Our firm's culture at every level is the best part of GHJ.
Polina Chapiro, CPA, is a member of GHJ’s International Tax Practice and has more than 40 years of experience in taxation of multinational companies (foreign tax credit, structuring, repatriation planning), corporate reorganizations, mergers and acquisitions (due diligence, agreements, negotiation), tax audits, and negotiations with the IRS and foreign tax authorities. Additionally, Polina has extensive expertise in the entertainment, technology and real estate industries.
Prior to joining GHJ in 2006, Polina was a tax partner with a Big Four accounting firm, which included a two-year expatriate assignment in Europe. Polina also held management positions as Director of International Tax with a private equity firm, where she was responsible for all tax aspects of the international M&A transactions, and Director of Tax for a public company in the Southern California area.
Polina is currently an adjunct professor for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Kenan-Flagler Business School’s MBA program and Loyola Marymount University Business School’s Master’s Program. She is a member of the International Tax Forum, Society of Trust & Estate Professionals, International Tax Club, CalCPA and the AICPA. Polina is also actively involved in the community and has served on the boards of a number of civic and charitable organizations in Southern California. Polina was previously recognized as a “Most Influential Women in Accounting” by the Los Angeles Business Journal.
Polina earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of California Berkeley, HAAS Business School and a Master’s in Taxation from Golden Gate University.
What is your role in the firm?
I am a member of GHJ’s International Tax Practice, and my role is to serve global clients through valuable guidance and support.
Who is/was the biggest influence in your business life and how did s/he shape who you’ve become?
My greatest mentors were two partners at Ernst & Young – Jeff Tolin and Bill Ruddy. What I do well today I owe in great part to them.
Describe the best thing about GHJ.
Our firm's culture at every level is the best part of GHJ.
What makes you get up in the morning, and how does it impact your work style?
My family is my main driver. They make my world. I am so fortunate to have a life where I have an amazing family, a great job and friends whom I trust and who support me.
What issues in our community do you care most about, and how does that motivate you?
I am passionate about the protection of animals, their rights and having laws in place to punish animal abuse. We have supported Best Friends Animal Society for many years and many others, which do amazing work in this area.
If you could go back in time, what would you do differently and why?
I would pause more before making tough decisions. At times, in my desire to reach a result, I do not take the time to “sleep on it.”
What/who influenced you to join the firm, and how?
Leon asked me to join the firm 18 years before I actually joined the firm at a charity event we both attended. He kept asking at every opportunity. He was not deterred until the timing was right, and I joined the firm.
What is your proudest professional moment?
Becoming a practice leader within the firm. It was the pinnacle of success in my career.
Where do you see the profession heading, and what innovations can we anticipate?
People, people, people. Technology, technology, technology.
If I weren’t an accountant/consultant, I’d be a __________________.
Chef. It is an art form and brings people happiness.
Areas of Expertise
Fun Facts
Favorite place in the world:
Paris
Favorite music/band/singer:
Freddie Mercury/Queen
Favorite movie or book of all time:
Master & Margarita by Bulgakov
One word that best describes me:
Fair
When I’m not working, you’ll catch me doing this:
Traveling and planning the next trip
