Daniel O. Trujillo, CPA, CFE, CGFM, CGMA joined Kubiak Melton & Associates, LLC in November of 2009. Trujillo’s practice concentrates on auditing state and local governments, tribal governments, tribal corporations and non-profits. He is also a certified fraud examiner (CFE) and performs forensic audits and examinations. Daniel has a BBA and MACCT from UNM and is a member of AICPA, NMSCPA, ACFE and AGA.
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Daniel Trujillo, CPA, CFE, CGFM, CGMA |
Why did you want to become a CPA?
When I was growing up, my parents were entrepreneurs in blue collar industries. I remember them always talking about getting their taxes done and discussing how they were dealing with CPAs. They always spoke highly of CPAs and how prestigious it was to be a CPA. Initially, when I started at UNM I wanted to be a pharmacist, but the science classes weren’t my cup of tea, so I decided to switch to business and apply to the Anderson School of Management. When I took Management 202 with Professor Norman Colter, I found the subject challenging and I liked it, so I decided to pursue accounting which naturally meant obtaining my CPA designation.
What keeps you up at night?
Lately, it has been my hopes and dreams for the growth of the firm’s audit department. I go to bed thinking about the opportunity and challenges for growth. What growth means to the firm, the team members and our clients. How important it is to integrate all aspects while staying true to the firm’s core values.
Looking back on your career, what is the professional accomplishment you are most proud of?
I would have to say becoming a Partner at Kubiak Melton & Associates, LLC, which happened recently. I always knew that I wanted to work for myself, so I asked myself how I could accomplish that as a CPA. I landed at Kubiak Melton & Associates, LLC which was ripe with opportunity for growth and leadership. The path to partnership has not been easy. I’m most proud of this professional accomplishment because to be a partner in a smaller firm means you must demonstrate skills that don’t always necessarily go hand-in-hand such as being technically sound, being personable and having business acumen.