Mike Boulton

Bio

Mike is a partner who provides assurance and technical accounting consulting services. He specializes in financial statement audits of nonprofit organizations and private and publicly held middle-market businesses. His nonprofit practice includes private foundations, charitable trusts, private education, religious entities, social services and performing arts organizations. His for-profit practice includes software as a service (SaaS), semiconductor and other technology equipment manufacturers. In addition to financial statement audits, he assists companies with financial statement reviews, compilations and general accounting consulting.

Active in his community, Mike serves on the board of the Downtown Streets Team in Palo Alto. He is a licensed CPA, a member of both the American Institute of CPAs and the California Society of CPAs. He earned his B.S. in accounting from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

Experience

Associations

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

Community

Board member, Downtown Streets Team, Palo Alto

Education

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Speaking Engagements

Independent Schools Business Officers Association of California (Cal-ISBOA) 2016 Annual Meeting
FASB Update: What Private Schools Need to Know

Q&A

I was intrigued by professional services’ mixing of technical expertise with hands-on client work. Accounting has always been a language that makes sense to me, and I wanted to help clients meet their needs. I was also attracted by the fact that at a public accounting firm, the service providers are the product. Our people and their knowledge is what our clients are buying.

The firm is big enough to offer excellent opportunities for employees to grow, yet small enough to allow individuals to make an impact. Armanino also has a uniquely entrepreneurial culture. Here you get to pave your own path and exercise your entrepreneurial spirit, like you would if you were running your own business, while also having the support and comradery of the entire firm. It’s the best of both worlds.

Fast-paced and collaborative. Being involved with sports all my life, I’ve learned the power of a well-aligned team, and I enjoy working with my staff and my clients to solve problems in a timely manner. I’m always looking for ways to work better and more efficiently, and I ask my team to do the same. It’s a great feeling when a group of smart, driven professionals accomplish a goal and deliver high-value service to clients.

My favorite clients are those with whom I’ve developed a true, collaborative partnership. They are forward-thinking, strategic and want to leverage Armanino’s knowledge, not only for their audit, but for the overall success of their business.

My wife. We met as freshmen in college, and she has always kept me grounded. She reminds me to enjoy the moment and stay balanced in all aspects of life.

Imagine and commit. Whatever the situation, imagine the outcome and commit to it. Take full responsibility for your work and your professional development. Set goals for yourself, coworkers and clients, and push yourself to meet them, absorbing as much information as possible along the way. You will be amazed by what can be accomplished.