Ronald A. Friedman, CPA, CFP, PFS

Tax Partner

Ron’s unique CPA practice focuses almost exclusively on estate and gift tax and related issues. This includes lifetime tax planning, tax compliance, post-mortem trust administration, IRS representation and complex fiduciary accounting. Ron has considerable expertise in valuation issues. He is often called upon to serve as an expert witness in complex litigation matters. Ron’s clients include both United States citizens and citizens from other countries currently residing in the U.S.

In addition to being a Certified Public Accountant, he is a Certified Financial Planner with more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. Ron has also been designated as a Personal Financial Specialist (PFS). He is a member of the Personal Financial Planning Section of the AICPA. Ron has been a featured guest on a number of local radio shows and has published many articles in national professional journals. He is a frequent speaker for professional organizations, including the San Diego Estate Planning Council, the California CPA Society, the North County Bar Association, the La Jolla Estate Planning Trust and Probate Section, and the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) Annual Conference and Exposition Tax Panel.

Robert Sporl, CPA

Audit Partner

Rob began his career in public accounting in 1988. Prior to joining PKF, he gained extensive experience as an audit manager and as a product manager in a small manufacturing enterprise. Rob’s specific areas of emphasis include tax-exempt organizations, construction/manufacturing (using percentage of completion accounting) and employee benefit plans.

Rob also has a broad spectrum of auditing experience with Securities and Exchange registrants, professional service corporations, credit unions and other financial institutions, broker/dealers, high-tech and development stage entities and the hospitality industry.

Rob holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of San Diego. He is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the California Society of CPAs and is licensed in multiple states to practice.

James C. Stewart, CPA

Audit Partner

Jim has been an accounting and business professional in a variety of management capacities since 1987. Prior to joining PKF, he served as senior audit manager for a top 20 CPA firm.

Jim’s specific areas of expertise include auditing and accounting services, SEC compliance, acquisition consulting and accounting research across a broad range of industries, including: bio-tech, technology, manufacturing, wholesale, distribution, service companies, real estate and employee benefit plans.

Jim holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Accounting) from San Diego State University. He is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the California Society of CPAs. Jim is also the Past-President and Board Member for Association for Corporate Growth, San Diego.

Vlado Vucicevic, CPA

Audit & Assurance Partner

Vlado is a seasoned public accountant with extensive experience in audit, assurance and auditing technical research. Prior to joining PKF, he served as lead technical manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers where he participated in the audits of global, publicly traded organizations.

Vlado’s specific areas of expertise include auditing, accounting advisory services, complex revenue recognition and equity transactions for publicly traded and private companies within the technology, bio-tech, real estate, and manufacturing and distribution industries. He currently works with many start-up companies and entrepreneurs to help develop their businesses and stays up to date on the latest emerging business technologies. He has a specialized background and involvement in all phases of the mergers and acquisitions process, including the structuring of transactions, due diligence, and accounting for business combinations.

Vlado holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Ryerson University in Toronto. He is also a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the California Society of CPAs.

Curt J. Welker, CPA

Tax Partner

Curt began his public accounting career in 1982 as an assistant controller – and later Chief Financial Officer – for an international trading firm. He also spent over four years with a Big Four CPA firm.

Curt’s specific areas of expertise include corporate, individual, estate and partnership tax planning within the real estate, hospitality, construction, manufacturing and automotive industries.

Curt received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from San Diego State University where he also did his graduate tax work in the Masters in Tax program. He is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the California Society of CPAs.