About Us
We combine the experience of a large firm with the personal attention that only a small firm can provide. Our clients come back to us year after year because they know they are in good hands. We work to develop long-term relationships; whether your needs are simple or complex, we can help.
Our Team
Paul Michael, Founder, and Licensed CPA graduated from Santa Clara University in 1985 with a B.S. in Accounting. Prior to forming Paul Michael, CPA in 2005, he worked in public accounting at a regional accounting firm and as a controller for a private company. When he’s not busy at the office, Paul is spending time with his wife and four kids. He enjoys working in the backyard, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.
Kathie Harwood, Bookkeeper, graduated from Heald Business College in 1984. Prior to joining Paul Michael, CPA, she worked independently as a bookkeeper. She did contract work for the firm until she officially joined the team in January 2011. Kathie now manages the compilation department at the firm, training and managing other staff. Kathie is very involved in her church community and enjoys spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Bob Davies, Senior Tax Accountant, and Licensed CPA, graduated from Cal State University Fresno in 1985 with a B.S. in Accounting. He was hired out of college by Ernst & Young, performing auditing and tax work. In 2004, he graduated from Golden Gate University with a master’s degree in Taxation. Bob began working at Paul Michael, CPA in the fall of 2015, specializing in individual and business taxation. He enjoys traveling, and also writes and edits for Spidell Publishing Inc.
Mandy Savage, Bookkeeper, graduated from San Jose City College in 2003 and continued her education with accounting courses at Foothill College. Mandy has a decade of experience as an accounts payable technician, bookkeeping experience, and experience as a tax preparer, and has expertise in building relationships between the company and clients. She joined Paul Michael, CPA in December 2015, and specializes in small business bookkeeping.
Elaine Lok, Senior Tax Accountant, Licensed CPA, graduated from San Francisco State University in 1991 with a B.S. in Accounting. She joined Paul Michael, CPA in August of 2019. Prior to joining Paul Michael, CPA, she worked in public accounting firms in greater San Francisco Bay Area since 1990, with focus in various income tax and estate tax returns. She enjoys spending time with her family.
Karla Abrams, EA CFP® MST, graduated with a B.S. in accounting from San Jose State University in 1995 and a master's degree in taxation in 2022. She joined Paul Michael, CPA in January 2024. Prior to joining Paul Michael, CPA, she worked in corporate accounting for 20 years before transitioning to financial planning, where her focus was equity compensation, real estate, retirement, and tax planning and services. She enjoys swimming and spending time with her husband and labradors.
Joanne Brenner, Staff Accountant, Licensed CPA, joined Paul, Michael CPA in 2024. She graduated from San Jose State with a B.S. in accounting. Prior to joining Paul Michael, CPA she worked as a tax preparer and/or bookkeeper since 2012. She enjoys spending time in Oregon on the river, listening to live music and has never met a dog she didn't like.
Jennie Recendez, Bookkeeper, graduated from San Jose State University with a B.S. in accounting in 2014. She has worked as a bookkeeper for 30 years both privately and publicly, and had her own bookkeeping service, tax work and consulting during that time. She officially joined the team in March 2025. Jennie enjoys spending time with her family fishing, camping, shopping and just hanging out.
Evelyn Zialcita, Bookkeeper, graduated with a B.S. in Accounting from Adamson University in Manila, Philippines. Evelyn worked as a bookkeeper for various manufacturing firms in the Bay Area for many years before moving to a smaller CPA office, and then joining Paul Michael CPA in early 2020, when that office closed. Evelyn holds her faith in God and her family in the highest priority.
Angela Michael, Office Manager, graduated from San Jose State University with a B.A. in Child and Adolescent Development, M.A. in Special Education, and a teaching credential for Early Intervention. While in school, she worked in public accounting at a local public accounting firm. After working in her field for several years, she retired to start a family. Angela joined Paul Michael, CPA in 2005 to help run the administration end of the office. Angela enjoys spending time with her husband and children, basket weaving, visiting her home in Alaska, and being out in nature.
Rosanna Zabatta, Administrative Assistant, graduated from San Jose State University with a B.A. in Business Administration. She joined Paul Michael CPA in 2021. She currently works part time at Paul Michael CPA. She is a proficient Administrative Assistant with more than20 years of office experience, specialized in administrative work and customer service. Enjoys traveling as much as possible to new places around the world. Loves to spend weekends hiking, exploring the Bay Area and spending time with friends and family.
Our History
Paul Michael CPA has been providing quality tax, accounting, and financial guidance to individuals and small to mid-sized privately owned companies for more than 20 years. By combining our expertise and experience, we guarantee that every client will receive the close analysis and attention they deserve.
Our Credentials
Our firm participates in the Peer Review program prescribed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and CalCPA. Paul Michael CPA was last reviewed in 2023. The resulting report stated that all of our accounting practices and procedures complied with the standards of the industry.
Paul Michael CPA is also an active member of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants.
Our Areas of Specialization
Our entire operation is rooted in a tradition of meeting the highest standards of accounting practices. From this foundation, we offer the following specialized services: strategic tax planning for individuals and businesses, financial planning services for individuals and estates, auditing services for businesses and individuals, consulting services for business development and management, and accounting and tax services for the Internet environment and e-commerce.
