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ABOUT
Jorge has extensive experience in providing tax consulting for entity formations, organizational structures and related U.S. tax implications and tax compliance requirements in various industries. He has represented clients in real estate, entertainment, retail services, transportation, information services, restaurant, hotel and investment companies among others. He also includes among his areas of expertise conducting forensic evaluations, examinations and fraud analysis, providing tax consulting to foreigners and foreign corporations, as well as basic accounting and tax services.
He holds a post-baccalaureate degree in accounting from Florida International University and a bachelor's degree in business administration from Loyola University and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He served as treasurer for the Coral Gables Community Foundation. He currently lives in Coral Gables, Florida.
Prior to founding De La Hoz and Associates in 1994, he was a senior auditor with KPMG Peat Marwick.
Cristina began her accounting career in 1997 while completing her bachelors’ degrees. Upon joining DPB, she not only advanced her expertise in various tax compliance and consulting domains but also played a pivotal role in mentoring and developing our staff. Cristina’s extensive experience includes preparing federal and state tax returns, including international tax issues, IRS representation, and providing comprehensive tax research, planning and consulting services.
At DPB, Cristina works with clients across various industries, offering strategic tax planning in both the domestic and international arenas. In addition to working with closely held businesses and their owners, she also prepares tax provisions for privately held and SEC regulated clients. Additionally, Cristina is a Certified Acceptance Agent for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), assisting clients with their Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN).
Cristina holds a bachelor's degree in accounting and management from Florida International University and a master's degree in taxation from Florida International University. She is an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Before joining DPB, Cristina was a senior tax associate at KPMG LLP and a member of the tax staff at Grant Thornton LLP. Her diverse experience and deep knowledge make her an invaluable asset to our firm and clients alike.
With over 15 years of experience in audit and assurance, he has extensive experience auditing and consulting services to companies in various industries including finance companies and food wholesalers with sales over $800MM. In addition, David has also been involved with the audits of NFL franchises and their stadium facilities as well as real estate companies, hotels and health care companies.
David's proficiency extends into tax preparation and strategic tax advice, where he has successfully recommended and implemented tax-saving strategies such as LIFO elections and the establishment of IC-DISCs.
Prior to joining De La Hoz, Perez & Barbeito, David was the principal-in-charge of the Audit Department at MBAF LLC, Florida's largest public accounting firm, which has since merged with BDO USA, LLP, and led MBAF's Middle Market Audit Group.
As the head of the audit department, Juan oversees all aspects of the firm's audit practice, including the administration of all audit work, design and implementation of the audit methodology, compliance with the firm's quality control standards, as well as ensuring best practices amongst his team.
Naturally adept at technology, Juan has helped pioneer the use of advanced auditing techniques which helps reduce time, improve audit quality and most importantly provide exceptional value to his clients. Juan is constantly challenging the status quo by experimenting with the integration of the latest technology such as artificial intelligence, data analytics and blockchain, all of which help lead the way to his vision of the CPA firm of the future. Juan is actively looking to further integrate innovation and technology into the audit practice.
With a broad audit and advisory background and with experience in auditing and advising a large array of industries, Juan has leadership experience managing small and large teams, primarily in the audits of privately held entities. Juan also has experience with transaction services such as the sale of a business, mergers and acquisitions. His experience spans a broad spectrum of industries, including non-profit organizations, investment companies and advisors, real estate, manufacturing, retail and wholesale/distribution, employee benefit plans, timeshares, auto and motorsports dealerships, and professional sports franchises and stadium facilities.
Prior to joining DPB, Juan worked for MBAF for thirteen years where he was a key member of the assurance practice.
With over 25 years of experience in the industry, she began her career at Arthur Andersen after graduating from Florida International University where she served as president of Beta Alpha Psi. Prior to joining DPB, she was a Tax Partner at MBAF, and subsequently at BDO following the merger of the firms.
Grethell's expertise lies in tax planning, consulting, and compliance services for flow-through entities and individuals, with a specialization in partnership tax. Her knowledge and experience in this technical area allows her to guide clients through complex transactions, advising them on tax-efficient structures, operating agreements, waterfall provisions, and capital account modeling.
Her client base encompasses various industries ranging from real estate investments to high net worth individuals. In addition to working closely with her clients to ensure they are receiving the optimal level of service, she is frequently asked to consult on projects involving private equity transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and litigation support.
Alex Binelo, CPA, is a partner in the audit and assurance department at De La Hoz, Perez & Barbeito, PLLC.
With over 20 years in the accounting profession, Alex has vast experience in the audits of various sectors including lending institutions, healthcare organizations, retail, manufacturing, wholesale/distribution, amongst others. His proficiency extends to transaction services, including business sales, mergers, and acquisitions. Alex has worked on a high volume of audits for many private equity owned businesses and is well respected by these parties and his peers.
Alex's responsibilities include engagement planning, budgeting, and supervision as well as researching technical issues. In addition, he has significant expertise in the implementation and review of internal controls. He assists clients in accomplishing financial and operational objectives with a specialized focus on internal development and assessment of organizations' controls. Alex is noted for providing insightful and tailored recommendations to his audit clients.
Alex is well respected in the community and is actively involved in numerous community organizations by volunteering his time with various organizations. His dedication and contributions have earned him recognition, including being named a Miami Fellow by the Miami Foundation and receiving several accolades such as the South Florida Business and Wealth top accountant in South Florida under 40, and a top 40 under 40 awardee by the South Florida Business Journal.
Prior to joining DPB, Alex worked for BDO, USA where he was an equity partner in the assurance practice and was a division head of Florida's Assurance Healthcare practice. Alex also worked for MBAF, CPA's for sixteen years where he was also an equity partner in the assurance practice.
Javier Casabona, CPA, ABV is a partner with De La Hoz, Perez & Barbeito, PLLC, Audit and Assurance Practice.
Javier has a broad audit and advisory background and with experience in auditing and advising a large array of industries, Javier has leadership experience managing small and large teams, primarily in the audits of privately held entities. His experience spans a broad spectrum of industries, including real estate, gaming, hospitality manufacturing, retail and wholesale/distribution.
Javier also has experience with transaction services such as the sale of a business, mergers and acquisitions.
Javier holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Florida International University and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He is also active in a number of local groups including the board of directors of Cintas Foundation.
Prior to joining DPB, Javier was an assurance director for BDO and MBAF for a combined fifteen years.
A public accounting professional since 2016, Tony’s expertise includes advising clients in complex technical accounting matters such as business combinations and application of new standards as well as an extensive audit and assurance experience in multiple industries such as professional sport franchises (NFL) and stadium facilities, real estate and construction, private equity funds reporting under ASC 946, gaming and hospitality, wholesale/distribution, healthcare, insurance and financial institutions and international agencies.
Additionally, Tony’s expertise includes preparation of financial statements and other technical accounting matters in accordance with standards prescribed under U.S. GAAP, IFRS and the PCAOB.
Prior to joining DPB, Tony worked as an audit and assurance senior manager at BDO USA, LLP and experienced manager at MBAF (former largest public accounting firm in Florida).
Tony is fluent in English and Spanish.
Vivian M. Gant, CPA, is a Partner in the Audit and Assurance department at De La Hoz, Perez & Barbeito, PLLC.
Vivian has 20 years of experience in the accounting profession, which has included public accounting, corporate accounting and internal audit functions at a Fortune 500 company. She has been involved on numerous audits for entities in various industries such as aviation, financial institutions, healthcare, manufacturing, and SEC public companies, with a strong concentration in non-profits.
Vivian has in-depth experience with federal and state single audits, program specific audits and preparation of nonprofit tax returns, including Form 990 and Form 990T. She serves as the key contact on audit engagements and is responsible for all aspects of the audit including engagement planning, budgeting, supervision and review.
Vivian is proficient at leading first-time audit engagements, and continuously improving upon existing engagements by customizing audit plans in order to deliver efficient and effective client service. She also has a thorough understanding of Government Auditing Standards ("The Yellow Book") issued by the Comptroller General of the United States and possesses the continuing education required by the AICPA and Government Auditing Standards.
Prior to joining DPB, Vivian was a Director at BDO (formerly MBAF) and was with BDO/MBAF for a total of 10 years where she was a key member of the non-profit assurance practice.
Wilber Mendez, CPA, assumes the role of a partner at De La Hoz, Perez & Barbeito, PLLC, bringing a wealth of experience in the accounting profession since 2002. His diverse expertise spans various industries, including real estate (encompassing construction contractors, developers, rental properties, investments, and Joint ventures), the medical field, hospitality, and the entertainment industry. Wilber boasts extensive knowledge in international tax matters, corporate taxation, partnership taxation, trust taxation, and individual taxation. Notably, Wilber has cultivated a specialized skill set in pre-immigration tax planning and has been instrumental in guiding numerous clients towards compliance with their U.S. reporting obligations.
Educationally, Wilber earned his bachelor's degree in accounting from Florida International University, followed by the completion of his master's degree in taxation from the same institution. Holding a license as a Certified Public Accountant in Florida, he is an active member of both the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA).
Before joining De La Hoz, Perez & Barbeito, Wilber served as the founding principal at Wilber Mendez, PA. Prior to that, he held the position of tax director at HLB Gravier, LLP. His journey in the field is marked by a commitment to excellence, and his diverse experience positions him as a valuable asset to the firm and its clients.
Yvana Rodriguez, is a tax partner at De La Hoz, Perez & Barbeito, PLLC.
With a career spanning over 12 years in public accounting and tax, Yvana is an experienced tax and accounting professional who has not only excelled in her field but has also proudly achieved the status of being a homegrown partner at DPB. Her journey began at PwC, where she dedicated six years to sharpening her skills in tax returns, tax reviews and consultations for companies, including Fortune 500 companies During this time, she managed diverse responsibilities and worked with teams of more than 20 team members.
She possesses broad experience in international and domestic taxation, covering both inbound and outbound transactions. Her proficiency in sectors such as real estate, retail, finance, and investments, combined with a keen understanding of the unique needs of foreign and domestic clients, positions her as a comprehensive tax advisor.
Originally from Venezuela, Yvana's multicultural background enables her to effectively serve a diverse clientele, making her a go-to expert for businesses navigating the complexities of all tax and accounting areas. She is fluent in Spanish and English, with a foundation in basic Portuguese. At DPB, she has successfully established her brand in the Latin American market while simultaneously building a broad clientele among English-speaking businesses in the United States.
Her versatile style and commitment to excellence make her a trusted partner for businesses seeking financial guidance and tax solutions.