LOS ANGELES, CA (November 15, 2023) – GHJ, a national advisory and accounting firm, is pleased to announce that three partners were featured on the Los Angeles Business Journal and CalCPA’s 2023 Top 100 Accountants list: Managing Partner Tom Barry, Nonprofit Practice Leader Donella Wilson and State and Local Tax Practice Leader Frances Ellington.
“GHJ has amazing accountants who are leaders in their field, and being named with several of my colleagues on this list is such an honor. I am proud to work with partners who are serving their community and leading the industry,” said Tom. “Thank you to the Los Angeles Business Journal and CalCPA for this recognition.”
TOM BARRY
Tom is a visionary leader who has been instrumental in the Firm's growth and success. His role as Managing Partner is a combination of entrepreneur, partner, consultant, coach and business advisor.
Known as an innovative leader, Tom can regularly be found sharing his knowledge with the accounting industry. He is the current chairman of HLB USA, sits on the Executive Committee of HLB International, is chairman of Loyola Marymount University’s Accounting Advisory Board and is Treasurer for GHJ Foundation, GHJ’s vehicle for purposeful and proactive giving to the community. Tom is also an active member of YPO - Santa Monica Bay, currently serving as Treasurer and as a member of the Executive Committee.
He has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People by the Los Angeles Business Journal. Tom's recognition as one of the Top 100 Accountants reaffirms his dedication to not only providing exceptional client service but also nurturing a diverse team that can "meet clients where they are." He is a trailblazer, leading by example and inspiring those around him.
DONELLA WILSON
Donella is a trusted advisor to the nonprofit industry and an influential figure in her community. She leads GHJ’s Nonprofit Practice and is also President and Chief Philanthropy Officer of GHJ Foundation.
Committed to ending homelessness for women, Donella served on the Board of Directors of the Downtown Women’s Center for 13 years. She is a member of Southern California Grantmakers Audit Committee, as well as Southern California Grantmakers Corporate Leadership Council. She is also on the Board of Directors of Food Forward, a nonprofit organization committed to fighting hunger and food waste.
A leader in both the nonprofit and accounting communities, Donella was named a finalist in the 2021 Los Angeles Times’ “Inspirational Women in Business Awards” and Los Angeles Business Journal’s “Nonprofit and Corporate Citizenship Awards” for her role as Chief Philanthropy Officer of GHJ Foundation. She was also recognized as a 2018 “Women Executive of the Year” and a 2017-2021 “Most Influential Women in Accounting” by the Los Angeles Business Journal.
DR. FRANCES ELLINGTON
Frances is a technical expert on all issues related to state and local taxes. She is a go-to expert on tax audit controversy, nexus and reporting requirements and various state tax planning initiatives and often shares her expertise through thought leadership.
Holding a doctorate in business administration, Frances is currently an Adjunct Assistant Professor for the University of North Carolina’s Master of Accounting program and has previously taught courses for UCLA Extension, Strafford Publications and The Knowledge Group. She is currently a Director on the Los Angeles Chapter Board of CalCPA with a focus on partnership and sponsorship initiatives for the accounting industry.
Due to her significant contributions in the community and accounting industry, Frances was a recipient of The Accountant’s and International Accounting Bulletin’s 2020 Young Accountant of the Year Award and CalCPA’s 2019 “Women to Watch” award in the Emerging Leader category. She was also a finalist for Los Angeles Business Journal’s 2020 Women's Council Rising Star Award and the Los Angeles Times’ 2023 Inspirational Women Leadership Awards in the Rising Star category.
GHJ is proud to have partners like Tom, Frances and Donella who exemplify the Firm's unwavering commitment to developing strong leaders and fostering a diverse team. This recognition underscores GHJ's dedication to providing exceptional client service while encouraging our people to pursue their personal and professional goals. The honorees' achievements and leadership are a testament to the values and culture that drive GHJ's success.
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About GHJ
GHJ is a national advisory and accounting firm with employees in nearly 30 states and clients around the world. Our team of experts meet clients where they are and provide personalized service for nonprofit, food and beverage, entertainment and media and health and wellness companies. Ranked as a Top-100 Firm, 7th Fastest-Growing Firm, Top Regional Leader in the West and Best Firm to Work For by Accounting Today, GHJ is passionate about helping clients and its people #BeMore by focusing on building thriving businesses and creating a better future.
Through its affiliation with HLB International, a global network of independent professional accounting firms and business advisers, GHJ is able to partner with other top firms around the world. GHJ’s audit, tax and advisory teams leverage the HLB network to partner with its clients and give clients access to member firms in over 157 countries across the globe. GHJ has 22 partners and more than 200 staff members, who serve thousands of clients. The Firm is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the AICPA Governmental Audit Quality Center (GAQC), the California Society of CPAs and the California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofit).
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