Doug Aguilera, CPA, CFF, CFE, CGMA
Treasurer
Principal
Aguilera & Associates
Candidate Biography
Doug is a CPA and Forensic Accountant with over 30 years of global accounting services expertise. This experience includes 18 years at “Big 4” accounting firms. Since 2008, Doug has run a successful forensic accounting practice in Palo Alto, California.
Doug possesses strong knowledge and skills related to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”), Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (“GAAS”), OMB’s Uniform Guidance, Federal Acquisition Regulation, the professional standards of CPAs, risks and controls, historical financial records and project management.
As an impartial factfinder, Doug advises boards and senior leaders in the private and academic sectors on complex financial issues and irregularities. He also testifies in front of judges, juries, and arbiters. Doug’s clients consistently report that he is ethical, diligent, analytical, and detail oriented.
Doug is the current Treasurer and a member of the AUTM Board of Directors. Using his extensive technology transfer knowledge, experience and skills, Doug performs royalty examinations in various circumstances, allowing for a meaningful flow of information and relationship enhancement for licensors and licensees. He communicates technical and detailed financial information in clear, logical oral presentations and written reports.
Candidate Q&A
What experience do you have working on or with a strategic Board of Directors?
As Treasurer I have worked on the AUTM Board of Directors for the past two and a half years on a variety of challenging strategic topics that are important to our members.
Please include a brief description of your volunteer experiences within AUTM.
My volunteer experiences with AUTM have focused on the financial integrity and well being of the organization. This includes work related to budgets, financial statements, outside audits, review of expenses, investments, risks and controls.
Why do you want to join the AUTM Board of Directors?
AUTM is an organization that I love. AUTM is filled with a variety of impressive and thoughtful members that have helped me to grow professionally and personally. I would like to continue to serve this great organization as its Treasurer.
Have you served in a volunteer leadership role for other organizations? If so, please explain.
Yes. I have been appointed by the California State Society of CPAs for the last three years as Chair of the Enforcement Advisory Committee conducting hearings into licensed CPA disciplinary matters. I also support the American Institute of CPAs as a member of the forensic services education committee and the California State Society of CPAs as a leader of the Forensic Services Section and Board Member of the Silicon Valley Chapter.
If elected by the Membership to the Board, would you consider serving as Chair? Please explain.
Yes. I would be honored and proud to serve as Chair.
Please share personal strengths that you believe would be valuable to the AUTM Board and/or the strategic direction of the Association?
Having spent the last few years getting over a learning curve as Treasurer, I now have experience with the Board and every aspect of the organization's finances and operations. This knowledge of AUTM's finances allows me to help protect the members' assets and resources and is important when developing, creating and executing strategic plans.
What special experience do you have in driving and implementing a strategic plan?
During my time as Treasurer, I have worked with the CEO to develop and obtain approval for three annual budgets. These budgets rest directly on AUTM's strategic plans that I helped to develop. Making sure that the financial underpinning is in place is one of the most important parts of a strategic plan.
How do terms of the position (both responsibilities and time commitment) fit with your other responsibilities? Will you have any conflicts of commitment between your full-time position and your volunteer time on the AUTM Board?
For the last two and a half years I have successfully balanced my business needs with the Treasurer and Board requirements. I will not have any conflicts of commitment.
AUTM is committed to addressing issues of equity, diversity and inclusion both on the Board and on behalf of our Members. Briefly describe how your experiences can contribute to the Association’s growth in this area.
All of the organizations that I volunteer for place a premium on equity, diversity and inclusion. I participate in a large number of decisions and incorporate EDI into many of them.
Advocacy for the innovation ecosystem is something AUTM has promoted recently. How do you think AUTM should continue to be involved?
We should keep doing what we are doing by supporting legislators in developing and passing legislation and appropriating funds for our members and the ecosystem.
Is there anything else you would like AUTM Members to know about you before they vote?
I consider it an honor and privilege to serve as AUTM's Treasurer and would like to continue in this support role.