RICK PARENT
Managing Director, Shareholder, Audit and Accounting
Gumbiner Savett
Rick Parent is managing director, shareholder and audit and accounting shareholder for Gumbiner Savett, specializing in audits and financial reporting for private and publicly held companies. He leads audits and provides due diligence and special reports for clients in real estate, pharmaceuticals and life sciences, technology, manufacturing and distribution, entertainment and hospitality. He also heads Gumbiner Savett’s operations committee, co-leads its real estate department, and is a member of the SEC public company practice. He previously worked at international accounting firms including Ernst & Young and BDO Seidman. He holds degrees in music from USC and the Juilliard School, and is involved in several music and sports-related organizations, including serving as chairman of the Dean’s Circle executive board of the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media and Communication at Cal State Northridge. He also is on the board of the Los Angeles Sports Council and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the California Society of Certified Public Accountants.
What was your proudest moment?
I grew up listening to classic music and reading about the accomplishments of those that had gone to Julliard, the greatest music conservatory in the world. It was my lifelong dream to attend Julliard and study with world famous musicians, composers and conductors. Eventually, I had the opportunity to travel to New York to audition for the program – I stayed at a former piano teacher’s apartment on the Upper West Side, and was terrified about what was to occur to the next day. The audition came and went and I was relieved. When the letter arrived, I was so overjoyed by the news of acceptance and couldn’t wait for my journey to start.
What is your alma mater?
I received a bachelor’s degree in music from the University of Southern California and a Masters in Music from the Julliard School of Music. I received my accounting credentials from UCLA.
What is your next project?
My next project is to acquire additional local CPA firms to grow our L.A. area presence, serve larger clients and help Gumbiner Savett enter into more business lines such as business management and consulting. In 2018, we have already acquired two accounting firms, and are in discussion with others to further expand our practice.
Who is your hero?
Being a history buff and having read countless books on the era, my heroes are the officers of the greatest generation who fought for our country during World War II. Their bravery, courage, endurance and will to lead others to succeed and survive are completely admirable to me.
What do you like best about Los Angeles?
Los Angeles has so much to offer. It is the greatest city to live in and visit. What I appreciate most is the variety of year-round outdoor activities and proximity to other wonderful areas like Santa Barbara and the mountains.
