Partner

Matthew Chavez, CPA

Audit and Assurance

Know your client.

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Bio

Meet Matthew

Matthew is a partner with 25 years of experience in audit and consulting. He is the Partner-in-charge of the firm’s National Technology and Emerging Growth Practice and is a member of the firm’s Executive Committee, where he sets firmwide strategic objectives.

Leveraging his technology industry expertise Matthew helps his clients scale their business as they move though growth cycles and brings a deep bench of experts to the table to solve for any need his clients may have.  Matthew also provides audit and accounting consulting services to publicly traded companies and venture capital funded private companies across multiple industry segments including software & SaaS, hardware, and digital media. He regularly advises companies on such matters as revenue recognition, equity accounting and business combinations; as well as consulting on SEC registration and Sarbanes-Oxley compliance.

Prior to joining Armanino, Matthew was a Senior Manager at KPMG - Silicon Valley in the Information, Communications & Entertainment audit practice. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA). Matthew earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a concentration in Finance, from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo.

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Experience

Professional History

Associations

  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
  • California Society of Certified Public Accountants

Education

  • California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Experience

  • Armanino LLP
  • KPMG LLP
  • Cohen & Associates

Q&A

Q. What is it about accounting and consulting that first drew your interest?
While in school, accounting came easy for me. I had always liked math and was good at it – that’s why I stayed with it. I also consider myself more of a ‘people person’ than the actual technical-type. I’m able to combine something I enjoy doing, working and helping people solve problems, with my expertise – accounting.
Q. What is the toughest decision you have ever made?
My toughest business decision was my change in firms. I went from the safety/security of a larger firm to come to an emerging and growing firm; an environment where I thought I would be able to add more value.
Q. Without naming names, tell us about your favorite client and why you enjoyed working with them.
I really enjoy working with clients that are excited and enthusiastic about the future of their company. This is why I have always enjoyed working with start-ups. There is always a team spirit that emanates throughout an organization such as that. It’s the same spirit that drew me to Armanino.
Q. Who is (or was) the most influential person in your life
The most influential person in my life has been my constant adviser, my dad. More than anything he always taught me, by example, that there wasn’t a shortcut for hard work. If you don’t have time to do it right, you will not have time to do it over. My boys inspire me every day to try to live up to my dad's example. My sister has also taught me that it is okay take risks and enjoy your career.
Q. If you could pass on a nugget of wisdom to aspiring accountants or consultants, what would that be?
Know your client. Really take the time to understand their business and industry. Talk with as many people outside the accounting department as you can. The debits and credits should come naturally.
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Article
FASB recently approved plans to simplify the goodwill impairment test. If finalized, it will be the second change since...