Every career has a story behind it, and at LLME, those stories are what bring our firm to life.
The experiences our people carry with them — in and out the office — shape how we work, how we lead and how we serve our clients. For Bryan Martinez, his personal milestones have had a strong influence on his approach to leadership, work-life balance and the future of LLME.
After joining LLME in 2015 and advancing into senior tax leadership, he stepped away to focus on family before returning more than a year ago as Director of Tax Administration.
Today, he oversees the operations of our Tax Department, champions the thoughtful adoption of new tech and is deeply invested in developing LLME’s next generation of tax professionals.
Take us back to the beginning. What inspired you to pursue a career in accounting and taxation?
I found my way into it organically. I went to UC Santa Barbara and started as a political science major, following my oldest sister’s footsteps. One of the requirements was taking an accounting class, and it just really made sense to me. I liked math, but I also liked relationships and how numbers tell a story. My dad was a CPA, another sister is also CPA, so it was always kind of in me.
I ended up double majoring in political science and business economics with an accounting emphasis. After graduating in 2007, I worked at a local Santa Barbara firm for eight years and gravitated toward tax because I liked working with different clients and the lifestyle it offered.
You joined LLME in 2015 and quickly grew into a Senior Tax Manager. What drew you to the firm?
I was in my 30s, wanted a change of pace and wanted to move to a bigger city. What really stood out about LLME was its culture. My interviews felt more like conversations with people I could see myself working and building relationships with. It really had that family feel from the get-go.
After stepping away from your career to focus on family, what brought you back to LLME?
Childcare was really difficult to find when my wife and I had our first daughter. So, I became her primary caregiver for about six months, and it was an amazing experience. Once we found a great daycare, I knew I wanted to get back into public accounting — and it wasn’t going to be anywhere but LLME.
Tell us about your role as LLME’s Director of Tax Administration?
I oversee the tax department’s operations, making sure everything runs smoothly and efficiently while also planning for our future. That includes training, recruiting, onboarding, staff development, technology adoption, and helping build the pipeline from staff-level roles into senior leadership and future partners. I want to make sure our people have the tools to succeed and that we’re growing in a sustainable way.
You long played a major role in integrating new tech at LLME — including the early adoption of Microsoft Teams. How do you envision technology shaping the tax department’s future?
As accountants, we’re naturally cautious when it comes to new technology, especially because client data security and privacy are so critical. That’s why LLME takes a thoughtful and deliberate approach to tech adoption. We have technology and AI committees that brainstorm ideas, gather input from across the firm and identify pain points where technology could make us more efficient. We involve early adopters who are excited to test new tools, but we also intentionally include team members who may be more hesitant, so we can fully understand concerns and real-world challenges before moving forward.
Right now, we’re exploring a number of new technologies, like a robust cloud-based tax platform. Everything we’re looking at is aimed at improving our team’s efficiency, collaboration, and scalability, while still protecting our client’s data and maintaining the trust that’s at the center of our profession.
How did your time away influence your perspective on work, leadership and balance?
It gave me a new appreciation for the people here — and just how smart, motivated and driven they are.
In my role, I want to make sure our staff have time to grow, get their CPA licenses and still have a life outside of work. Flexibility is huge. One thing I try to practice is setting three to five goals each day and keeping them realistic, knowing balance is always a constant recalibration.
Can you share about your community involvement?
Giving back is important to me, and I stay very involved in LLME’s community service committee. My brother founded a nonprofit called Digital NEST that provides technology access and education to underserved youth. Seeing his impact has always motivated me to stay involved in service when I can.
What advice do you have for professionals entering tax and accounting?
Knock out the CPA exam as early as possible. It only gets harder as life gets busier. And stay organized. Time management is everything. Even if you don’t get everything done exactly when you planned, staying on top of priorities really builds momentum.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
Right now, it’s watching a lot of Miss Rachel and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse with my kids. We love the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park and the beach — and I try to squeeze in a round of golf when I can. I’m also a Dodgers fan who somehow ended up with Padres season tickets!
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