At Ageras, our partners are the heart and soul of everything we do - and each one of them has an interesting story to tell!
Our Q&A series allows us to shine a spotlight on some of our most talented accountants in the Ageras community as we learn more about their stories and backgrounds.
Today, we have Claude Etinoff - from Genske, Mulder & Company LLP CPAs - joining us to share his background, thoughts on the importance of accounting, and his experience using Ageras.
With over 34 years of solid and proven professional expertise, in the Auditing, and Accounting field, Claude J. Etinoff brings a wealth of recognized experience, coupled with extensive and diverse knowledge as a licensed CPA in three major regions; California, New York, and Washington, D.C.
Hi Claude! Let's start things off with a bit about you. Can you give us an introduction to who you are, and what you do?
My name is Claude Etinoff, a licensed CPA, in two (2) regional states: California and New York. Our firm of Genske, Mulder & Company LLP CPAs has four offices located in California. We provide audit, attestation, preparation, and bookkeeping services as well as tax and client advisory services to clients in 40 states.
To learn more about Claude and his Firm, check out their website using the button below!
Visit Genske, Mulder & Company's Website
I started my career in the New York City area and in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area. During my career, I have had great mentors in the business field, people who motivated and challenged me to grow professionally in so many ways. Looking back, I have a deep sense of gratitude for what I learned and how much it allowed me to build a solid footing in the business and become a mentor myself.
What are some of your favorite things about being an accountant?
One of the favorite things about being an accountant is the love of analysis and working with clients to meet their financial goals. In my 34 years of experience, each client may operate in a different industry, however, the goals they have mapped out for their company tend to be similar. Being able to discuss their goals and help them align their financial structure is extremely rewarding to me. Over the years I have seen many companies benefit from my advice and direction allowing them to build a strong platform of financial strength.
What was it that initially drew you to the accounting profession?
It was something that appealed to me from my youth when I saw the benefits of having a body of knowledge that would allow companies and corporations to thrive. I had great teachers who were motivated in the way they approached their subject matter, my parents, especially the conversations I had with my father prepared me to think in a logical manner.
My father owned a Furniture manufacturing company in the Caribbean and understanding the challenges he spoke about in aligning his goals with his Mission, allowed me to clearly understand the benefits of professional advice. As I reflect on my past experiences and see the benefits of sound solid financial planning, makes this profession appealing to me and there is nothing else I felt I could do, but be a CPA.
Many business owners underestimate the importance of accounting. So tell us, why do you believe that accounting is so important for business owners?
Accounting is the heartbeat of everything in life. It all begins with Math and logic. If there are no Accountants, simple things like recording financial activity and issuing paychecks will not be done correctly.
I’ve met people who have an aversion for math or Accounting, since it does not sound exciting, however, when you have a true understanding of the benefits and the sound knowledge of what Accounting does for a person’s financial position and the impact it has on a person looking forward to 40 years of retirement, it becomes a serious topic and you understand the impact of financial planning for the future and the impact it would have on the legacy of a person or a company.
How does having a professional benefit a business owner, versus doing bookkeeping/accounting tasks on their own?
Having sound professional advice gives a business owner a stronger basis for success. The owner will be guided by principles that will benefit them over time.
Without the benefit of professional advice, an owner stumbles along in the dark and does not have the confidence that they are working with the guidelines that will allow them to remain compliant and this ultimately could impact their cash flow and thwart the Mission of the operation.
Tell us about your history with Ageras. What was intriguing to you that made you interested in wanting to give it a try?
My History with Ageras is relatively recent, it began in 2021. In streamlining the goals, I have set for me and my family, I felt they have a platform that allows me to realize possibilities that at one point in time were out of reach.
I find Ageras helpful, and the online planning tools keep me on track for a successful future.
We are grateful to have Claude as a partner here at Ageras, and look forward to his success!
Do you need help with your business' accounting, auditing, bookkeeping, or tax filing? Check out Claude's Ageras partner profile, and request a quote from him using the button below.