J. Garza, J. Garza CPA PLLC

If there was one word to describe J. Garza it would be dedicated – dedicated to the profession, the community and his family. With one of the most successful accounting practices in the downriver area, J. strives to provide the best tax, accounting and financial consulting for a fair price and shows his clients that he cares about their financial concerns. J.’s concern for people does not end with his clients; rather, it’s led to a life in public service as well. A trusted member of the MACPA for almost 20 years, J. recently helped coordinate the Tax Awareness Campaign, a public awareness campaign to arm taxpayers, particularly from low-income and immigrant populations, with the knowledge to avoid unscrupulous tax preparers. He was also recently elected to the Gibraltar City Council. J. Garza believes he is very blessed to be where he is today, and that he could not have done it without the inspiration from his family.

What made you decide to go into the accounting profession?
When I was in high school, I had a teacher who made accounting fun and enjoyable. The class was so much fun. I thought, “They pay you do this (accounting)? I’m in.”

What makes your job great?
What makes my job great are the people I meet. Everyone has their own set of opportunities and objectives. I think it’s great to be able to help taxpayers and business owners meet their objectives and become their trusted advisor.

Describe how you have made a difference by being a CPA.
For one client, we were able to set up a payroll system that generates income for him and his partner, while funding their retirement plans. For another client, we were able to help generate financial statements that allowed him to obtain banking funding to expand his business. I think the most helpful thing I do is work with my clients in budgeting. I’m able to explain what a budget is and how it works, then how to live within their means to achieve their goals.

Explain any obstacles you had to overcome to get to where you are today.
Well, let me first say I am blessed. I came from a single parent home when my dad died early in my life. My mother explained to me the value of an education and the need to help others. You can get anything you want in life by helping other people get what they want. It’s not an easy lesson coming from a poor childhood, but it’s true. Where I am at today is simply a by-product of helping others get what they want.

What are your major professional accomplishments?
I believe every CPA remembers the day they received their CPA acknowledgement letter. Also, the day I ‘hung up my shingle.’ I jokingly say that my goal is to one day be the CPA of the year.

What interests or activities are you involved in outside of work?
I was recently elected to the Gibraltar City Council, so you can say I love politics. I’m also a member of Downriver Republicans Grassroots Organization. My wife and I are very involved with our church, First Baptist Church in Gibraltar, where I teach the junior church kids on Sunday. And, of course, we love to travel. Our future plan is to take two years to travel around the world.

Can you give a little background about how you got involved in the Tax Payer Awareness Campaign?
A fellow CPA, Mr. Rob Bovitz, told me about the Taxpayer Awareness Campaign. Rob asked if I would be interested in helping the MACPA work with State Representative Steve Tobocman’s office in creating a tool that would be helpful to individuals in choosing a reputable tax preparer.

What is the goal of this campaign?
The ultimate goal is consumer protection. When a faulty or unscrupulous tax preparer harms one person, it is a black eye for the whole tax preparation community. This campaign is aimed at helping consumers or customers make sound decisions when choosing a paid tax preparer.

How do you balance your personal and professional life?
Why just today I talked to my wife about the busy and hectic schedule we all have. My wife and I agreed that today, tomorrow and every day there is a God who loves us and is in control. So, no matter what we do, good or bad, or how fast we do it, our lives will end, but God is forever. So I try to balance my personal and professional lives by staying positive and remembering we are here for a purpose. And keeping a good balance between work and play allows us to complete our purpose, step back and enjoy a little of what we do.

What advice would you have for those considering entering the CPA profession?
I would say welcome. There are plenty of good paying jobs in our profession. We are a very trustworthy and valuable resource to our clients. And we (our profession) always need more young men and women to enter the field to replace those who leave or retire.

What do CPAs need now to be successful in the future?
Those same things our predecessors needed, which is a strong desire to help or be a part of the solution; and a genuine love of accounting and the sense of accomplishment it brings.

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