"The best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at something worth doing." -Theodore Roosevelt
What’s your role in the firm, and how do you make a difference?
Partner; Royalty Licensing and Forensics; Entertainment Niche Leader
Describe the best thing about GHJ and why it matters to you.
The firm has a sincere and strong sense of community, both internally with our people and to those we serve. Giving back is a deep part of our culture.
What makes you get up in the morning, and how does it impact your work style?
Is it a cliché to say my family? But it’s true.
What issues in our community do you care most about, and how does that motivate you?
Motion Picture and Television Fund: helping those in our entertainment industry in times of need; California Society of CPAs: Entertainment Division: Supporting other CPAs with focus the entertainment industry.
If you could go back in time, what would you do differently and why?
Looking back, I wouldn’t change anything. Everything I’ve learned has gotten me here.
What/who influenced you to join the firm, and how?
Culture of the firm is special and unique. It’s why I came and why I stay.
What is your proudest professional moment, and why?
Becoming a Partner at GHJ, to serve clients beside those I respect and trust.
What is your favorite quote that best describes your professional philosophy?
“The best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” -Theodore Roosevelt
Where do you see the profession heading, and what innovations can we anticipate?
Increased use of technology, increased international connectivity and trending toward “work anytime, anywhere.” But we’re there already!
If I weren’t an accountant/consultant, I’d be a __________________. Why?
Engineer – I’m passionate about the challenge of making something from scratch.
Ilan Haimoff, CPA, CIA, CFE, CFF, is GHJ’s Entertainment Practice Leader. He has over 30 years of expertise in entertainment forensic accounting, and his specialties in profit participation and forensic accounting make him a trusted advisor for talent and producers alike.
Ilan’s role extends beyond GHJ as he regularly engages with the industry through speaking engagements, publications and studies. He hosts GHJ’s Media Clips Podcast, which has featured vital conversations about the entertainment industry since 2018.
Ilan is a member of the USC Institute on Entertainment Law and Business Planning Committee, the California State University Chancellor's Advisory Council on the Entertainment Industry, and the Television Academy. He is also a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors, the ABA Forum on the Entertainment and Sports Industries, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and the AICPA.
Ilan is a recipient of the L.A. Times’ Entertainment Business Visionaries award. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF) by the AICPA. Ilan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from California State University, Northridge.
Fun Facts
Favorite place in the world:
Jerusalem, Israel
Favorite music/band/singer:
80s Alternative Rock
Favorite movie or book of all time:
“Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “Blazing Saddles” and “Office Space”
One word that best describes me:
Optimist
When I’m not working, you’ll catch me doing this:
Swimming, reading SciFi books or spending time with family
