Douglas Sirotta, CPA

Partner, Armanino LLP

Understand your client's vision and be their trusted advisor.

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Bio

Meet Douglas*

Doug has spent more than 25 years in public accounting, including 17 years at a Big Four firm. His guidance helps clients navigate complex tax matters to achieve their goals across a broad range of industries, including manufacturing, technology, communications and entertainment. He has extensive experience in IPO readiness, mergers and acquisitions, public and private offerings, stock options and equity issues, R&D credits, intellectual property and tax provisioning.

A member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Doug has a B.S. in accounting from California State University, Northridge, and an M.S. in taxation from Golden Gate University.

*Douglas holds his interest in the firm through Sirottaland LLC

Contact Douglas Sirotta

Experience

Professional History

Associations

  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

Education

  • Golden Gate University
  • California State University, Northridge

Experience

  • Ernst & Young LLP
  • BDO LLP

Q&A

Q. What was it that drew you to Armanino?
I was drawn to the culture of entrepreneurialism. I wanted the opportunity to work in an organization that was more nimble, creative and flexible, with better decision making, and I saw that in Armanino.
Q. Make a prediction, describe your vision of the business future.
The convergence of technology and efficiency in taxation will streamline compliance. Globalization is creating a lot of complexity in the marketplace, and tax planning and regulations will need to be addressed. But thanks to technology, there will be more efficiency built into a lot of the routine functions.
Q. What law or regulation in the accounting industry would you like to see changed?
I’d like to see an expansion of the rules surrounding incentives for tech companies who get research and development credits, so that those companies get more value and benefit from them.
Q. Without naming names, tell us about your favorite client and why you enjoyed working with them.
I have a client that works in the domain name space. I've built great relationships with their finance and executive teams, and we've worked together to ensure that tax is part of their overall business strategy. Their business features a lot of complicated transactions with many different areas and avenues of taxation. It's a really engaging challenge, and we've navigated those complexities to bring them significant tax savings and help them manage risk.
Q. Describe your work style.
I strive to build consensus. It's important to me to focus on building and maintaining a collaborative and open relationship with both my clients and my staff. I want to provide guidance to my team, and I do so in a very hands-on manner.
Q. Who is (or was) the most influential person in your life

My wife has been very influential over the course of my career. I rely on her for insightful guidance, and she has always been open to taking risks and looking at new opportunities.

My father was also influential. He helped guide me towards this career path, and taught me to be relationship focused, which effects how I approach every avenue of my work.

Q. If you could pass on a nugget of wisdom to aspiring accountants or consultants, what would that be?
Don’t focus entirely on providing technical advice. It’s a relationship business. Listen, be close, be engaged with your clients, build relationships with them. Understand your client’s vision and be their trusted advisor.
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