Thomas J. Forbes

Expertise:

Tom brings over 20 years of experience to MGO's Tax practice.

Tom's expertise is primarily in tax planning and compliance, including managing sophisticated tax savings projects. He has worked in a variety of industries including banking, real estate, financial services, and aerospace and defense, with a focus on helping clients achieve significant tax savings.

Tom has extensive experience serving large and small clients as well as a strong background in C-Corporations, SFAS 109/FIN 48, SFAS 5 and project management and implementation. He has also served as a tax and financial advisor for upper management and leadership to develop short and long-term strategies which led to current year, prior year and annual recurring tax savings. 

 

Professional Associations and Leadership:

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
California Society of Certified Public Accountants
California Association of Realtors
National Association of Realtors
Orange County Association of Realtors

Education:

Golden Gate University, Master of Science in Taxation
University of California, Santa Barbara, Bachelor of Arts in Economics, emphasis in Accounting 

 

Q&A:

Why are you passionate about accounting?   

I’m passionate about the CPA profession, and particularly Tax, because it’s the practice of financial law as it relates to federal, state, local and international financial/taxing authority operations. I've always enjoyed working with people and numbers. My father is an MD (a Urologist, "the humble specialty” or a "human plumber" as he’s often said) and I view the CPA role as similar in that I help to improve the financial health of clients; I’m a financial physician.

Why do you like working at MGO?   

MGO is a very unique firm; we have excellent people and a great size/reach. We have the professionals and infrastructure to serve clients throughout California and well beyond with offices throughout the state and through our alliance with BDO Siedman.

Describe a favorite client or client story.    

I began my professional career (even prior to leaving college) working with and serving financial institutions... banking. I still enjoy serving financial institutions and financial services clients. They are continually in the news and are often operating on the leading edge with technology.  One of my favorite engagements involved leading and helping to secure millions in refundable taxes/interest for a team that included a Bank Holding Company, the IRS, the FDIC, and two global professional services firms. Another client story is that I began my public accounting career working with a global aerospace and defense contractor, balancing cash accounts on 16-column green paper (prior to the PC!), and I continue to work with this favorite client today. 

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.

Who are you outside the office?  

I’m a husband and Dad to my wife and two daughters. I’m a runner, sailor and traveler who truly enjoys being on the go. Variety is one of the many great spices in life!