The Platform Team

Reyes “grew-up” in his father’s boutique CPA firm where he developed a love for small business and client services. Between two different stints of operating and managing his family’s firm, Reyes spent time with Goldman Sachs and Credit Suisse in a variety of finance and accounting related roles.  Reyes is passionate about providing retiring CPAs an unparalleled transition experience, while providing the next generation of CPAs – dare we say it – a fun place to work!

Tyson leads people and operations initiatives across all of Platform’s offices. Throughout his career he has held a variety of management, operations and strategy roles in the business services and technology industries. After several years of management consulting, Tyson most recently worked in field operations at a leading technology provider where he managed support functions for thousands of technicians across North America. Tyson began his career inside a family owned and operated real estate brokerage where he gained a firsthand understanding of “family firm” culture. Tyson holds a BS in Economics from Brigham Young University and an MBA from the University of Chicago.

Cathy knows our firms’ successes are the result of the great people we have on our teams, and as a champion of our employees and business she helps drive our teams forward. Cathy has a background in finance and 10 years of tax industry experience before moving into human resources. She joined Platform as part of an early acquisition giving her firsthand knowledge of the transition process. She attended Colorado State University for her bachelor’s and graduate education in Human Resource Management. Cathy is an avid traveler and is always planning her next adventure.

Dan spends his days focused on the big and small as he safeguards the firm’s assets and manages PAG’s data and systems. Dan has over a decade of experience working with small and medium enterprises designing and implementing accounting systems. Prior to Platform Dan served as a controller for a high growth cable service re-seller in Utah county.

Chris joined Platform from a premier staffing agency based in the Midwest, where he was a Senior Search Consultant covering the Rocky Mountain region. He has been a key player in bringing in high-level talent to our teams and now oversees the recruiting efforts for all of Platform’s offices. His focus is on ensuring we bring in the right fit and maintaining a fun, thriving work environment where the entire team is set up for success. Chris is a big sports fan, so in his free time he enjoys watching the Vikings or playing anything he can get his hands on, including golf, football, and sand volleyball. When he and his wife aren’t planning the next travel destination, you can find them relaxing at home with their 2 dogs or out trying to find the best ice cream in town.

Dustin manages IT for Platform across its many diverse technological environments. Dustin has built out large IT infrastructures and support teams for Tesla and the Department of Technology. He most recently designed a turnkey IT management system for an AI startup. He loves all things technology and has a passion for security and making things work more efficiently. While he is not a Utah native, he now calls it home and gets out snowboarding whenever the fresh powder falls.

Noah joined Platform from the Investment Banking Division of Credit Suisse, out of their Los Angeles Office. While at Credit Suisse, Noah was a participant and client advisor on over $20 billion in financings across leveraged loans, HY bonds and equity products. Prior to Credit Suisse, Noah was an analyst with Dinan & Company a premier boutique investment bank and an analyst at the University Growth fund. Noah holds a B.S. in Finance from the University of Utah.

Alaina recently joined Platform to help run people and operation initiatives across all of our offices. Prior to Platform, she worked at a boutique management consulting firm, Cicero Group, where she gained experience managing projects and clients across a variety of different companies and industries, including leading cross-functional process optimization efforts and managing post-acquisition transitions for her clients. Alaina has a Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship and Strategy and a Master of Science in Finance from the University of Utah.

Sonja is an award-winning educator with a passion for training and development. Her training experience includes colleges and universities, Becker CPA Review, and major accounting firms such as KPMG and Deloitte. Sonja has been a CPA and tax attorney for over 20 years. Her goal is to help all employees develop their professional skills as they evolve into the “best” version of themselves.

Joe Palazzo provides data visualization and strategic analysis on key metrics across the Platform Accounting Group organization. He comes from a background of management consulting at the Cicero Group and data analysis at Homie where he used his skills to help both internal and external organizations improve operations and strategic standing in their respective markets. Joe graduated in 2019 from the Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business where he studied Strategic Management, participated on the collegiate men’s rugby team, served as the business student body vice president, and led the Cougar Coaches service organization. He enjoys traveling with his wife, Alexis. putting his knowledge as a certified personal trainer to use to train as a powerlifter and participating in competitive gaming tournaments.”

Brandon is a Technical Support Specialist on our IT Team. He studied at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and received two Associate’s Degrees and Certifications in Computer Programming and Database Administration. Prior to Platform, Brandon worked as a Consultation Agent with Geek Squad where he helped solve a multitude of computer issues and drive business upward. He enjoys spending his free time learning more about the IT industry and making others laugh.

Stephanie Huerta is a staff accountant at Platform Accounting Group. She has over 5 years of experience in accounting, budgeting, and cost allocation. Currently, she is pursuing a Bachelors of Science in accounting and business management at the University of Utah. In her free time, Stephanie likes to go to the lake, travel, and cook.

Jeff leads the firms Accounting Services segment where he is focused on the development of the firm’s accounting services offering, associated trainings and implementations. Jeff has worked with small businesses in establishing and utilizing accounting systems for over 30 years. Jeff is an avid outdoorsmen and adventurer. He is a graduate of Brigham Young University and is a licensed CPA in the state of Utah.

Trevor is the Senior Accounting Advisor of our Accounting Services segment, where he helps clients generate and understand their financial statements. He has worked in accounting for over 15 years, including small business and trust accounting. Trevor loves helping clients grow their business and show them how to use their financial statements to make informed decisions. Trevor graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Utah in Economics and is a Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor. When not at work, he loves spending time with his family, playing golf and basketball.

Trevor has been working towards a degree in accounting, from Western Governors University, while being a full-time employee at Morris and Dredge, as an Accounting Specialist. Trevor is a Certified QuickBooks Pro-Advisor and has experience in various accounting software. Continuing his goal to become a managerial accountant. Trevor also has a love for the outdoors, and his pet dog named Archer.

Valerie Johnson received her Bachelors of Science in accounting from the University of Utah. She has worked as a certified public accountant in the public and private sector for 30 years. She began her career as an auditor and prior to joining the Platform team worked as a CFO of a diagnostic company. Valerie enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and grandkids. She likes to bake, water ski, and hike.

Jade Zhou is the staff accountant at Platform Accounting Group. She recently graduated from Idaho State University with a MBA degree and a Masters degree in accounting. She used to a pricing specialist before going to ISU and now she joined Jeff’s team to provide accounting services for clients.

Ben Allen joined Platform from a leading regional firm in Eastern Montana. Ben leads the day-to-day operations of the Pocatello office, and Southeast Idaho region. Ben has worked in public accounting since 2011 in a variety of controller and taxation roles. He has a specialized expertise in agriculture and small businesses. When he can get away from the office he spends time with his family, fishing and golfing. Ben holds a BS in Accounting from BYU-Idaho and an MBA from Idaho State University. He is a licensed CPA in the state of Idaho.

Joseph has been working closely with clients to maintain their financial health since 1997. His loyal clients include businesses, as well as individual taxpayers. Joseph is well versed in the world of taxes and accounting. He supervises the team’s financial reporting engagements, including the preparation of audited, reviewed, and compiled financial statements. Other members of our team look up to Joseph as both a mentor and as a respected colleague.

He is a graduate of California State University, Sacramento with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration and Accountancy. Joe became licensed as a CPA in 2005. He is currently on the Board of Trustees for the Napa Valley Museum.

When Joe isn’t in the middle of a home improvement project, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife and three children. He also enjoys playing golf when he gets the chance.

Elizabeth is the senior leader and director of the Iron Creek Tax & Consulting team, bringing over 15 years of tax compliance, research and advisory experience to her clients. Prior to Iron Creek, Elizabeth was a Senior Tax Manager at Aldrich CPAs + Advisors where she was a key member of their tax advisory practice for individuals and closely held businesses. Elizabeth started her career with KPMG and has also spent time in other local boutique firms. Regardless of the size of the firm or client, Elizabeth’s main priority has always been on making an impact on those she advises and leads. Outside of the office, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her family, who love to cook together.

Bernardo Murillo attended Santa Clara University where he received a Bacherlor’s in Accounting. His 16 years of corporate and individual tax consulting experience has spanned across Big 4 firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), to owning his tax practice, Left Coast Tax Services, which he owned the past 6 years before merging into Bay Landing Tax. Bernardo enjoys the relationships he’s developed over the years with his clients on a personal level, which has allowed him to be seen as a trusted advisor to them in these sometimes murky seas. In his free time, his passion is to play roller hockey, which his family frowns upon due to its many risks, and softball. Bernardo is also a die-hard sports fan and enjoys catching a live game when the opportunity arises.

Payal has more than 15 years of experience in public accounting. She has been helping closely held business, their owners, and individuals with tax compliance, tax planning, IRS notices, bookkeeping, and cash flow management . Her favorite thing is to help client with tax planning and understanding their unique business finance and tax needs. Her industry experience includes start-up companies, professional services, manufacturing, real estate, health care, multi-state filings and foreign tax issues. Prior to joining Bay Landing Tax & Consulting , she worked as tax manager at a various CPA firms like Hood and Strong, LLP and Wheeler Accountants, LLP where she was responsible for managing bookkeeping services, tax engagements and working closely with clients with complex tax issues. Payal is member of American Institute of CPAs, the California Society of CPAs and the Colorado Society of CPAs. She is a licensed CPA.

Gopal is a dedicated professional who enjoys helping clients with their tax and accounting needs. He has provided tax and accounting services to a number of high net-worth individuals, various business entities, and non-profit organizations. Gopal holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from San Francisco State University and a Master of Science in Taxation from California State University, East Bay. He is a member of both the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the California Society of Certified Public Accountants. In his free time, he enjoys sports, spending time with family, and cooking.