Who We Are - Our Partners

John Lerias, CPA, Partner

John is always looking for ways to distinguish GYLD from other accounting firms. It's a simple matter for him, because he's an accomplished accountant in his own right, with industry expertise in real estate, homebuilding, construction and non-profit organizations. He graduated from Memphis State University with a degree in business administration, then attained his CPA license in California a short time later. He holds Securities License 6 and 66, as well as a Real Estate License. An overachiever? Not according to John. "I strongly believe that business needs to be approached with discipline, commitment and integrity. That's how I live my life. And it's my road to success." It should come as no surprise that he's also a believer in Business Beyond the Books. "You may be on the road to success, but you need a vehicle to get you there. That's where we come in. This is what any client should be looking for. It's what they deserve."
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Stephen Williams, CPA, Partner

Stephen genuinely enjoys helping people get ahead in their businesses and their lives. He graduated from California State, Fullerton with a Business Administration degree and an emphasis in Accounting, noting, "When I saw the importance of knowing numbers and their relationship to success, I could see how I could really help people -- by imparting valuable information to them." Stephen had his own practice before merging with GYLD. This turned out so well for him, he now heads up the firm's Mergers & Acquisition department. Today, after practicing for 24 years, his "human" approach shines through his work: "Sometimes accountants are viewed as the "No" people. Here, we work to figure out how it can be done. One area of his expertise is Specialty Services such as Construction. "Clients need to know you're looking out for their best interests. You won't find anyone who works harder for you."
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Joseph Romero, CPA, Partner

Joe is a down to earth accountant that can take complex matters and present them in a way that is useful and meaningful to clients. He has been described as a genuine and sincere person. Joe believes strongly in the power of information and works diligently to ensure that clients receive more than just financial information to meet regulatory requirements but to utilize information that help businesses and organizations succeed. He graduated from the University of San Diego with a Bachelor in Accounting degree. He has recently joined GYL Decauwer LLP after managing his own practice for fifteen years and over twenty-five years of experience working with small businesses, not-for-profits and real estate development. Joe has significant experience in auditing and accounting which has allowed him to dig deep into the accounting records of clients that has allowed him to help clients develop systems that provide accurate information on a timely basis. “I firmly believe the accounting profession is one of the most trusted professions that allow us to develop loyal, trusting and long standing relationships”.
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Michael S. Mitchell, CPA, Principal

Mike has always enjoyed being a Certified Public Accountant. He believes that in any job, those who enjoy what they are doing will be successful and Mike has been successful at his profession for four decades. After attending three years at California State Polytechnic College in Pomona, he spent his last year and graduated from California State University at Long Beach. Mike began his career at the Los Angeles office of a national CPA firm doing Audit and Tax. He later became the controller of the California operations of a Fortune 500 corporation and when he felt that he had the experience necessary, he opened his own CPA practice and successfully managed it for 35 years before joining GYL Decauwer LLP as a Principal. During the early days of his practice, Mike attended law school before the demands of his practice forced him to withdraw. Mike believes this experience has given him the ability to research complex tax issues and to structure transactions for his clients to take advantage of the language of the law and regulations as well as the ability to represent his clients as an advocate before the taxing authorities. Mike has always prided himself in doing the best job that he can for his clients.
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