SF

Sergio Q. Fuentes

Senior Financial Reporting Analyst & CPA Candidate

About Me

I'm a dedicated financial reporting professional currently serving as Senior Financial Reporting Analyst at PriceSmart, specializing in SEC filings, complex accounting standards, and financial statement preparation. I have extensive experience in tax preparation from my previous role at Eisner Amper, combined with current expertise in ASC 606 (Revenue Recognition) and ASC 842 (Lease Accounting).

I'm passionate about delivering accurate, compliant financial reporting and have successfully led process improvements in both tax and financial reporting environments. Currently pursuing my CPA certification, having already passed the FAR section of the exam. I excel in collaborative environments, working with domestic and international teams to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.

Skills

Financial Reporting & SEC Filings

SEC Forms 10-K & 10-Q, Earnings Releases, Footnote Disclosures, Consolidated Financial Statements, Variance Analysis, SOX Compliance, Technical Accounting Memos

Complex Accounting Standards

ASC 606 (Revenue Recognition), ASC 842 (Lease Accounting), Hedge Accounting, Derivatives, Foreign Currency, Pension Accounting, Inventory Reserves

Tax & Private Client Services

High Net Worth Individual Returns, Trust & Estate Tax, Multi-State Tax Compliance, International Tax (5471, 1120F, 8621, 8938, FBAR), IRS Notice Response, Tax Research & Planning

Systems & Languages

ERP Systems, Consolidation Software, CCH ProSystem fx, CCH Axcess, Excel (Advanced), QuickBooks, Bilingual (English/Spanish), Lease Reporting Software

Experience

Senior Financial Reporting Analyst

PriceSmart, San Diego, CA
March 2024 - Present

Assist with preparation of SEC filings including Forms 10-K, 10-Q, and earnings releases. Prepare complex journal entries for leases, derivatives, foreign currency, and hedge accounting. Write Income Statement and Balance Sheet variance analyses, coordinating with domestic and international teams. Maintain SOX compliance documentation and support external auditors.

Tax Senior Associate - Private Client Services

Eisner Amper, La Jolla, CA
August 2022 - March 2024

Prepared federal, state, and multi-state income tax returns for high net worth individuals, family-owned businesses, trusts, estates, and closely held entities. Conducted tax research and planning according to applicable laws and regulations. Responded to IRS and state tax notices, and communicated directly with clients under manager direction. Worked as part of integrated team serving diverse entrepreneurial ventures across various industries.

Tax Intern

GPW LLP, San Diego, CA
January 2022 - April 2022

Entered data for individual tax returns into PFX, managed client relationships and fee calculations. Coordinated with the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) for payment confirmations and created financial workpapers in Excel from QuickBooks data. Successfully handled high volume of tax returns during internship.

Key Achievements

ASC 606 Revenue Recognition Implementation

Developed comprehensive framework for applying ASC 606 revenue recognition standard specifically for PriceSmart's membership model and retail operations. Created detailed procedures for identifying performance obligations, transaction price allocation, and revenue recognition timing for membership fees and product sales.

ASC 606 Revenue Recognition Financial Reporting

ASC 842 Lease Accounting Compliance

Led implementation of ASC 842 lease accounting standards for PriceSmart's extensive retail and warehouse lease portfolio. Managed Right-of-Use asset calculations, lease liability measurements, and ongoing reassessments for quarterly reporting periods. Ensured full compliance with disclosure requirements.

ASC 842 Lease Accounting Balance Sheet Management

SEC Reporting Process Enhancement

Streamlined quarterly and annual SEC filing processes including Forms 10-K and 10-Q preparation. Improved footnote disclosure compilation and supporting documentation processes, working with international subsidiaries to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.

SEC Filings 10-K/10-Q Process Improvement

Education

Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Charles W. Lamden School of Accountancy, San Diego State University
Graduated: May 2022

Comprehensive accounting education with focus on tax preparation, financial reporting, and business analysis. Strong foundation in accounting principles and tax regulations.

CPA Certification Progress

California Board of Accountancy
In Progress

Currently pursuing CPA certification. Successfully passed the FAR (Financial Accounting & Reporting) section of the CPA exam, demonstrating proficiency in advanced accounting principles and financial reporting standards.