GHJ’s Mitch Cota, Nisha Golcha and Yulia Murzaeva were recognized by the San Francisco Business Times and CalCPA for the first iteration of the Northern California Accounting Awards. 

LOS ANGELES, CA – GHJ, a national advisory, tax and accounting firm, is proud to announce that Partners Nisha Golcha and Yulia Murzaeva, as well as Audit Manager Mitch Cota, were honored at the inaugural Northern California Accounting Awards by the San Francisco Business Times and CalCPA. Nisha and Yulia were among the leaders recognized as Top 50 Accountants in NorCal, and Mitch was a finalist in the Next Generation category. This year, the San Francisco Business Times and CalCPA awards celebrate the professionals shaping the future of the accounting profession across the booming Bay Area.

“Mitch, Nisha and Yulia exemplify the expertise and practical guidance our clients rely on to make confident decisions,” said GHJ Managing Partner Tom Barry. “Whether helping nonprofits strengthen governance, businesses and startups address evolving tax regulations, or organizations improve financial reporting, they enable clients to overcome complex challenges and pursue opportunities with greater clarity and confidence.”

MITCH COTA – EMERGING LEADER

Mitch, CPA, represents the next generation of accounting professionals through technical expertise, leadership and meaningful contributions to his clients. Serving both nonprofit organizations and for-profit businesses, Mitch has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality audit and assurance services while fostering trusted relationships with clients. He brings specialized expertise in serving museums and cultural institutions, helping them navigate complex financial reporting requirements, strengthen internal controls and establish the financial foundation needed to fulfill their missions.

“Being immersed in the Bay Area business community is unlike any other experience I have had,” Mitch said. “I have been continuously met with innovators, entrepreneurs and creatives, who I am fortunate enough to be trusted by to deliver guidance on their operations and objectives.” 

NISHA GOLCHA — TOP 50 ACCOUNTANT

Nisha, MST, CPA, CA, is GHJ’s Corporate Tax Practice leader, who delivers personalized tax planning expertise backed by over 15 years of experience intimately serving businesses with a specialized understanding of the dynamic Silicon Valley technology and media and advertising industries. In her role, she partners with clients to identify tax planning opportunities and make strategic decisions that support sustainable growth. Nisha is known among clients and within the NorCal community as a go-to resource for insights across corporate tax — a field that constantly changes.

“The Bay Area is home to a flourishing business community, and one that I am privileged to serve,” Nisha said. “The people here are building something special. It is my goal that through tax planning strategies and efficiencies, I can provide support to strengthening these businesses’ growth and success.”

YULIA MURZAEVA — TOP 50 ACCOUNTANT

Yulia, CPA, is a partner within the Firm’s Audit and Assurance Practice and the Northern California Market leader, who has built a career specializing in nonprofit services and advancing audit quality initiatives to optimize client outcomes. Yulia oversees a team delivering personalized support to organizations throughout the Bay Area while leading firmwide audit quality initiatives that help clients receive consistent, efficient and high-quality service as accounting standards evolve. 

“Sharing this award with my exceptionally bright and skilled peers is an honor,” Yulia said. “Since GHJ has been in the Northern California region, we have seen the community and clients fully embrace us. I believe this is due in part to my team’s unmatched passion for their work and personalized approach to client service.”

GHJ’s Bay Area office is home to accounting, tax and advisory professionals that closely serve innovative technology businesses, startups and nonprofit organizations in the area. The Firm ranks among the top 50 largest accounting firms in the region and has been in San Jose for over five years.

The 2026 Northern California Accounting Awards celebrate accounting professionals of the San Francisco and Silicon Valley regions, who demonstrate excellence in leadership, client service and innovation. These recognitions reinforce GHJ's commitment to delivering specialized expertise organizations need to navigate change, capitalize on opportunities and achieve stronger business outcomes.

About GHJ

GHJ is a national independent advisory, tax and accounting firm that partners with businesses and nonprofit organizations to deliver clarity and confidence. Since 1953, GHJ has combined deep industry expertise with an entrepreneurial spirit to help leaders achieve their strategic goals.

GHJ is headquartered in Los Angeles and serves clients nationwide, backed by its own dispersed workforce. With nearly 300 professionals and 26 partners, the Firm provides senior-level expertise with deep industry capabilities in food and beverage, media and advertising, entertainment and nonprofit. 

GHJ is a top-ranking firm in the U.S. and member of HLB International. Through this global network, GHJ offers seamless access to resources in over 150 countries while remaining fiercely focused on client success.

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