Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Accounting Services for NFPs and HOAs in San Diego
Founded in 1972, our firm has dedicated over five decades to providing specialized accounting services for Not-for-Profit Organizations and Homeowners Associations. Our team of experienced CPAs, auditors, and reserve study specialists serves nearly 150 NFPs and 500 HOAs annually, combining technical expertise with industry-specific knowledge. We prioritize client education, system improvement, and compliance with standards like GAAS and CIRA Guide.Our peer-reviewed quality control system ensures adherence to AICPA standards, while our CAI and APRA designations underscore our leadership in reserve study analysis. With offices in San Diego, we maintain strong local ties through volunteer work and professional affiliations, offering tailored solutions that address the unique challenges of our clients.
Services
Audits
Tax Preparation
Reserve Studies
Consulting
Reviews
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of experience specializing in NFP and HOA accounting.
- We are the largest local CPA firm in Southern California focused on HOAs.
- Our team members average 10+ years of industry-specific expertise.
- We maintain an unmodified peer review report for quality control compliance.
- We hold CAI and APRA designations for reserve study specialization.
Associations and certifications
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- California Society of Certified Public Accountants
- Community Associations Institute
- Association of Professional Reserve Analysts
Services
Audits
We conduct comprehensive audits for Not-for-Profit Organizations and Homeowners Associations following GAAS and CIRA Guide standards. Our audits include financial statement analysis, internal control evaluation, and compliance checks. Clients receive detailed reports with actionable recommendations to strengthen financial practices.
Tax Preparation
Our firm prepares federal and state tax returns for NFPs and HOAs, including Form 990 series and 1120H. We ensure compliance with IRS requirements and provide strategic tax planning to optimize financial outcomes for organizations.
Reserve Studies
As CAI and APRA-certified specialists, we create 30-year reserve projections with physical inspections. Our studies include component replacement costs, funding strategies, and compliance with California Civil Code 5550 for HOA financial planning.
Consulting
We offer consulting services for entity selection, accounting system implementation, and internal control improvements. Our team provides QuickBooks training, budgeting assistance, and fraud prevention strategies tailored to NFPs and HOAs.
Reviews
For clients not requiring full audits, we perform financial reviews and compilations. These services include accrual basis reporting, comparative financial analysis, and advisory letters to support board decision-making and fiduciary responsibilities.
People
Leonard Sonnenberg
Managing Shareholder
With over 50 years in public accounting, Leonard supervises all client engagements and lectures at industry conferences. He has authored numerous articles on HOA accounting and served on multiple community boards.
Nanci Olson
Firm Administrator/Staff Accountant
Nanci has 25+ years of experience across all departments, managing practice operations and HOA engagements. She provides QuickBooks and Excel consulting to clients and staff while maintaining quality controls.
Inna Stens
Audit Manager
Inna has performed HOA and NFP audits for over 20 years. Her expertise in complex engagements makes her a key resource for audit staff and clients seeking reliable financial reporting solutions.
Scott Philips
Audit Manager
Scott brings 20+ years of experience and prior private accounting expertise to complex NFP, for-profit, and HOA clients. He focuses on delivering accurate, standards-compliant audit outcomes.
Stacey Stewart
Audit Manager
Stacey specializes in NFP audits and quality control. With prior experience at large local firms, she ensures our services meet rigorous professional standards while addressing client-specific needs.
Questions
What industries do you specialize in?
We focus on Not-for-Profit Organizations and Homeowners Associations, with additional experience in for-profit sectors like real estate and biotechnology.
How long have you served the San Diego community?
Since 1972, providing over 50 years of continuous service to local NFPs, HOAs, and businesses.
Do you offer reserve study services?
Yes, we are CAI-designated Reserve Specialists and Professional Reserve Analysts with decades of experience preparing compliant studies.
Are your audits peer-reviewed?
Yes, we maintain an unmodified peer review report confirming compliance with AICPA quality control standards.
What geographic areas do you cover?
Primarily Southern California, including San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, and Inland Empire counties.
Reviews (1)
Karen M.
Mar 04, 2014
Report
I've been working with the staff at Sonnenberg & Co. for 10+ years and I'm pleased to say that they are easy to work with, provide a comprehensive reserve study and meet their deadlines. Thank you to everyone for a consistant job well done!
