Rene Gonzalez
EA, CPA, MST
I specialize in exempt organizations, a field I have been passionate about for over eight years. I hold a Master of Science in Taxation (MST) from Golden Gate University and possess CPA (Certified Public Accountant), EA (Enrolled Agent) credentials, and Not-for-Profit Certificate (NFP) I & II from AICPA, underscoring my expertise and dedication to the nonprofit sector.
Highly skilled in Microsoft Excel, I utilize it to enhance efficiency and accuracy across various tax services and financial analysis aspects. Additionally, I have a strong interest in Generative AI and often incorporate it into my work to streamline tasks and improve data analysis. I am continuously learning how AI can help me perform my job more effectively.
In my current role, I review Form 990, 990-T, and related state returns for various nonprofit organizations, including foundations, educational institutions, and healthcare entities, ensuring these filings are accurate and comply with tax laws. I assist with tax research, planning, and consulting, providing creative solutions to meet our clients’ goals. Additionally, I supervise and coach staff, promote collaboration between team members, and manage projects from start to finish. These responsibilities have strengthened my leadership skills and ensured our team consistently delivers high-quality results.
In my free time, I enjoy reading fiction on various subjects, especially the Magical Realism genre and nonfiction related to financial cases. You can often find me immersed in a good book at a coffee shop.
Core Competencies
- Tax Compliance
- Form 990/990-T
- Federal Income Tax
- Research & Analysis
- Project Management
- Nonprofit Accounting
- General & Tax Accounting
- Public Accounting
- New Client Development
- Client Relations Management
Professional Experience
EY (Ernst & Young)
Seattle, WA
• Exempt Organizations Tax Manager
• Exempt Organizations Tax Senior
08/2024 to PRESENT
06/2022 to 07/2024
Review Forms 990, 990-T, and state returns for nonprofit organizations, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Assist with tax research, planning, and consulting. Supervise and coach staff, promote team collaboration, and manage projects from start to finish, enhancing team performance and leadership skills.
Greenwood, Ohlund & Co. LLP
Seattle, WA
Tax Manager | Nonprofit
01/2022 to 06/2022
Led Form 990 and 990-T preparations and reviews; redesigned nonprofit tax return processes to boost efficiency; secured three new clients in Q1 2022; managed over 120 client accounts and oversaw 150+ tax projects annually.
Senior Tax Accountant
07/2020 to 12/2021
Managed tax return processes for nonprofit organizations, complemented by experience in individual and small business tax services. Performed thorough tax research to resolve client queries and ensure compliance.
CLA (Clifton Larson Allen) LLP
Bellevue, WA
Senior Tax Accountant
02/2019 to 06/2020
Prepared tax returns for nonprofit organizations while handling individual and small business tax filings. Conducted extensive tax research to address client inquiries effectively.
Watson & McDonell, PLLC.
Seattle, WA
Tax Associate
01/2016 to 01/2019
Prepared a wide range of federal tax returns, focusing on tax-exempt organizations. Assisted in comprehensive financial reviews and record analysis.
RE-ER Inc.
Houston, TX
Controller
08/2004 to 12/2015
Successfully managed and oversaw all aspects of day-to-day accounting functions, focusing on integrating finance operations, forecasting, budgeting, and ensuring organizational financial stability. Displayed broad skills in providing ongoing training to staff on finance issues while promoting regulatory compliance. Prepared federal income tax returns (Form 1120) and annual state franchise tax returns.
Education
- Golden Gate University – San Francisco, CA:
- Master of Science in Taxation (MST)
- WGU University – Salt Lake City, UT:
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting
- The Art Institute of Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh, PA:
- A.S., Web Design & Interactive Media
- Universidad de Colima – Colima, Mexico:
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Specialized Certifications & Training
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) – WA State Board of Accountancy
- Enrolled Agent (EA) – Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- Non-for-Profit Certificate I – American Institute of CPAs (AICPA)
- Non-for-Profit Certificate II – American Institute of CPAs (AICPA)
- See other certificates on the Credly – Badges page.
Technical Proficiencies & Languages
- AI-Assisted Tools (e.g., ChatGPT)
- Tax Software: CCH Axcess Tax, UltraTax, Drake Tax.
- CCH ProSystem fx Engagement
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Checkpoint Research
- Fluent in Spanish
Professional Affiliations
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Hobbies and Interests
- Reading: Enjoy fiction and non-fiction related to financial cases, but Magical Realism is my favorite genre.
- Drawing: Enjoy it for relaxation.
- Coding and AI: Enthusiastic about technology and innovation.
- Exploring Local Cuisine: Enjoy discovering new restaurants and coffee shops.