. Moreland

 

Expertise:

30 years of experience providing auditing and consulting services to local government clients in California.

Michael was the only CPA practitioner in California to be a member of the GASB Task Force on the New Reporting Model, which resulted in the issuance of GASB Statement No. 34. 

Professional Associations and Leadership:

For the past 15 years, Michael has been either the Chairman of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants State Governmental Accounting and Auditing Committee, or Chairman of the California Committee on Municipal Accounting. These two organizations determine how new accounting principles are applied in California.

Michael is extremely active in the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers (CSMFO), regularly attending and a frequent speaker at monthly section meetings and the annual conference. He has been an instructor of five different programs in governmental accounting offered by the Career Development Committee of the CSMFO, and for many years he was a member of the Final Review Committee that ensured consistency in the determination of awards under the California Award program. 

Education:

 Loyola Marymount University, Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting

Q&A:

Why are you passionate about accounting?   

I am passionate about public accounting because of the people I get to work with. They are highly educated, motivated, and intelligent. It is always a pleasure to work with great people.

Describe a favorite client or client story.    

For me it’s always about people. I have had the pleasure of working with many wonderful clients which has led to many wonderful friendships. My favorite client has to be the City of Santa Fe Springs because I got to work for many years with Don Nuttall, the Finance Director. Don was so knowledgeable about governmental accounting. His ideas were years ahead of the profession. Don was also Chairman of the National Council on Governmental Accounting (NCGA), the predecessor to the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB). I enjoy working with creative people like Don.

What qualities do you look for in job applicants?  

In short: service, integrity, results.  Also related and important are common sense, team player, self starter, and an ability to work hard and play hard... someone who can enjoy life and have fun along with the hard work.

Why did you choose to join MGO?

I have known Ken Macias for over twenty-five years and Ernie Gini for as long as he has been with the firm. I have served on professional committees with both of them for many years. It has always been a great experience. During the acquisition negotiation process, I worked mainly with Kevin O’Connell. His leadership skills are impressive. Joining forces with MGO has been a great experience because of the people. I would like to mention three others who made the process seamless: Denise Callahan, Aimee Sanatkar and Mary Johnson. 

What advice do you have for people who are new to the profession?

Young people enter public accounting thinking the profession is about auditing, consulting or income tax services. The profession is about people. People work for organizations that need services. People hire professionals to provide the needed services. People like working with professionals who are friendly, knowledgeable and able to provide good service. Everybody likes to work with talented people who are fun and have a good sense of humor. Enjoy your work. It will make you more successful.

Who are you outside the office?

Pam and I enjoy playing competitive bridge and non-competitive golf, two pleasures that we can enjoy while traveling. Additionally, I enjoy playing poker, a game that is about people that is played with cards. We also enjoy time spent with children, grandchildren and Pam’s parents. Family and friends are a very important part of our lives.