Bret W. Scholl,
CPA, CGMA

Bret Scholl has been in the practice of public accounting since 1981, receiving his Certified Public Accounting credential in 1984. In 1985, Bret started his own accounting and business consulting practice which he continues to lead today.

Bret has been in and around the accounting and tax consulting profession since he was a child. Bret's parents owned and operated a successful tax and bookkeeping practice in California's central valley for many years.

Being raised in the central valley provided Bret with first-hand experience of the opportunities and challenges of the agriculture community. Growing up his ag experiences ranged from setting siphon pipe in 100 degree plus heat to driving tractor and helping with farm accounting. These experiences provided Bret with a valuable grounding in agri business from the field to the office.  His move to public accounting in the agriculture-rich Salinas Valley in 1981 continued his connection with farming and ranching.

professional credentials & memberships

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) State of California, Certificate 39691E, issued January 27, 1984

• Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)

• Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

• Member of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants

• Diplomat of the American Board of Forensic Accounting (DABFA)

• Fellow of the American College of Forensic Examiners International

• Member of the American College of Forensic Examiners International

• Member of the Construction Financial Management Association

• Member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners

• Formerly Licensed Real Estate Sales Person, State of California

• Qualified as expert witness in Superior Court

• Salinas Rotary, Santa Lucia Club

professional Accomplishments

• Over 750 published columns and articles in the fields of business management, taxation, accounting, finance and computers. Published or interviewed for publication in the following; Computers in Accounting (Accounting Technology), Gannett Company, Inc. newspapers, Salinas Californian, Accounting Today, Computer Reseller News, Micro Computer News, VAR Business, DISQ

• National speaking engagements on topics of taxation, business valuation, business operations, finance and related matters.

• Recognized as an expert witness in the valuation of businesses, accounting and tax matters.

• Lecturer for courses on tax shelters for the University of California.

• Director, Accountant Alliances, ACCPAC International, Inc./NYSE:CA

• Paul Harris Honorary Fellow, Rotary International

• Distinguished Rotarian Awards

specialized skills

• Experience with accounting matters of federal contracting covered by the U.S. Federal Acquisition Regulations.

• Experience with Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) and Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) audits and reviews.

• Experience with OTC Markets Alternative Reporting Standards including drafting of periodic reports and coordination with legal counsel for independent legal counsel opinion.

• Experience evaluating and developing business plans for both internal uses and external capital requests, including coordinating plans and documents with private placement memorandums (PPM).

• Experience establishing systems for quantifiable measurement of sales and marketing investments.

• Experience with fraud investigations including assistance with prosecution, preparation for trial or hearings and asset searches for potential recovery of losses.

• Extensive experience consulting with family-owned businesses with an emphasis on succession planning.

Michael Arensdorf, CPA

Michael joined the firm in 2018 leaving a large regional firm seeking new opportunities. Michael is passionate about proactive planning and particularly getting to really understand what the firm’s clients need.

Michael grew up in Monterey County, California and is a graduate of Salinas High and Chico State University. Outside of the office, Michael enjoys his family and being active all the time finding him on hiking trails or at a local golf course hitting off the wrong fairway.

He has particular expertise in the following areas.

• Reporting and planning of cross-border transactions.

• Reporting requirements for companies with international operations and assets.

• Complex real estate transaction planning including Section 1031 exchanges of all types.

• Planning for charitable remainder trusts (CRT), Charitable Remainder Unitrust (CRUT) and other sophisticated estate planning vehicles.