
Gilbert R. Vasquez, CPA
Founder and Managing Partner, Vasquez + Company LLP
Gil Vasquez is the founding managing partner of Vasquez & Company LLP, guiding its
growth from a one-person consultancy in 1981 to California’s largest Latino-owned CPA
firm. With nearly five decades of leadership in accounting, audit, tax, and financial
consulting, he has shaped the firm’s strategic direction and reputation for excellence.
Gil Vasquez is the founding managing partner of Vasquez & Company LLP, guiding its
growth from a one-person consultancy in 1981 to California’s largest Latino-owned CPA
firm. With nearly five decades of leadership in accounting, audit, tax, and financial
consulting, he has shaped the firm’s strategic direction and reputation for excellence.
Under his leadership, the firm was ranked among the top 1% of the 400 largest U.S.
firms by the AICPA. A trailblazing CPA, Gil was the first minority board member and
later president of the California Board of Accountancy, and a former bankruptcy trustee
for the Central District of California.
He founded ALPFA, now the largest Latino professional association in finance and
accounting, and has served on over 40 boards, including Entravision Communications,
Manufacturers Bank, and LA84 Foundation. A lifelong advocate for equity and
education, Gil is chairman emeritus of UnidosUS and a founding member of the Los
Angeles Latino Chamber of Commerce and the LA Economic Development
Corporation.
Honored with numerous awards for civic and professional leadership, Gil holds a
business degree from Cal State LA, which named him Alumnus of the Year in 2015.
Roger Martinez, CPA
Partner, Audit Practice Leader
Roger Martinez leads the audit practice and quality control program at Vasquez +
Company LLP, bringing over 25 years of experience in public accounting. He
specializes in financial and compliance audits, internal control reviews, Uniform
Guidance single audits, and financial statement analysis for complex and regulated
entities across various sectors.
Since joining the firm in 2012, Roger has overseen large-scale audit engagements for
public institutions and agencies, helping clients navigate stringent regulatory
environments with confidence. He also contributes to the profession through teaching
and thought leadership in accounting and auditing standards.
Roger is a Certified Public Accountant in California and holds a B.A. from the University
of California, Los Angeles. He is a board member of LINC Housing Corporation and
International Trade Education Programs and serves in advisory roles for several civic
and nonprofit organizations. He is also a member of ALPFA, the Catholic Association of
Latino Leaders, the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, and the Rotary Club.
Cristy Canieda, CPA, CGMA
Government Practice Partner-in-Charge
Cristy Canieda leads the government practice at Vasquez & Company LLP and
oversees The Vasquez Advantage Center. With over 30 years of experience in public
accounting and consulting, she has deep expertise in audits and advisory services for
local governments and special districts, including cities, utilities, housing authorities, and
transportation agencies.
Cristy’s work spans the full scope of financial and compliance audits, Uniform Guidance
and program-specific audits, internal control reviews, and comprehensive financial
reporting. Her leadership extends to building operational efficiency models and
managing large-scale outsourced support functions that enhance both client and firm
capabilities.
She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Global Management
Accountant (CGMA), actively involved in several professional organizations, including
the AICPA, CalCPA, and the International Society of Filipinos in Finance and
Accounting. She also contributes to thought leadership in the sector as an editorial
board member of Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits.
Tonette Santillan, CPA, CGMA
Partner, Vasquez + Company LLP
Tonette Santillan leads Vasquez & Company LLP’s audit, assurance, and consulting
services for private companies, publicly traded entities, and regulated organizations.
With over 30 years of experience spanning public accounting and private industry, she
brings a deep understanding of both financial reporting and operational requirements in
complex regulatory environments.
Her expertise includes SEC financial reporting, employee benefit plan audits, and
industry-specific compliance. She plays a key role in driving quality and consistency
across engagements, while also contributing to the strategic development of The
Vasquez Advantage Center’s offshore capabilities.
Tonette holds a Bachelor's degree in Commerce and a Master's degree from De La
Salle University. She is a Certified Public Accountant and a Chartered Global
Management Accountant in California.
Linda Narciso, CPA, CGMA
Partner, Nonprofit Practice Leader
Linda Narciso leads Vasquez & Company LLP’s nonprofit practice, overseeing
assurance, accounting, and consulting services for mission-driven organizations and
government agencies. With over 30 years of experience in audit and advisory services,
she specializes in financial and compliance audits, Uniform Guidance single audits,
HUD compliance, internal control assessments, and financial statement analysis.
She has a strong track record supporting nonprofit organizations with complex
regulatory requirements and is recognized for her practical, solutions-oriented approach
to financial oversight.
Linda is a Certified Public Accountant and Chartered Global Management Accountant,
with a degree in accountancy from De La Salle University in Manila. She is actively
engaged in the profession, serving as a member of the AICPA, CalCPA, and the
International Society of Filipinos in Finance and Accounting. She also contributes her
expertise as an editorial board member of Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits, helping
shape industry thought leadership.
Michelle Lynn Castillo, CPA, CGMA
Director
Michelle Castillo leads the accounting services provided to U.S.-based clients and
manages the internal finance team at The Vasquez Advantage Center. She brings over
25 years of combined experience in public accounting and private industry, with
expertise spanning financial and managerial accounting, budgeting, forecasting,
financial analysis, inventory management, compliance, and internal controls.
Michelle also leads high-impact accounting projects and supports process
improvements, system implementations, and financial operations. As a Certified Public
Accountant, she plays a key role in maintaining the quality and integrity of the firm’s
financial service delivery.
Ma. Cecilia Curameng, CHRP, CHRM
Director
Ma. Cecilia Curameng leads the firm’s human resources, administration, and IT
functions, driving operational effectiveness and organizational development across The
Vasquez Advantage Center. With over 25 years of experience in HR and business
operations, she brings deep expertise in shaping strategies that align talent, culture, and
performance.
Her leadership spans the full HR spectrum—including talent acquisition, learning and
development, employee relations, performance management, and compensation—while
also championing initiatives in change management, digital transformation, and
automation. As a Certified Human Resources Professional and Certified Human
Resources Manager, Ces plays a key role in ensuring the firm remains agile, people-focused, and future-ready.
Mary Venus Sarmiento, CPA, CIA
Director
Venus Sarmiento leads the audit services department at The Vasquez Advantage
Center, overseeing assurance engagements including financial audits, reviews, and
compilations across a wide range of industries. She ensures the consistent delivery of
high-quality service while managing team staffing, client coordination, and engagement
execution.
A Certified Public Accountant and Certified Internal Auditor, Venus brings over 15 years
of experience in audit and accounting, Venus plays a central role in strengthening the
firm’s audit capabilities. She leads the training and development of audit professionals,
supporting the growth of a technically proficient and agile team prepared to meet
evolving clients and regulatory demands.
Ronelle Aceron, CPA
Director
Ronelle Aceron leads the tax department at The Vasquez Advantage Center, with a
focus on U.S. tax return preparation and compliance. She also provides cross-functional
support to the audit and consulting teams, ensuring resources are strategically aligned
to deliver efficient and responsive client service.
A Certified Public Accountant, Ronelle brings more than 25 years of experience
spanning audit, accounting, and tax, Ronelle brings a well-rounded perspective to client
engagements. Her leadership is grounded in a commitment to operational excellence
and building long-term client relationships through reliable, tailored support.
Gilbert R. Vasquez, CPA
Founder and Managing Partner, Vasquez + Company LLP
Gil Vasquez is the founding managing partner of Vasquez & Company LLP, guiding its
growth from a one-person consultancy in 1981 to California’s largest Latino-owned CPA
firm. With nearly five decades of leadership in accounting, audit, tax, and financial
consulting, he has shaped the firm’s strategic direction and reputation for excellence.
Under his leadership, the firm was ranked among the top 1% of the 400 largest U.S.
firms by the AICPA. A trailblazing CPA, Gil was the first minority board member and
later president of the California Board of Accountancy, and a former bankruptcy trustee
for the Central District of California.
He founded ALPFA, now the largest Latino professional association in finance and
accounting, and has served on over 40 boards, including Entravision Communications,
Manufacturers Bank, and LA84 Foundation. A lifelong advocate for equity and
education, Gil is chairman emeritus of UnidosUS and a founding member of the Los
Angeles Latino Chamber of Commerce and the LA Economic Development
Corporation.
Honored with numerous awards for civic and professional leadership, Gil holds a
business degree from Cal State LA, which named him Alumnus of the Year in 2015.
Cristy Canieda, CPA, CGMA
Partner, Vasquez + Company LLP
Cristy Canieda leads the government practice at Vasquez & Company LLP and
oversees The Vasquez Advantage Center. With over 30 years of experience in public
accounting and consulting, she has deep expertise in audits and advisory services for
local governments and special districts, including cities, utilities, housing authorities, and
transportation agencies.
Cristy’s work spans the full scope of financial and compliance audits, Uniform Guidance
and program-specific audits, internal control reviews, and comprehensive financial
reporting. Her leadership extends to building operational efficiency models and
managing large-scale outsourced support functions that enhance both client and firm
capabilities.
She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Global Management
Accountant (CGMA), actively involved in several professional organizations, including
the AICPA, CalCPA, and the International Society of Filipinos in Finance and
Accounting. She also contributes to thought leadership in the sector as an editorial
board member of Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits.
Linda Narciso, CPA, CGMA
Partner, Nonprofit Practice Leader
Linda Narciso leads Vasquez & Company LLP’s nonprofit practice, overseeing
assurance, accounting, and consulting services for mission-driven organizations and
government agencies. With over 30 years of experience in audit and advisory services,
she specializes in financial and compliance audits, Uniform Guidance single audits,
HUD compliance, internal control assessments, and financial statement analysis.
She has a strong track record supporting nonprofit organizations with complex
regulatory requirements and is recognized for her practical, solutions-oriented approach
to financial oversight.
Linda is a Certified Public Accountant and Chartered Global Management Accountant,
with a degree in accountancy from De La Salle University in Manila. She is actively
engaged in the profession, serving as a member of the AICPA, CalCPA, and the
International Society of Filipinos in Finance and Accounting. She also contributes her
expertise as an editorial board member of Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits, helping
shape industry thought leadership.