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

Leading Business Advisory and Accounting Firm MGO Elevates Four Leaders to Partner

MGO (Macias Gini & O’Connell LLP) is pleased to announce that four of the firm’s directors have been promoted to partner. Penny Chan, Christine Choi, Craig Harner, and Daniel Marcus assumed their new leadership positions, effective July 1, 2023.

“Penny, Christine, Craig, and Daniel are all exceptional leaders who are dedicated to our high growth and high-performance culture, while delivering a unique approach to client and employee experience,” said Kevin O’Connell, CEO and Managing Partner of MGO.

Penny Chan is a leader in the firm’s Business Advisory Services (BAS) practice. Instrumental in the growth of the service line, she has extensive experience advising clients with their tax, audit, accounting, and financial advisory needs both in the U.S. and abroad, primarily in manufacturing, construction, and technology sectors.

Christine Choi is a leader dedicated to delivering bespoke service plans to some of the firm’s most complex Business Management clients. Christine leverages her tax and financial planning expertise to serve entertainers, artists, writers, and real estate developers. She has advised individual and corporate clients at all stages of their development including entity formation, residency planning, and has also successfully represented clients in federal, state and city audits

With more than 15 years of experience in the State and Local Government practice at MGO, Craig Harner provides assurance and advisory services to the State of California, cities, counties, and other special purpose governments. He is an expert in serving large public pension plans and has built upon his passion for applying data analytics to create and lead firmwide training on the subject.

Daniel Marcus specializes in serving high-net-worth clients with tailored tax solutions in the firm’s Business Management practice. He has more than 21 years of experience in multistate and international tax issues. Hyper-focused on his clients’ financial and overall well-being, he looks for new ways to more holistically advise his clients on business, tax and financial planning matters.

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 over 100 countries and in 40 different languages. From offices throughout the US, 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 Appoints Cesar Reynoso as National Leader of Public Company Practice

MGO LLP is excited to announce that Cesar Reynoso, CPA, has been appointed as the leader of the firm’s Public Company Practice. This new role recognizes Reynoso’s outstanding performance, commitment to client service, and extensive experience in the public company sector, which is MGO’s fastest growing practice.  

Reynoso will expand the firm’s Public Company Practice, helping clients meet their reporting obligations while providing strategic guidance and advice to help them navigate complex business challenges and opportunities. He will oversee a team of talented professionals who offer clients a wide range of services, including financial statement audits, integrated audits, IPO (initial public offerings) services, Sarbanes Oxley (SOX) compliance, and more.  

“We are thrilled to have Cesar lead our Public Company Practice,” said Kevin O’Connell, MGO’s Chief Executive Officer. “With his strong technical knowledge, empowering leadership, and client service skills, Cesar is the ideal choice to take on this important role. I have no doubt that our Public Company Practice will continue to thrive under his leadership and deliver exceptional value to our clients.”  

Reynoso has served a diverse range of clients across multiple industries. He has extensive experience in audit and assurance, financial reporting, internal controls, and has provided valuable insights to clients on a wide range of complex accounting and financial issues.  

“I am honored to take on this new role to lead such a talented and dedicated team,” Reynoso added. “Our Public Company Practice has a long history of excellence, and I look forward to building on that legacy by providing innovative solutions and exceptional client service.”  

MGO’s public company practice is vital to the continued growth of the firm’s overall assurance practice, the firm’s largest service line. 

“Given the dramatic growth in our public company practice, which includes an increase in accelerated filers and the complexity of our clients, we have now identified a leader to guide MGO to our next phase of growth,” said Jerome Vermeulen, MGO’s National Assurance Practice Leader. “Our clients find tremendous value in Cesar’s ability to support their businesses through the complexities of public reporting requirements and the IPO journey.” 

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 platform serves clients across the globe and in nearly 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 Expands Reach in Silicon Valley Through Acquisition of Young, Craig & Company 

LOS ANGELES — March 1st, 2023 — MGO (Macias Gini & O’Connell LLP), a top-100 CPA firm and one of the fastest growing business advisory and accounting firms in the country, announced that it has combined with Silicon Valley-based Young, Craig & Company (YCC). YCC’s team of more than 20 members will join MGO along with three YCC partners.  

Founded in 1977, YCC is a top-tier tax and CPA firm that specializes in providing high-quality tax preparation and advisory services to individuals and businesses. Their experienced team delivers customized solutions and tailored advice to each client based on their unique needs and circumstances.  

“Young, Craig & Company is known for their commitment to client service and helping them navigate challenging tax and accounting issues,” said Kevin O’Connell, CEO and managing partner of MGO. “Together, we will continue to expand into Silicon Valley, a business and technology hub where MGO has strategically grown its presence over the last several years.” 

With this combination, YCC’s existing clients will gain access to a comprehensive suite of business and financial solutions, including assurance and advisory services, and specialty offerings like R&D tax credits, international tax, transaction advisory, and cyber and information security.  

Marc Leardini, who joins MGO as the office managing partner of the Mountain View office, comments, “Joining with MGO amplifies our ability to provide innovative new ways to help our clients thrive in the face of an increasingly complex business environment. This move also will create a lot of opportunity for our team members, to grow and develop as part of a larger firm, gaining access to robust professional development opportunities.” 

By joining MGO, YCC team members gain access to new opportunities for professional development and advancement. Former YCC team members will continue to operate from Mountain View as the newest MGO office. 

Mark Basinski, Managing Director at Whitman Transition Advisors, advised both firms on the transaction and said, “MGO continues to grow its footprint in the Bay Area, becoming one of the major service providers for high growth tech companies. The talent at Young, Craig and Company will bolster their existing team and help grow their capacity.” 

For more information about MGO, visit here

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 platform serves clients across the globe and in nearly 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 to Merge in Nussbaum, Berg, Klein & Wolpow, CPAs LLP

LOS ANGELES — August 2nd, 2022 — MGO (Macias Gini and O’Connell LLP) today announced that New York based Nussbaum, Berg, Klein & Wolpow, CPAs LLP (NUSSBAUM) has joined the firm. MGO will add NUSSBAUM’s 73 team members, including all 11 partners, to their growing roster.

Founded in 1990, NUSSBAUM is a premier accounting firm for middle market businesses and high-net-worth individuals on the East Coast, offering a full spectrum of accounting, auditing, tax, and business advisory services for closely held entrepreneurial businesses and public companies. The firm specializes in providing complex tax, audit, and advisory services to a variety of industries — including Fortune 500 companies, national corporations, local businesses, and family-owned businesses.

“NUSSBAUM has a rich history in New York and is known for its deep commitment to client service. We’re thrilled to bring their team into the MGO fold,” said Kevin O’Connell, CEO and Managing Partner at MGO. “The East Coast’s concentration of wealth and emerging cannabis markets give us an opportunity to continue building value and establishing best practices through our private client services group, cannabis practice, and other industry initiatives.”

NUSSBAUM’s Steve Wolpow, who joins MGO as the Office Managing Partner of the Long Island office comments, “This is a unique opportunity to enhance the services and client experience NUSSBAUM is known for by leveraging MGO’s size and international footprint. This is a momentous step for both our clients and our professionals, and we are excited about the future as part of MGO.”

NUSSBAUM team members will have access to new opportunities for professional development and advancement. MGO is a top-ranked CPA firm with a host of benefits. Former NUSSBAUM partners and team members will continue to operate from their Melville office as MGO.

Joe Tarasco, CEO of Accountants Advisory Group, LLC, advised both firms on the transaction and said, “This deal makes MGO a major player in Long Island, New York, with its second combination in the area. MGO is one of the fastest growing CPA & Advisory firms in the U.S. The Firm continues to expand on the East Coast to offer its deep industry experience that has made MGO so successful.”

About MGO

As one of the fastest growing business advisory and CPA professional services firms in the country, MGO combines deep industry experience with well-established advisory and accounting solutions that deliver results. MGO clients range from global technology and life science leaders to public companies and innovative startups from the largest government entities in the country, to the biggest names in sports and entertainment. MGO is ranked as one of the top CPA firms in the nation by Accounting Today and Inside Public Accounting.

Three Leaders Elevated to Partner at MGO LLP Bolstering Assurance, Tax Practice

Los Angeles, July 6th, 2022 – MGO (Macias Gini & O’Connell LLP) is pleased to announce that three of the firm’s directors have been promoted to partner. Wendy Heiss, Robert Trevisan, and Lucia Valenzuela assumed their new leadership positions, effective July 1st, 2022.

“Each one of these talented new partners is incredibly dedicated to MGO and our clients,” said Kevin O’Connell, CEO and Managing Partner of MGO. “They each embody MGO’s commitment to client service and reflect the vision, experience, and industry fluency that are key to the future success of the firm.”

Based out of Boise, Idaho, Wendy Heiss has more than 15 years of experience in audit and assurance serving public and privately held companies from pre-revenue to large-accelerated filers in the US and Canadian markets. She regularly serves a variety of industries including biotech, cannabis, real estate, manufacturing, wholesale and distribution, and employee benefit sectors. Wendy is a member of MGO’s Quality Control team, leading the design and implementation of Quality Management Standards.

Robert Trevisan is based out of MGO’s Century City office and is a leader in the firm’s assurance practice and is a member of the firm’s Quality Control team. He assists clients with complex technical issues including debt, equity, investments, stock-based compensation, business combinations, and internal control over financial reporting. He also advises clients on SEC accounting and reporting matters, including IPO and reverse merger filings. He has more than 30 years of experience providing auditing, accounting, and consulting services to private and public sectors.

Lucia Valenzuela is an attorney who leads MGO’s national specialty tax credits practice. She has helped her clients claim and defend more than $200 million in credit claims against the IRS and state taxing authorities. Lucia has extensive experience in a variety of industries, including software and technology, cannabis, manufacturing, cosmetics, agriculture, and life sciences. She has been quoted in several national tax publications including Bloomberg and Accounting Today.

About MGO LLP
One of the fastest growing professional services firms in the country, MGO combines deep industry experience with well-established accounting and advisory solutions to deliver tangible results. Our clients range from global technology and life science leaders to public companies and innovative start-ups – from the largest government entities in the country, to the biggest names in entertainment.

MGO is ranked as one of the top CPA firms in the nation by Accounting Today and Inside Public Accounting, and the firm was awarded the ‘Best of Accounting’ designation in Client Satisfaction by the independent research firm.

MGO LLP Welcome Two New Partners to the Firms Tax Practice

Los Angeles – May 19th, 2022 – MGO LLP is pleased to announce that John Apuzzo and Michael Mansour have joined MGO as tax partners.

Apuzzo will lead the firm’s International Tax Practice and leverage 25 years of public accounting and tax experience. With years of experience advising in both inbound and outbound tax matters, tax compliance, transfer pricing, and tax provisions, he is uniquely positioned to tackle the complex international business environment clients are facing today. He has helped entities of all types and sizes, including publicly traded global companies, fast-growth start-ups, investment funds and private equity groups, and high-net-worth individuals.

Mansour joins the firms tax practice with considerable experience in corporate compliance and tax provisions with a specific focus on the cannabis and technology industries. Clients in these industries will benefit from his deep understanding of various tax credit opportunities, accounting methods, and tax planning strategies to increase cash flow.

“Both John and Michael have significant expertise in complex and highly-specialized areas of tax compliance and consulting,” said Kevin O’Connell, CEO and Managing Partner of MGO. “Our clients are sophisticated and will benefit from the guidance of professionals who can help them navigate the tax environment, both internationally and here in the United States.”

Prior to joining MGO, John worked both abroad and in the U.S. for several top 10 accounting firms, where he helped clients with cross-border taxation strategies, entering foreign jurisdictions, and tax restructuring. Michael’s background includes time at regional and top 20 national accounting firms, where he helped his clients adapt in dynamic and evolving industries to achieve tax efficiency and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

About MGO LLP
One of the fastest growing professional services firms in the country, MGO combines deep industry experience with well-established accounting and advisory solutions to deliver tangible results. Our clients range from global technology and life science leaders to public companies and innovative startups – from the largest government entities in the country, to the biggest names in entertainment.

MGO is ranked as one of the top CPA firms in the nation by Accounting Today and Inside Public Accounting, and the firm was awarded the ‘Best of Accounting’ designation in Client Satisfaction by the independent research firm.