Sophia Sandoval Mathamba
Santa Fe Springs
Summary
Detail-oriented tax professional with strong organizational and client service skills and hands-on experience preparing individual income tax returns and supporting small business clients. Known for being dependable, adaptable, and responsive in a fast-paced CPA firm environment, with the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and professionalism. Comfortable communicating with clients, gathering financial information, and assisting with tax-related questions in a clear and approachable manner. Committed to continued learning and providing reliable, compliant tax support that helps clients feel informed and supported. CPA eligible and planning to sit for the first CPA exam in Fall 2026
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Tax Preparer
Lozano & Company, CPA
Santa Ana
01.2024 - Current
- Prepare and file federal and state individual income tax returns with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail, using Lacerte Tax.
- Collecting, reviewing, and organizing client tax documentation to ensure completeness prior to return preparation.
- Serve as a primary liaison between clients and the firm, communicating documentation requests, clarifying financial information, and providing status updates.
- Address client inquiries related to individual, business entity, and trust taxation, referring complex technical matters to CPAs, as appropriate.
- Submit tax forms, supporting documentation, and correspondence to federal and state tax agencies to support compliance and issue resolution.
- Assisting clients in responding to IRS and state tax notices by coordinating documentation and facilitating timely communication.
- Manage secure document exchange and digital file organization through the SmartVault client portal.
- Provide guidance to clients on using the secure portal, improving document submission efficiency and workflow turnaround times.
- Review prior-year returns and financial information to ensure consistency, accuracy, and identification of missing data.
- Identify applicable deductions and credits during the preparation process to support accurate and compliant tax reporting.
- Conduct tax research using federal and state resources to support return preparation, and respond to client questions.
- Monitor filing deadlines, e-file authorizations, and return statuses to help ensure timely and accurate submissions during tax season.
- Support CPAs and senior staff with business entity and trust returns by gathering, organizing, and verifying client information.
Store Manager
Starbucks
Santa Fe Springs
11.2015 - 08.2022
- Secured revenue, accurately monitoring transactions and deposits to eliminate discrepancies.
- Actively monitored business through quarterly P&L statements as well as IMS to monitor any discrepancies in inventory
- Enhanced team member performance through use of strategic and tactical approaches, motivational coaching and training.
- Developed training, assessment and performance monitoring programs to coach and mentor employees.
- Oversaw team of 40+, including training, payroll, onboarding, and performance development.
- Analyzed trends, identifying consumer demand and forecasting seasonal trends to streamline operations.
- Trained employees on additional job positions to maintain coverage of roles.
- Accomplished financial objectives by forecasting requirements, scheduling expenditures and preparing annual budgets.
- Minimized staff turnover through appropriate selection, orientation and training.
- Analyzed customer needs and provided best options, upselling products and services.
- Improved store operations, maintaining records, tracking data and promoting clear internal communications.
- Continuously checking in with clients and employees to ensure they're receiving a positive experience.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Accounting
California State University, Fullerton
Fullerton, CA05-2026
Skills
- Lacerte software proficiency
- SmartVault expertise
- Record keeping and management
- Tax research and analysis
- Preparation of tax returns
- Bilingual communication (Spanish)
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Issue resolution strategies
- Interpersonal effectiveness
- Team leadership skills
- Staff training and development
- Client relations management
- Document organization skills
- Communication effectiveness
- Tax assistance services
- Data processing capabilities
- Client advisory services
Timeline
Tax Preparer
Lozano & Company, CPA
01.2024 - Current
Store Manager
Starbucks
11.2015 - 08.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Accounting
California State University, Fullerton