MGO Partner Discusses Cannabis Tax Challenges on ‘This is Supercritical’ Podcast

MGO Tax Partner Barbara Webb recently joined Supercritical co-founder Kerry Jordan on the This Is Supercritical podcast for an eye-opening conversation on the tax and accounting challenges facing cannabis businesses. From navigating IRS Code 280E to uncovering true business ownership and preparing for IRS audits, Barbara shared invaluable insights every cannabis operator should hear.

This Is Supercritical is a podcast “where experience, equity, and expertise come together to extract the essence of what’s happening in the cannabis industry today”. Barbara appears on season one, episode nine of the podcast titled “Tax and Accounting Considerations”. You can access the episode on all the standard podcast platforms — including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more. You can also watch the video version of the episode here.

Kyle O’Rourke Joins MGO LLP as a New State and Local Government Advisory Partner

MGO LLP, a top 50 CPA firm, is pleased to announce the addition of Kyle O’Rourke as a State and Local Government (SLG) Advisory Partner in our Chicago office. Kyle brings more than a decade of experience in leading and managing transformation, planning, and risk initiatives for government entities. 

In his new role, Kyle will focus on providing Risk, Internal Audit and Operational Improvement services to State and Local governments across the country.  

“Kyle is an outstanding professional with a proven track record in the SLG sector. As governments negotiate an increasingly complex risk landscape, and seek to improve operational effectiveness for their communities, Kyle can serve as a beacon for such initiatives,” said Kevin O’Connell, CEO and Managing Partner.

O’Rourke has served a diverse range of clients, from public utilities and government entities to nonprofits and higher education. He is a Certified Internal Auditor and holds additional IIA designations in Risk Management Assurance and Government Auditing.

Active in the internal audit professional community, Kyle serves as a board member on the Chicago Chapter of the IIA.  He has previously served as the Chapter President and has received multiple awards including the Member of the Year and Educator of the year.  He is also passionate about sharing his knowledge of audit techniques and strategies for the public sector.

Prior to joining MGO, Kyle was an integral leader at Controlled Thermal Resources and held a key role in the public sector with Baker Tilly US.

About MGO

MGO is a global team of financial service professionals serving the full scope of needs shaping our clients’ business and personal goals. Our team members stand ready to help our clients grow through assurance, tax, advisory, outsourcing, and private client services. 

With human care at the core of everything we do, we provide outstanding service experiences, delivered with sophisticated digital tools that work effortlessly for our clients. 

Our global platform serves clients in more than 100 countries and in 40 different languages. From offices throughout the U.S., India, and Asia, we engage our clients in real-time when and where they need us the most.   We are honored to work alongside innovators in culture-defining industries. Whether serving a pre-revenue startup, industry leader, high-net-worth individual, or trusted government agency, we provide holistic financial guidance to shape long-term success. 

MGO SLG Leader to Speak at 2024 SACA Spring Conference

The MGO state and local government (SLG) team will be attending the California 114th State Association of County Auditors (SACA) Spring Conference from April 22-25.

MGO team members attending the 2024 CALSACA Spring Conference include:

  • State and Local Government Industry Leader David Bullock
  • Assurance Partner Kevin Starkey
  • Senior Manager Russ Robertson

In addition to attending the event, MGO SLG practice leader David Bullock will be presenting at the conference. David will be speaking on the topic “GASB 100, 101, and 102 Practical Applications” on Wednesday, April 24.

The 114th CALSACA Spring Conference will be held at the Ritz-Carlton Highlands Court in Truckee, CA, and hosted by Placer County. If you will be attending the event and would like to set up a time to meet with the MGO SLG team, please reach out to us today.

MGO Cannabis Industry Leader to Speak at NAFOA Conference

MGO Partner and Cannabis Industry Leader Scott Hammon will speak at the 42nd Annual Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA) Conference on April 30 from 4-5 p.m. EST.

Scott will be part of the panel “Cannabis: The High Stakes of Indian Country Development“, discussing the current status of cannabis development in Indian Country and the barriers facing the industry — including regulation and banking policy, and the role competition plays in efforts to resolve problems.

Along with Scott, the panel will also include Tina Braithwaite, Tribal Cannabis Consultant of Sovereign Nations Cannabis Consulting, and Mary Jane Oatman, Executive Director/COO of Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association. The panel will be moderated by Rob Porter, Principal at Odawi Law PLLC.

As the leader of MGO’s Cannabis practice, Scott is at the forefront of the cannabis industry. He holds a deep understanding of both the challenges and opportunities that operators and investors face; and brings a comprehensive knowledge of financial best practices — supporting our clients from the early development stages through to a sale, IPO, or RTO.

The NAFOA 42nd Annual Conference will be held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (hosted by the Seminole Tribe of Florida) in Hollywood, Florida, April 29-30. If you will be attending NAFOA, reach out to schedule a time to meet with Scott.

Meet with MGO at the GFOAT Spring Conference

Our State and Local Government team will be attending the 2024 Government Finance Officers Association of Texas (GFOAT) Spring Conference from April 14-16 at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Round Rock, Texas.

Attending the event will be:

  • State and Local Government Industry Leader David Bullock
  • Assurance Senior Manager Philip Stringer
  • Assurance Supervisor Kylie Perez

Stop by our booth to talk to our team and win some great prizes. Or, if you would like to set up a time to meet with us at GFOAT, reach out to our state and local government team today.

MGO State and Local Government Practice Leader to Present at CalCPA Virtual Conference 

Government professionals looking to stay current on finance and audit can register now for the CalCPA Governmental Accounting & Auditing Virtual Conference 2024 on April 24-25. The event will take place exclusively online.

MGO State and Local Government Industry Leader and Partner David Bullock will be a featured speaker at the conference, leading the session “Lessons Learned on Leases and SBITA” on April 24 from 11:35 a.m. – 12:25 p.m. PT. In the presentation, David will explore the intricacies of GASB 87 and GASB 96, unravel the complexities of lease accounting standards, and share practical approaches for compliance.

Topics of David’s presentation will include:

  • Identifying new lease contracts
  • Materiality thresholds for applying principles
  • Evaluating the impact of amendments
  • Determining carrying value of leased assets and amortizations
  • MD&A disclosures
  • Reference to restatement – impact of implementation of GASB 87/96

The CalCPA Governmental Accounting & Auditing Virtual Conference will provide timely information on GASB updates and perspectives on strategic priorities and hot topics. You’ll also gain insights into what’s happening at the local and federal levels. You can view the full agenda for the event and register to attend here.

As the head of MGO’s state and local government practice, David Bullock provides financial services to some of the largest governmental organizations across the country. Along with David’s leadership at MGO, he is heavily involved in shaping the accounting and auditing profession at a state-wide and national level.

David recently completed a three-year term on the AICPA State and Local Government Expert Panel, and he continues to serve the CalCPA Governmental Accounting and Auditing Committee. David also participates on the task force that assists with the Governmental Accounting Standards Board’s (GASB) Financial Reporting Model project.

To learn more about David’s presentation or if you have questions for him, reach out today.

MGO Partner Michael Silvio to Discuss R&D Tax Credits on Live Webcast

Tax Partner Michael Silvio will share his insights on “Maximizing Your Innovation ROI: R&D Tax Credits in 2024 and Beyond” in an upcoming webcast hosted by The Knowledge Group on Thursday, March 28 from 12-1 p.m. ET (9-10 a.m. PT).

During the information-packed hour, Michael and Mike Woeber of Corporate Tax Advisors, Inc. will provide an in-depth look at decoding R&D tax credits, understanding 2024 tax regulations, and developing strategies to optimize ROI both now and in the future. The webcast will provide executives, business owners, investors, and lawyers the knowledge to navigate today’s innovation landscape.

With over 450 R&D credit studies under his belt across diverse industries, Michael has established himself as a leader in the R&D tax credit space. His approach emphasizes maximizing credit claim value while ensuring compliant documentation. Michael frequently speaks and writes on R&D credits, tax legislation, and financial strategies for business growth.

You can register for the “Maximizing Your Innovation ROI” live webcast here.

MGO Partner to Share Financial Fraud Red Flags at NTGCR Spring Conference 

MGO National Business Advisory Services Leader Francisco Colon will present at the upcoming National Tribal Gaming Commissioners and Regulators (NTGCR) Spring Conference on March 6 at 10:15 a.m. CST. 

In the session “Understanding Red Flags in Financial Information”, Francisco will provide tips for identifying red flags of common internal fraud schemes — including financial statement fraud, bribery, corruption, and asset misappropriation. The workshop will also dive into how to develop a plan to evaluate fraud risk and testing for fraud, obtain data to support your testing plan, prepare a report, and develop next steps. 

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), Francisco specializes in external audits, fraud examinations and litigation reports, operational and internal controls reviews, and buyer/seller due diligence. He has served organizations in Tribal government, gaming, technology, government contracting, private equity, and other sectors. 

The NTGCR Spring Conference will take place at the River Spirit Casino Resort in Tulsa, Oklahoma, March 5-7. If you would like to set up a time to meet with Francisco at NGTTR, reach out to MGO today

MGO Teams Up with HUG for Tax Strategy Masterclass

MGO is collaborating with HUG, a global community of over 10,000 creators from 130+ countries founded by Randi Zuckerberg, to co-host a Tax Strategy Masterclass on February 20, 2024 at 10 a.m. PST (1 p.m. EST). This webinar is open to all — you can use code MGOHUG to register free of charge.

MGO International Tax Partner John Apuzzo and Entertainment, Sports & Media Industry Leader Tony Smalls will be speakers at the event, which will also feature several leading artists. The 90-minute class will include actionable tax tips and strategies for artists and creatives who are either self-employed or have freelance income.

You can check out this issue of Randi Zuckerberg’s weekly newsletter on LinkedIn to learn more about the Masterclass, or register here. You can also read our article 10 Vital Tax and Accounting Tips for Artists and Creators for a sneak preview of the topics that will be discussed in the class.

MGO and Viridian To Unveil Cannabis Capital Markets Report in Live Webinar

Register to receive a post-webinar downloadable report with exclusive capital raise and M&A transactions data from Viridian Capital Advisors and correlated insights from MGO LLP

Cannabis capital markets continue to take investors on a rollercoaster ride. Capital raises and M&A fell in 2023; but with cannabis stocks rallying, new states legalizing, and the potential of rescheduling on the horizon, 2024 is shaping up to be an exciting year for the industry.

Join MGO and Viridian Capital Advisors for the free live webinar “What’s in Store for Cannabis Capital Markets?” on Tuesday, February 20 at 1:30 p.m. PST (4:30 p.m. EST) to discuss data from the year in review and what the outlook is for 2024. We will also discuss how proposed rescheduling — and the elimination of 280E — could impact capital and M&A activity moving forward.  

In a 45-minute panel (followed by a 15-minute Q&A), you will learn…

  • Data-Driven Insights from 2023: In which states did investors, lenders and acquirers deploy the most capital in 2023? Which industry sectors (cultivation, dispensaries, brands, psychedelics) attracted the most capital and acquisitions? What were the top 10 capital and M&A deals in 2023? Uncover the trends that shaped Cannabis Capital Markets last year, providing a foundation for strategic decision-making in 2024.
  • Market Trends to Watch in 2024: Gain a competitive edge by staying ahead of the latest market developments and understand their impact on investment strategies.
  • Insights for Investors: Find out how to capitalize on market intelligence and current trends with your cannabis investments.

Featured Panelists: 

  • Scott Greiper – President & Founder, Viridian Capital Advisors
  • Frank Colombo – Managing Director, Viridian Capital Advisors  
  • Scott Hammon – Cannabis Industry Leader, MGO 
  • Barbara Webb – Cannabis Tax Practice Leader, MGO   

All registrants will receive a complimentary download of the Cannabis Capital Markets report, featuring exclusive capital raise and M&A transactions data from Viridian Capital Advisors, and commentary from MGO and Viridian. 

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain a competitive advantage in Cannabis Capital Markets. Secure your spot today!

MGO Expands Presence in Los Angeles by Combining with J. Arthur Greenfield & Co. LLP

Combination advances MGO’ s robust growth strategy and bolsters the firm’s high-net-worth capabilities.

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — MGO (Macias Gini & O’Connell LLP), a top-50 CPA firm and one of the fastest growing business advisory and accounting firms in the country, announced that it will be welcoming Los Angeles-based J. Arthur Greenfield & Co. LLP (JAG). JAG’s team of 20 members will join MGO along with four JAG partners.

Founded in 1920, JAG has expertly served high-net-worth individuals and family groups, closely held businesses, and philanthropic organizations in the LA market.

“With complementary service lines and a shared commitment to providing team members with an amazing experience, we’re proud to welcome everyone at JAG to MGO,” said Kevin O’Connell, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner at MGO. “We are headquartered in Los Angeles and thrilled to be able to bolster our capabilities in a great market with a firm of great people that share our values. This is another step as we continue to grow through strategic combinations with leading firms across key markets in the United States.”

“MGO is a likeminded partner, sharing our culture, values, and a commitment to delivering tailored and impactful financial solutions,” said Helen Wu, a JAG partner, who will join MGO as a Tax Partner. “Our high-net-worth clients will experience a seamless transition and continue to receive the dedication they have come to expect from us, coupled with a broader range of services to successfully manage their financial future. We are thrilled to join MGO’s incredible group of professionals and to plug into MGO’s state of the art technology platforms.”

With this combination, JAG’s existing clients will gain access to a comprehensive suite of business and financial solutions, including assurance and advisory services, and specialty offerings like international tax, SALT, trust and estate planning, strategic planning for businesses, wealth management, and family office services — as well as broader tax advisory services.

Allan D. Koltin, CEO of Koltin Consulting Group, advised both firms on the combination. He said, “With JAG, MGO continues its journey of finding ‘Best in Class’ CPA and advisory firms to combine with, as JAG is a preeminent tax and high-net-worth firm in Los Angeles and was sought after by many suitors. It chose MGO for the firm’s entrepreneurial culture and its depth of resources and service offerings for its clients.”

By joining MGO, JAG team members gain access to new opportunities for professional development and advancement. Former JAG team members will join MGO team members in the firm’s Century City office at the end of the year.

For more information about MGO, visit http://www.mgocpa.com

About MGO LLP

MGO is a global team of financial service professionals serving the full scope of needs shaping our clients’ business and personal goals. Our team members stand ready to help our clients grow through assurance, tax, advisory, outsourcing, and private client services.

With human care at the core of everything we do, we provide outstanding service experiences, delivered with best-in-craft digital tools that work effortlessly for our clients. Our platform serves clients across the globe and in nearly 40 different languages. From offices throughout the U.S. and India, we engage our clients in real-time when and where they need us the most.

We are honored to work alongside innovators in culture-defining industries. Whether serving a pre-revenue startup, industry leader, high-net-worth individual, or trusted public service agency, we provide holistic financial guidance to shape long-term success.

Two MGO Partners Named Top Business Managers by The Hollywood Reporter 

We are pleased to share that Business Management Partners John Blakeman, CPA, and Anna Levin, CPA, and were both selected by The Hollywood Reporter for inclusion on the list of Hollywood’s Top Business Managers of 2023.  

As part of the MGO Entertainment, Sports, and Media team, John and Anna provide business management and financial guidance to some of the most creative individuals in the entertainment industry — including actors, writers, producers, and directors. MGO has served as trusted business and financial advisors to visionary creatives, athletes, and musicians for more than 40 years. 

MGO offers a full suite of financial and lifestyle solutions to leaders in Entertainment, Sports, and Media, including: 

  • Business Management 
  • Specialty Advisory Services 
  • Tax Planning and Structuring 
  • Financial Lifestyle Design 

The Hollywood Reporter profile recognizes the work John and Anna have done this year to help clients navigate the “economic shock” of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, which required preparation, planning, and unique financial strategies. The Hollywood Reporter publishes the annual list of top managers to spotlight the industry’s leading professionals handling personal finances for celebrities and entertainers. 

Read the full Hollywood Reporter piece here