About Maria Ortega
Founder & Principal Accountant
30+ Years of Accounting Experience • 20+ Years of Individual Tax Preparation Experience • Bilingual English & Spanish
Over 30 Years of Accounting Experience
Maria Ortega is the Founder and Principal Accountant of Independent Accounting Services, LLC, bringing over 30 years of accounting experience in both private industry and public accounting across Arizona and Mexico. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she has supported small and medium businesses across a variety of industries.
Throughout her career, Maria has worked in accounting leadership, financial reporting, account reconciliations, cost accounting, profitability analysis, and financial oversight. Her diverse industry experience includes cold storage and warehousing, commercial cleaning, commercial farming, construction and contractor trades, full-service hotels, petroleum and fuel, produce brokerage, and retail, as well as multi-entity operations. Her background also includes public accounting experience with a CPA firm.
Earlier in her career, Maria served as Business Advisory Department Head for a regional CPA firm operating under Deloitte international auditing standards, where she conducted and oversaw internal audits and gained experience in GAAP compliance, corporate taxation, accounting processes and internal controls, and financial statement analysis.
Maria earned a four-year degree in Public Accounting from Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (UABC). Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE) evaluated her education as equivalent to a United States Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a major in Accounting.
In addition to her business accounting experience, Maria has more than 20 years of experience preparing individual income tax returns. She participates in the IRS Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) and is an IRS PTIN holder and Authorized IRS Electronic Return Originator (ERO). Through Independent Accounting Services, LLC, Maria provides Personal Tax Services for Arizona individuals and families, including sole proprietors, business owners, investors, and rental property owners.
My Approach to Client Relationships
I have always had a reserved and thoughtful approach to my work. I like to listen first, ask questions, and seek clarification so I can fully understand a client’s needs and concerns before offering guidance. I approach those conversations with empathy, respect, and without judgment.
I am passionate about helping business owners maintain accurate and reliable financial information so they can better understand their business and make informed decisions. I bring that same care and attention to preparing accurate personal tax returns for individuals and families.
My approach is professional and personalized, with clear communication, mutual respect, and an understanding of what is expected from both sides. I also recognize the trust clients place in me when sharing their financial and tax information and treat that information with strict confidentiality.
BUSINESS ACCOUNTING
Remote Throughout Arizona
Explore Our Business Accounting Process >>
PERSONAL TAX
Remote Throughout Arizona
Explore Our Personal Tax Process >>
Experience Across Industries
Maria’s experience includes supporting the accounting and financial reporting needs of businesses across multiple industries and operational environments.
Public & Corporate Accounting
Corporate, public, and independent accounting experience supporting businesses across multiple industries, including operational and multi-entity environments.
Financial Analysis & Reporting
Experience supporting financial analysis, cash flow monitoring, profitability analysis, management reporting, and financial reporting designed to improve financial visibility and business decisions.
Operational Accounting Support
Experience supporting operational accounting functions, account reconciliations, cost tracking, inventory control, and accounting oversight across a variety of business environments.
Multi-Industry Accounting Experience
Experience supporting businesses across commercial cleaning, commercial farming, construction and contractor trades, full-service hotels, and multi-entity environments.
Internal Controls & Process Structure
Experience supporting internal controls, accounting organization, and standardized accounting processes designed to improve operational structure, financial visibility, and reporting consistency.
Individual Tax Preparation
More than 20 years of experience preparing individual income tax returns for individuals and families, including sole proprietors, self-employed individuals, business owners, and rental property owners.
Core Accounting Experience
Throughout her career, Maria has supported businesses across a broad range of accounting, operational accounting, and financial reporting functions, including:
- GAAP-Focused Financial Reporting & Month-End Close
- General Ledger Accounting, Account Analysis & Reconciliations
- Multi-Entity & Intercompany Accounting
- Financial Analysis, Management Reporting & Profitability Review
- Cost Accounting, Inventory Control & Job Costing
- Revenue Recognition & Contract-Related Accounting
- Accounting Processes, Internal Controls & Operational Support
- Accounting Cleanup, Catch-Up & Financial Reconstruction
- Accounting System Organization & Implementation
- Audit Support, Tax Preparation Support & CPA Coordination
Work With Maria Ortega
Whether you’re looking for Business Accounting Services or Personal Tax Services, Maria welcomes the opportunity to learn more about your needs, answer your questions, and discuss your concerns with respect and without judgment. Together, you can determine the appropriate next step.