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2009 - 2010 Board of Directors
Officers
Ms. Yip is the founder and President of YIP ASSOCIATES, a boutique firm specializing in forensic accounting and financial investigations serving clients throughout Florida, the Caribbean and Latin America, based in Coral Gables, Florida. She worked for Price Waterhouse, Arthur Andersen, and as a partner at Grant Thornton led the forensic accounting practice for Florida.
Ms. Yip is a Florida certified public accountant (CPA), certified fraud examiner (CFE), certified insolvency and restructuring advisor (CIRA) and is certified in financial forensics (CFF) by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. She has more than 15 years of experience providing consulting and expert witness in commercial disputes, litigation, and arbitration. Clients include attorneys representing individuals, corporations, board of directors (audit committees) and governmental agencies (SEC, CFTC, FTC) in need of expertise in litigation support, financial investigations, fiduciary roles and insolvency matters.
She serves as an expert witness in Federal Bankruptcy court, Federal and State court and international litigation and arbitration matters. She also serves as a Chapter 7 Federal bankruptcy Trustee, as a court-appointed Examiner and Custodian.
Ms. Yip assists attorneys with the independent investigation of alleged corporate frauds including internal and white-collar investigations, embezzlement and asset misappropriation, financial reporting and securities fraud in the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean. She conducts interviews (English/Spanish), utilizes detailed analysis of financial and operational information to determine the facts, reconstructs accounting and business records, determines the impact on financial statements, identification of the person(s) involved, determination of potential reliance by other parties, identification of the scheme(s) utilized, identification of misappropriated funds, determination of the flow of funds to potential sources of recovery, and preparation of reports. Ms. Yip has significant experience with investigations in Latin America.
Ms. Yip has provided forensic accounting and litigation support including calculating damages for attorneys representing clients in commercial disputes, dissolution of marriage or contested probate estate. These services include detailed review and analysis of business records, assistance with discovery, and preparation of damage analyses, written reports, demonstrative exhibits and testimony. Ms. Yip has experience presenting facts, the methodology employed and the results of her analysis in a clear and concise manner.
With her experience in complex matters combined with language capabilities and cultural understanding, Ms. Yip has effectively provided consulting and expert witnesses services to attorneys in Florida and nationally in connection with Latin America and Caribbean matters.
Ms. Yip holds a Bachelor of Accounting degree from Florida International University. Ms. Yip is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA), Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), Association of Insolvency and Restructuring Advisors (AIRA), Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting (ALPFA) – serving as the Miami Chapter President, and on the Florida International University School of Accounting Advisory Board.
Brett Friedman is a director with McGladrey & Pullen since 2005. He has worked in public accounting since 1994. He has over fifteen years of experience in public accounting. His industry experience includes governmental, commercial, SEC, employee benefit plans and not-for-profit clients.
Brett has been a CPA since 1994. He graduated from the University of
Miami with a Masters in Business Administration, and he graduated from the State University of New York at Albany with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Economics.
Brett is a member of various professional affiliations including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He is a member and Past-President of the Miami Downtown Chapter of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, an Associate Member of the Government Finance Officers Association, Florida Government Finance Officers Association and a Committee Member of the FICPA State and Local Government Section. He is a member of the University of Miami School of Accounting Corporate Advisory Board, Chair of the FIU Career management Services Advisory Board. He also is a past member of the FIU School of Accounting Advisory Board.
As a current member of the Government Finance Officers Association Special Review Committee, Brett has participated in the review process for awarding the GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. He has also served as a national instructor for various training courses and a speaker at the School of Government Finance. He is the Co-Chair of the A&A track of the 2008 FGFOA conference. He also serves as the lead recruiter for Florida International University and the University of Miami and is involved in other firm recruiting activities for the Coral Gables & Fort Lauderdale offices.
Carlos is a tax manager with H.I.G. Capital in Miami, FL. H.I.G. Capital is a leading global private investment firm with over $7.5 billion of capital under management. Prior to joining H.I.G. Capital, he had over 8 years of experience with international public accounting firms, with clients in a variety of industries, including private equity and hedge funds. In addition, Carlos has experience serving business clients and their owners to project and plan for corporate and individual taxes as well as a broad range of experience in assisting public and private companies with various FAS 109 issues.
Carlos has experience in all aspects of compliance for international and multi-state corporations, limited liability companies, individuals and partnerships. He received a Masters of Science in Taxation from the University of Miami. Carlos is also a graduate of the Florida State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance.
Daniel Yip is the founder and owner of Nexus Business Consulting, Inc. He is a consultant and manager with four years of Big Four consulting experience. His area of focus is Enterprise Resource Planning software implementations. Mr. Yip has more than thirteen years of system implementation experience and specializes in process improvement and re-engineering, system development, process/product support, internal controls assessment, and quality assurance. He has experience supporting efforts in the Entertainment, Publishing, Financial Management, Wireless Telecommunication, Mortgage and Insurance industries.
At Nexus Business Consulting, Mr. Yip has assisted in projects primarily focused on the internal controls assessment and implementation for the IT segment of five South Florida-based companies. He is currently serving as a team member to perform a full application security redesign of a core servicing system for a private Coral Gables-based company.
Prior to founding Nexus Business Consulting, Mr. Yip was a Manager and Consultant in the PeopleSoft track at both Andersen and BearingPoint. In that capacity, he managed several different projects, including but not limited to the following: leading the implementation of PeopleSoft Receivables for a client; serving as a subject matter expert on PeopleSoft and implementing a lockbox solution to assist with the re-engineering of established business processes; conducting a vendor assessment and selection process to fulfill a dual need for tax processing and print & distribution; and managing the development of documentation and tools to support closing activities as well as day-to-day operations.
Mr. Yip received a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 1992. He is a member of ALPFA, currently serving in multiple roles: as Secretary as well as VP of Internal Communications & Technology for the Miami Chapter and as a member of the ALPFA National IT Committee.
Vice Presidents and Directors
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Juan Roberto Ruiz, Jr.
VP of Programs & Events
events@miami.alpfa.org
Manager - Financial Services, Prudential Insurance Company of America |
Robert Ruiz has held the position of Manager, Financial Services at The Prudential Insurance Company of America's South Florida Agency since 2007. His work involves: recruiting, selecting, developing, and supervising Financial Services Associates.
In 2007, Robert came to Prudential where he has succeeded steadily in his career. That same year he obtained the company’s Achiever Award which recognizes outstanding life insurance sales. Robert is an active member of the Miami-Dade Chapter of The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. Mr. Ruiz is also a graduate of Florida International University where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.
He resides in Miami, FL and is actively involved in the community and in community projects, including Hands on Miami, as well as other local volunteer programs.
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Carlos Calderon
Co-VP of Programs & Events
events@miami.alpfa.org
AVP - Wealth Management / Risk Strategy, BNY Mellon Financial |
Maria M. Lopez is a member of Ernst & Young LLP National Tax Department, Tax Accounting and Risk Advisory Services-Tax Process Advisory (TARAS-TPA) and lives in Miami, FL. Maria practices in the areas of FAS 109 income tax provision and FIN 48 Uncertainty in Income Taxes with a particular emphasis on corporate domestic tax issues and transactions. Maria also practices in the areas of SOX 404 Internal Controls, Redesign of Provision for Income Taxes, Document Management Systems, and Domestic corporate tax compliance and tax consulting services.
Prior to joining Ernst & Young LLP, Maria was a tax manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers, in the South Florida practice, Chicago and New York city offices, where she managed several projects in the areas of corporate tax compliance and tax consulting services for several enterprises with particular emphasis in the Financial Services Industry, including large commercial and community service banks, financial advisory firms, mutual funds/RICs, real estate investment trusts, investment partnerships, etc. Maria also co-managed the roll-out and implementation of a document management system for the U.S. tax practice of PricewaterhouseCoopers, advised clients in DMS and Filenet systems, and worked in the implementation of a like-kind exchange program for the leasing business/division of a Fortune 100 Financial Institution in the Midwest.
Maria Lopez received a B.S. in Accounting from Florida International University and a Master of Science in Taxation from the same university. She is a certified public accountant licensed in the state of Florida. In addition, Maria is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Maria sits on the South Florida Chapter Board of Directors of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the Miami Chapter Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting.
John Pagelsohn is a Financial Reporting Senior Manager with Lennar Corporation, headquartered in Miami, FL. His responsibilities include the preparation, review and timely filing of all quarterly and annual filings required by the SEC as well as assisting with and preparing accounting fact sheets and completing special projects. Prior to Lennar Corporation, John was an Audit Senior Associate with KPMG in Miami where a majority of his time was spent on SEC clients.
John received a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Florida in 2007. John is also a graduate of the University of Miami, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting in 2001. While at the University of Miami, John was actively involved in Beta Alpha Psi and held a leadership role in the Honors Fraternity as Vice President of Membership.
John has been a Certified Public Accountant since March 2003. Today, John continues his involvement within the community as VP of Membership of the ALPFA Miami Chapter and through participation with various community service events throughout the year.
Carlos Segrera has over a decade of professional experience in the South Florida market. He has 8 years of recruiting and business development experience and currently leads the South Florida operations for Stephen James Associates. Carlos began his career with KPMG, the prestigious “Big 4” accounting firm where he served companies both large and small during his nearly four year tenure there. Carlos worked as a Vice President with Kramer Professional Staffing, Inc. (a leading provider of professional recruitment services serving the South Florida marketplace) for 5 years. Kramer Professional Staffing, Inc. was acquired by Stephen James Associates in December, 2006. Stephen James Associates is part of the Allegis Group network of human capital management and talent acquisition companies. With more than 250 offices in cities and towns across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, Allegis Group is the third largest human capital provider in the U.S.Carlos has built a reputation as a leader in the South Florida recruitment arena and he and his teams focus on partnering with companies ranging from entrepreneurial to Fortune 500.
An alumnus of the University of Miami where he graduated with high honors he served as the President of Beta Alpha Psi, the honorary accounting organization. He is an active member of his alma mater’s alumni organization and actively participates (since 1999) in the mentor program offering career guidance to students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. He serves on the Board of Directors of ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting) focusing his efforts on corporate development. Carlos is involved with AICPA (American Institute of CPA’s), CACPA (Cuban American Association for CPA’s), GMCC (the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce) and he is active in the Beacon Council where he has served on the “Young Leaders Task Force”. Carlos is an active member of the YMCA where he volunteers his time to serve the local community.
Carlos received a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Miami, with a concentration in Accounting.
Gene Falcon has been involved in various aspects of human resources, specifically staffing management, and in business development for over 20 years. His experience includes working at several Big Four firms in a recruiting and client service capacity, and working at corporations of varying sizes in business development and/or in sales positions. The Big Four firms offered a great learning environment and an excellent opportunity to practice and hone his recruiting and HR expertise. Gene also has experience in developing local staffing firms, including a successful start-up business in the 1990’s.
Gene graduated from the University of Miami in 1984 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and in his professional life has attended and facilitated various seminars on Interviewing techniques, employment law, resume writing and the overall process of job hunting.
Susana Alvarez-Diaz speaks on the topic of public relations and marketing to corporations, governmental and public organizations such as the TSA, HUD, National Association of Professional Mortgage Women, and Miami-Dade College. She has over 16 years experience in marketing and corporate communications including public relations, branding, internal communications, public affairs, and community and university relations. She is the CEO of The Alvarez Diaz Group – a public relations, marketing, and governmental affairs firm.
Susana worked for Hewlett-Packard's Latin America Region launching marketing campaigns and promotions with sales distributors. As the Latin America Region Communications and Public Relations Manager, she then worked on the successful and historic IPO of HP's spin-off, Agilent Technologies, Inc., also serving as the media and PR consultant to the President and CEO during his VIP visits to the region.
Susana has worked with the White House Rapid Response team during the 2004 Presidential debate and aided in handling the press at the Vice-President's Town Hall meeting in Miami. Her firm handles numerous Fortune 500 clients, as well as small businesses. In addition, she serves on the Miami Dade County Public Schools Attendance Boundary Committee and has served on the Miami Lakes Cultural Affairs Committee. In addition, the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce recognized Susana with the 2008 Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
Susana is an adjunct professor at the University of Miami teaching small business consulting, small business management, and high potential ventures at the School of Business Administration. She graduated with honors from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in International Finance and Marketing and dual Master of Business Administration degrees in Marketing and Management.
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Roberto Paredes
Director of Membership Growth
Senior Search Consultant, Stephen James Associates |
Roberto Paredes attended Florida State University where he received a BS in Accounting and Finance. He began his career in Accounting with the SEC group of a billion-dollar publicly traded company located in Miami, FL. After three years Roberto transitioned his career to professional recruitment. He joined Kramer Professional Staffing/Stephen James Associates in 2005 and developed a passion for helping professionals achieve their career goals.
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Alex Zaldivar
Director of Corporate Development
Vice President, Solutions@MBAF |
Alex Zaldivar is a Vice President at Solutions@MBAF (Solutions) and has served in such capacity since combining his former practice, FAS Group, with Solutions in 2010. Alex's primary role within the Solutions organization is the continued development and expansion of the practice, specifically within the financial application, business process redesign, and business intelligence / reporting consulting areas. Mr. Zaldivar's business development efforts are broad in scope but focus on medium-to-large publicly-held companies, private equity firms, and large-scale private companies. His role also includes oversight over the firm's resource management and quality control initiatives. Alex is a proactive leader that leverages the strengths of his team and his overall experience as part of his ongoing commitment to client service.
Within his personal life, Mr. Zaldivar is equally committed to community service and to the South Florida community particularly. He has been a member of the Miami Beach Kiwanis Club for several years, including roles on the local and state board of the organization, and with the local and state youth organizations sponsored by Kiwanis International. Additionally, Alex has served as a member and former board member of ALPFA and as a member of the Financial Executive Institute. Alex is also a member of the Board of Accountancy of the State of Maryland, the South Florida Association for Financial Professionals and the Latin American Business Association.
Before joining Solutions, Mr. Zaldivar was one of the founding principals of the FAS Group, a Gold-Certified Microsoft Business Solution Partner, while also serving as the firm's Managing Director. His duties as Managing Director included managing day-to-day operations, administrative functions, resource management, client relationships and overall practice development. Under Mr. Zaldivar's leadership, FAS Group grew from one to over 30 professionals in less than four years while serving clients such as HealthSouth, Raymond James Capital, Vail & Rock Resorts, Jamba Juice, Swisher Hygiene, and many others.
Prior to partnering in the formation of the FAS Group, Alex held management positions with two global accounting firms (Big Four / Five firms). Such positions include five years as an auditor and transaction advisory services professional with Arthur Andersen LLP, where his ultimate title was Manager; and, two additional years as an Experienced Manager and auditor with Ernst and Young LLP. Alex concentrated on financial statement audit and merger and acquisition services for public registrants during his tenure at Arthur Andersen and Ernst and Young. Mr. Zaldivar earned his Bachelor's in Science within Business and Accounting from the University of Miami. He is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of Maryland.
As a whole, Mr. Zaldivar has dedicated his professional career to client service. Now, he maintains his focus in this area as he continues his endeavors in growing Solutions@MBAF and his individual role within the community.
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Francesco Balli
Director of Corporate Relations
President, Balli Enterprises |
Francesco Balli is currently president and owner of Consultecnica, Inc., d/b/a Balli Enterprises, a firm providing specialized business consulting services including: interim-CFO services, best practices consulting for the airport / turnpike concession business / industry, federal / state tax credit and incentive administration, private acquisition brokering and negotiating, complex project and / or business viability, feasibility and other analytical services, internal accounting controls and financial functions restructuring; company policies and procedures design and implementation, and strategic consulting on markets and corporate structures.
Before Consultecnica, Inc., Mr. Balli was the Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance at Areas USA, Inc ("Areas USA"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Areas, S.A. ("Areas"). Areas is a $1.2 billion USD global concessionaire with over 1, 200 locations operating in nine countries. In 2006, Areas won a concession contract in Miami, Florida, thus forming Areas USA and hiring Mr. Balli in late 2007 to develop and oversee its accounting, finance and administration departments. Mr. Balli formed part of the start-up executive team and played a critical role in Areas USA's explosive growth. This growth was demonstrated best with winning the largest turnpike concession contract in history, the Florida's Turnpike concession contract which was valued at over $6 billion. Mr. Balli developed and directly managed eight corporate departments, including: accounting, financial reporting, treasury, information technology, human resources, loss prevention, corporate & legal affairs, and company policies & procedures. Mr. Balli oversaw a total of 45 corporate personnel.
Before Areas USA, Mr. Balli was a Manager in Ernst & Young's Fraud Investigation & Dispute Services. Mr. Balli was based in the Miami office and was focused on the Latin American market. Mr. Balli has served clients in the manufacturing, retail, distribution, real estate, healthcare, financial services and other industries.
Before joining Ernst & Young's Fraud Investigation & Dispute Services practice, Mr. Balli was a Senior Auditor in Ernst & Young's Miami Audit practice. Mr. Balli planned, performed, supervised and reviewed financial statement audits, agreed upon procedure and attestation of internal control type engagements. He also assisted in the compilation and preparation of financial statements for privately and publicly held companies in various industries.
Mr. Balli holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the Fisher School of Accounting from the University of Florida, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Florida International University. Mr. Balli is also a Certified Public Accountant.
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Tessie Brunken
Director of Student Affairs
Adjunct Instructor, Florida International University |
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Ayman Al-Abdullah
Student Representative
President, ALPFA at Florida International University |
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