home
about us
services
client accounts
news
formsimage
contact
financial tools
linksimage
careers
 
Leaf & Cole, LLP is a dedicated team of skilled accounting professionals. We are large enough to offer complete and diversified accounting services, yet small enough to give a very personal touch. Whether it's auditing, accounting, compilation, review, tax, management advisory, small business, computer or litigation services, no one provides quality work and sincere dedication to your business goals as the team at Leaf & Cole. Our professional services include:

  • Tax Services
  • Auditing - Special Districts
  • Auditing - Affordable Housing
  • Auditing - Non Profits
  • Compilation and Review Services
  • Management Advisory Services
  • Litigation Services
  • Computer Consulting
  • Small Business Services
  • Business Valuation
  • Financial Consulting Services



    Tax Services

    We offer our clients, whether individuals, partnerships, corporations, estates or trusts, a full range of tax services. We provide tax planning, return preparation and representation before tax authorities.

    Leaf & Cole, LLP and our team of tax and accounting professionals provide you with innovative solutions to your personal financial and business needs. Tax planning and compliance, cash flow management, budgeting, software selection, and management advisory services are but a few of the areas with which we can assist you in reaching your maximum potential.

    Our tax consultants formulate strategies in order to be certain that complex business transactions result in the achievement of your objectives. Tax planning services include advice on structure and timing of transactions in order to minimize the tax consequences.

    Leaf & Cole, LLP provide tax and accounting services to a wide variety of Individual and Business entities from the couple purchasing their first home to the closely held corporation.

    We draw upon our knowledge of the tax laws, rules, and regulations applicable to all types of entities in order to assist our clients in meeting their tax filing and documentation obligations. As your tax advocate we will use our considerable experience in representing you before the taxing authorities, should the need arise. Leaf & Cole, LLP can assist the following entities with their Federal and State tax compliance requirements.

    Individuals
    Partnerships
    Corporations
    S-Corporations
    Trust and Estates
    Retirement Plans
    Nonprofit Organizations
    Limited Liability Corporations

    Since 1959, Leaf & Cole, LLP has assisted small business clients in becoming successful. We can do the same for you.

    Auditing - Special Districts

    Leaf & Cole, LLP. was founded in 1959, and today is one of the largest single office accounting firms in San Diego. Our high ratio of partners to our professional staff allows us to better anticipate clients' needs. The value we add to any organization is rooted in our high quality of service and is measured objectively by it's continual success.

    We firmly believe that effective and efficient client service depends on the strength of the engagement team. Key factors of that strength are availability, responsiveness, experience and commitment of the team members. This team approach to client service offers our clients increased availability, greater responsiveness, more experience and unsurpassed commitment. The partners of Leaf & Cole have made a strategic commitment to devote top quality talent and the resources necessary to ensure that the firm is viewed as a leader for accounting professionals of California Special Districts. Our Special District practice is charged with keeping our clients and our own professionals informed of significant developments affecting California Special Districts. This is accomplished through participation in related associations, conferences, continuing education and special programs. We are proud of our commitment to staying abreast of emerging issues and providing our clients with timely reports.

    Leaf & Cole, LLP provides accounting and auditing services to a variety of California Special Districts including:

  • Water and Sewer
  • Wastewater Treatment and Reclamation
  • Street and Repair
  • Park and Recreation
  • Fire
  • Community Service
  • Improvement Corporations
  • Finance Authorities
  • Employee Benefit Plans
  • Facilities Corporations

  • Our experience with California Special Districts is not limited to auditing financial statements. We provide a wide range of services including the following:

  • Audited Financial Statements
  • Audits in Accordance with Government Auditing Standards
  • Single Audits (A-133)
  • Analysis and Reporting on Internal Control
  • Analysis and Reporting on Compliance with Laws and Regulations
  • Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports
  • State Controller's Report
  • Agreed upon Procedures
  • Net Revenue Coverage Calculations
  • Monthly Accounting and Compilation Services
  • Government Financial Officer's Association Certificate of Achievement for excellence in Financial Reporting

  • Auditing - Affordable Housing

    Leaf & Cole, LLP. was founded in 1959, and today is one of the largest single office accounting firms in San Diego. Our high ratio of partners to our professional staff allows us to better anticipate clients' needs. The value we add to any organization is rooted in our high quality of service and is measured objectively by it's continual success.

    We firmly believe that effective and efficient client service depends on the strength of the engagement team. Key factors of that strength are availability, responsiveness, experience and commitment of the team members. This team approach to client service offers our clients increased availability, greater responsiveness, more experience and unsurpassed commitment. The partners of Leaf & Cole have made a strategic commitment to devote top quality talent and the resources necessary to ensure that the firm is viewed as a leader for accounting professionals in the Affordable Housing Industry. Our Affordable Housing practice is charged with keeping our clients and our own professionals informed of significant developments affecting Affordable Housing Industry. This is accomplished through participation in related associations, conferences, continuing education and special programs. We are proud of our commitment to staying abreast of emerging issues and providing our clients with timely reports.

    Leaf & Cole, LLP provides accounting and auditing services to a over fifty affordable housing projects including:

  • Non Profit Projects
  • Farmers Home Administration (FHA) Assisted Projects
  • Profit Motivated Projects
  • Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Assisted Projects
  • California Housing Financial Agency (CHFA) Assisted Projects
  • Low Income Housing Tax Credit Projects

  • Our experience in the affordable housing industry is not limited to auditing financial statements. We provide a wide range of services including the following:

  • Audited Financial Statements Audits in Accordance with Government Auditing Standards
  • Single Audits (A-133)Analysis and Reporting on Internal Control
  • Analysis and Reporting on Compliance with Laws and Regulations
  • Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports
  • State Controller's Report
  • Agreed upon Procedures
  • Net Revenue Coverage Calculations
  • Monthly Accounting and Compilation Service
  • Government Financial Officer's Association Certificate of Achievement for excellence in Financial Reporting

  • Auditing - Non Profits

    Leaf & Cole, LLP. was founded in 1959, and today is one of the largest single office accounting firms in San Diego. Our high ratio of partners to our professional staff allows us to better anticipate clients' needs. The value we add to any organization is rooted in our high quality of service and is measured objectively by it's continual success.

    We firmly believe that effective and efficient client service depends on the strength of the engagement team. Key factors of that strength are availability, responsiveness, experience and commitment of the team members. This team approach to client service offers our clients increased availability, greater responsiveness, more experience and unsurpassed commitment. The partners of Leaf & Cole have made a strategic commitment to devote top quality talent and the resources necessary to ensure that the firm is viewed as a leader for accounting professionals in the Affordable Housing Industry. Our Affordable Housing practice is charged with keeping our clients and our own professionals informed of significant developments affecting Affordable Housing Industry. This is accomplished through participation in related associations, conferences, continuing education and special programs. We are proud of our commitment to staying abreast of emerging issues and providing our clients with timely reports.

    Leaf & Cole, LLP provides accounting and auditing services to a variety of Nonprofit Organizations including:

  • Professional Associations
  • Civic and Community Organizations
  • Performing Arts Organizations
  • Religious Organizations
  • Research and Scientific Organizations
  • Trade Associations
  • Voluntary Health and Welfare Organizations
  • Social Clubs
  • Federated Fundraising Organizations
  • Fraternal Organizations
  • Labor Unions
  • Cultural Organizations
  • Political Action Committees

  • Although Nonprofit Organizations are exempt from income taxes in general, the annual filing and compliance requirements are often more stringent than those required for taxable entities.

    Complicated tax issues pertaining to Nonprofit Organizations include:

  • Unrelated Business Income
  • Lobbying or Political Activities
  • Fundraising Activities

  • Our experience with Nonprofit Organizations is not limited to auditing financial statements. We provide a wide range of services including the following:

  • Auditing Financial Statements
  • Audits in Accordance with Government Auditing Standards
  • Single Audits (A-133)
  • Analysis and Reporting on Internal Control
  • Analysis and Reporting on Compliance with Laws and Regulations
  • Tax Planning pertaining to Unrelated Business Income

  • Compilation and Review Services


    Although an audit is the classic method of evaluating a company's financial situation, it is not necessary in many cases. Although an audit is the classic method of evaluating a company's financial situation, it is not necessary in many cases. Frequently a compilation or review of a company's financial statements is all that is needed. The cost of these services can be significantly less than the charges for a traditional audit.

    Compilation:

  • A compilation is a presentation of financial statements and other information that is the representation of the management or owners. We do not express an opinion or give any other form of assurance. We read the statements and issue our compilation report on them.
  • Compilations are useful when clients need assistance in preparing their monthly or quarterly statements.
  • A compilation is essentially what the company would probably do itself, if it had the in-house staff. The C.P.A. simply puts the company's financial information into statements appropriate for that particular industry. We do not establish whether these statements conform with generally accepted accounting principles.


  • Review:

  • A review is more comprehensive than a compilation. The accountant attempts to determine, through inquiry and analysis, whether a company's financial statements conform with generally accepted accounting principles. Reviews are useful when clients, creditors or others need limited assurance that the financial statements require no material modifications.

  • Management Advisory Services


    Our management advisory services are a natural extension of the relationship we maintain with our clients. We serve as objective researchers, analysts, or advisors to management rather than decision makers.

    The goal is to improve each client's capabilities and resources to meet objectives. This work may range from brief consulting sessions to complete accounting and reporting systems design.

    Leaf & Cole's management advisory services are a vital part of the service package. Clients and others in the business community recognize that the experience we gain through our work with financial problems of diverse enterprises has equipped us to render a number of valuable services. We counsel clients in the use of accounting data and the techniques of planning and control which are essential for policy-making groups and administrators who carry them out.

    Before accepting a consulting task, we clearly define our role and responsibility, as well as the major tasks to be accomplished, and establish status reporting methods and a timetable for implementation.

    In all cases, Leaf & Cole is the advisor - management remains the final decision-maker.

    Litigation Services

    Certified public accountants are increasingly being called upon to provide services to assist the legal profession and other clients in the growing complexities of litigation matters. Litigation consulting services include accounting and consulting skills which assist attorneys or clients in a legal or regulatory dispute. Our services are usually defined by being either work products or functions.

    Expert testimony is a key ingredient in an accounting litigation engagement. We carefully blend personal characteristics of an expert witness with appropriate background and work product to enhance effectiveness. We take pride in constantly improving our testifying skills.

    Computer Consulting

    We were one of the first San Diego C.P.A. firms to offer computer services. Since we began the service in 1965, we have continually upgraded our computer systems to meet the growing needs of our clients. Our technical background makes us far more than just a service bureau.

    Confidentiality and security of client data are a primary concern. Clients are assured of data security and privacy with access restricted to only those authorized.

    We can also use compatible software available through outside firms.

    We emphasize management - using reports which may include comparative statements, budgets, columnar comparison of departments or branches, gross profit and percentage calculations, supplemental schedules, and variance reports.

    Because we own our computers, we also can offer our clients rapid computer services - even on an emergency basis - and can guarantee confidentiality of important financial data.

    Small Business Services

    Many of the smaller companies we represent need such services as general ledger, recording cash receipts and disbursements, payroll preparation and reporting, plus other record-keeping support.

    We provide all of this work, and integrate much of it into our computer services. All work is closely coordinated with the client's accounting staff.

    Leaf & Cole has the ability to function as in-house controller-bookkeeper for many small business clients. We approach each individual situation with flexibility and with the overall objective of providing the services needed. Our policy is to furnish those accounting services that our client is not capable of providing internally. Our small business services give our clients a truly sophisticated accounting service at a cost they can afford.

    Business Valuation
    The range of needs for valuing businesses continues to widen, and we provide in-depth analysis to help you identify and analyze the factors that drive the value of your company or one in which you have an interest. Uses for this service include estate planning and compliance, buying and selling businesses, divorce matters, family limited partnerships and ESOPs.

    Financial Consulting Services

    Leaf & Cole, LLP and our team of tax and accounting professionals provide you with innovative solutions to your personal financial and business needs. Tax planning and compliance, cash flow management, budgeting, software selection, and management advisory services are but a few of the areas with which we can assist you in reaching your maximum potential.

    Additionally, Leaf & Cole, LLP guides small and medium sized businesses in the selection and implementation of their accounting software. We will design your accounting system to provide you with the information you need to make management decisions. In addition to being QuickBooks Professional Advisors, we are available to consult on a diverse number of software applications.

    We also provide retirement and investment planning solutions, which include risk analysis, estate planning in coordination with your retirement needs, and portfolio accounting services. As an established full service accounting firm, we provide the following:

  • Management Advisory Services
  • Estate and Retirement Planning
  • Preparation of Compiled or Reviewed Financial Statements
  • Bookkeeping and Payroll Services
  • Computer Consulting
  • Portfolio Accounting
  • Business Valuations
  • Litigation Support
  • Trustee Services


  •