Forbes’ prestigious recognition highlights GHJ’s commitment to exceptional client service, deep expertise and strategic independence.

LOS ANGELES, CA – GHJ, a national advisory, tax and accounting firm, is proud to announce that five of its leaders have been named to the 2025 Forbes Best-in-State CPAs list: Tom Barry, Frances Ellington-Gutierrez, Satpal Nagpal, Maria Pearman and Donella Wilson. This elite recognition celebrates top-performing CPAs across the country who demonstrate outstanding expertise, leadership and client dedication within their state.

“As a firm committed to delivering high-touch client service and staying fiercely independent amid industry consolidation, this honor reinforces what we strive for every day: making a meaningful difference for those we serve,” said GHJ Partner and Chief Strategy Officer Mari-Anne Kehler. “Each of the recognized individuals is a trusted advisor, respected expert and purpose-driven leader.”

The Forbes Best-in-State CPAs list is compiled through independent peer recommendations and professional achievements. GHJ is honored to have multiple professionals recognized across its diverse practice areas, showing the strength and depth of the Firm’s leadership.

TOM BARRY

Tom is GHJ’s Managing Partner and brings more than 30 years of experience advising clients across industries. Under his leadership, GHJ has grown nationally while remaining focused on people, purpose and delivering meaningful client value. Tom also serves as Treasurer for GHJ Foundation, GHJ’s vehicle for purposeful and proactive giving to the community. He is a member of the DEIA Steering Committee at GHJ.

“Being recognized by Forbes is an incredible honor, and one that could not happen without our team’s collective commitment to excellence,” Tom said. “I am proud to lead a firm that puts relationships, service and integrity first.”

As GHJ’s Managing Partner, Tom has been essential to transforming the Firm to both enhance the employee experience and better serve clients’ evolving needs. He oversaw the development and opening of the Firm’s headquarters as well as offices in San Jose and Denver. Tom’s focus on geographic expansion has been to build a team of the nation’s top talent that offers diverse backgrounds and skillsets.

FRANCES ELLINGTON-GUTIERREZ

Frances leads GHJ’s State and Local Tax Practice, advising clients on nexus and reporting requirements, multistate planning and tax strategy. She has previously been recognized as a Women of Influence recipient by the Los Angeles Business Journal and a Top 200 CPAs in America honoree by Forbes.

“This recognition is deeply meaningful knowing it is a result of the trust our clients place in us,” Frances said. “Seeing clients overcome challenges and helping them achieve their goals is what inspires me in this profession.”

Frances has over 15 years of experience with national and Big Four firms, serving multinational companies and specializing in State and Local Tax services. Regularly published in news and media, she is a beacon of knowledge on intricate subjects. Frances uses her unique understanding of SALT law and tax credits to support businesses and their owners.

SATPAL NAGPAL

Satpal leads GHJ’s Audit and Assurance Practice, focused on improving the efficiencies of the department by implementing and optimizing technology. His expertise spans closely held businesses, nonprofit organizations and complex assurance engagements. Satpal has been named a Minority CPA Leader of Influence by the Los Angeles Business Journal and a Top 200 CPAs in America recipient by Forbes.

“At GHJ, our goal is always to deliver value, clarity and partnership,” Satpal said. “Recognition from Forbes validates the care and hard work this Firm brings to every engagement.” 

Satpal has been part of initiatives to improve the remote audit framework, prioritizing meeting clients where they are. He is constantly optimizing the Firm’s processes to offer the highest quality of service and technology to clients. 

MARIA PEARMAN

Maria leads GHJ’s Food and Beverage Practice and is nationally renowned in the beverage alcohol industry. She provides tailored accounting and financial strategy support, including forecasting, succession planning and internal accounting processes.

“I am honored to be named alongside such respected peers,” Maria said. “The specialized focus GHJ brings to helping businesses succeed is second-to-none, and this award highlights just that.”

Known for her entrepreneurial spirit and innovative approach, Maria serves as a go-to resource for clients across a myriad of challenges and for those looking to grow. Her history in the beverage alcohol and food industries further enhances the strategic support she offers clients in this niche.

DONELLA WILSON

Donella leads GHJ’s Nonprofit Practice and is a recognized leader in both the nonprofit and accounting communities. With a strong focus on purpose-driven service, she also acts as President and Chief Philanthropy Officer of the GHJ Foundation.

“Serving the nonprofit sector is a calling for me,” Donella said. “To be recognized by Forbes for this work is incredibly meaningful and reinforces our Firm’s values of service and stewardship.”

Under Donella’s leadership, GHJ’s Nonprofit Practice has provided service to nearly half of the top 25 private foundations in Southern California. She often shares thought leadership and best practices on successfully running nonprofits, the importance of diversity in nonprofits and more. Leveraging her extensive experience and decades-long career in nonprofit accounting services, Donella provides coveted expertise in her field.

For more information about the Forbes Best-in-State CPAs list, visit: forbes.com/lists/best-in-state-cpas.

About GHJ

GHJ is a national advisory and accounting firm with a mission to help its clients and team members #BeMore by pursuing their passions, building thriving businesses and creating a better future. Headquartered in Los Angeles with additional offices in San Jose, Buffalo and Denver and over 250 professionals and 23 partners throughout the U.S., GHJ serves thousands of clients worldwide. The Firm meets clients where they are and specializes in a diverse range of industries, including entertainment, food and beverage and media and advertising companies and nonprofit organizations.

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 recognized for its innovative approach and dedication to client success. This is driven by the belief that its collective diversity of thoughts, backgrounds and experiences are exactly what makes GHJ a place where employees can each #BeMore – together. Employees are invited to pursue their passions, deliver exceptional service and support the causes they care about. The Firm embraces hybrid work and prioritizes diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA). Additionally, GHJ Foundation supports the community through financial contributions and volunteerism.

GHJ is 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). As a member of HLB International, the global network of independent advisory and accounting firms, GHJ provides clients with seamless access to expertise in over 150 countries to deliver solutions that meet both local and global needs. 

###