Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Accounting and Tax Services in Irvine, CA
Wright Ford Young has served as a trusted advisor to leading companies in Southern California for over 50 years. Based in Irvine, CA, we specialize in audit, tax, estate, trust, and business consulting services for closely-held companies, family-owned businesses, and private foundations. Our unique No Surprises Execution approach ensures clients fully understand their finances and avoid costly surprises. With a Net Promoter Score of 92, we prioritize unparalleled communication, financial expertise, and proactive problem-solving.As one of the largest local CPA firms in Orange County, we combine the agility of a local firm with the global reach of MGI Worldwide, offering over 40 services across 40 industries. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our PCAOB registration, clean peer review history, and dedication to giving 1% of gross revenues to local charities annually.
Services
Business Consulting
ERISA Audits
ESOP Peer Review
Wealth Management
Tax Planning
Estate & Trust Services
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of experience serving Southern California businesses.
- Our Net Promoter Score of 92 reflects exceptional client satisfaction.
- We offer personalized service with direct partner-level communication.
- We maintain a dedicated estate and trust tax department.
- We provide global expertise through our MGI Worldwide partnership.
Associations and certifications
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- California Society of Certified Public Accountants
- Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
What people say
Prompt responses
Excellent service
Highly knowledgeable
Impeccable service
Professional and understanding
Services
Audit and Assurance Services
Our audit and assurance services provide comprehensive financial reporting to enhance business management. We specialize in internal control evaluations, KPI development, and regulatory compliance. With expertise in employee benefit plan audits and bi-annual Department of Labor inspections, we ensure accuracy and minimize risk for clients across multiple industries.
Business Consulting Services
We deliver tailored business consulting to improve profitability and operational efficiency. Our services include merger and acquisition due diligence, family business transitions, and estate planning strategies. We focus on cash flow optimization, KPI identification, and tax-efficient asset protection to help businesses achieve long-term growth and succession goals.
Employee Benefit Plan Audits
We specialize in employee benefit plan audits for 401(k), profit sharing, and pension plans. As one of only 133 firms nationally auditing over 100 plans annually, we ensure compliance with DOL regulations. Our proprietary software streamlines audits while minimizing client time commitments and reducing failure risks.
Estate & Trust Services
Our estate and trust services focus on tax-efficient asset transfer and succession planning. We handle complex trust administration, gift tax minimization, and multigenerational wealth strategies. With over 40 years of combined experience, we provide compassionate guidance during probate and estate settlement processes for individuals and professional trustees.
Tax Planning & Compliance
We offer comprehensive tax planning and compliance solutions for corporations, partnerships, and individuals. Our services include international tax strategies, multi-state filings, and R&D credit optimization. We proactively monitor legislative changes to minimize tax liabilities while ensuring compliance with evolving federal and state regulations.
People
Jeff Myers
Managing Partner
Jeff Myers leads Wright Ford Young with over 30 years of experience in public accounting. He specializes in audit and assurance services for closely-held businesses, focusing on financial reporting and regulatory compliance.
Cyndi LeBerthon
Audit Department Partner
Cyndi LeBerthon oversees audit services with expertise in employee benefit plan audits. She has led hundreds of ERISA audits and specializes in compliance with Department of Labor regulations and PCAOB standards.
Andrew P. Bautista
Tax Department Partner
Andrew Bautista directs tax services with specialization in international tax planning. He advises multinational corporations on cross-border transactions, tax treaties, and compliance strategies for over 25 years.
Tim Stephens
Senior Tax Partner
Tim Stephens provides tax consulting for family-owned businesses. With 35 years of experience, he focuses on succession planning, estate tax minimization, and business transition strategies.
Nancy Van Lanen
Estate & Trust Partner
Nancy Van Lanen specializes in estate and trust administration. She has over 20 years of experience guiding clients through probate processes, trust splits, and tax-efficient wealth transfer strategies.
Questions
What accounting services do you specialize in?
We specialize in audit and assurance, tax planning, employee benefit plan audits, estate and trust services, and business consulting for closely-held companies.
How does your firm maintain high client satisfaction?
Our Net Promoter Score of 92 reflects proactive communication, partner-level engagement, and personalized service tailored to each client's specific needs.
Do you handle international tax compliance?
Yes, through our MGI Worldwide partnership, we provide international tax planning and compliance services for businesses operating across 80 countries.
What makes your employee benefit plan audits unique?
We audit over 100 plans annually, maintaining a 97% pass rate through proprietary software and specialized expertise in ERISA compliance.
How do you approach estate planning?
Our estate planning focuses on tax-efficient asset transfer, trust administration, and multigenerational wealth strategies with personalized guidance from experienced professionals.
Can you assist with business succession planning?
Yes, we provide comprehensive succession planning including ownership transitions, family business strategies, and exit planning for business owners.
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