From tax intern to tax manager and trusted advisor, Vanessa Reyes has built a thriving career at LLME rooted in a genuine love for what she does and the clients she serves.
With over a decade of experience in public accounting, Vanessa now manages a diverse portfolio of clients, including high-net-worth individuals and real estate partnerships. She also plays a key role on the firm’s Recruiting Committee, helping set new employees on their own growth journey with the firm.
A University of San Diego alumna, Vanessa holds both a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in taxation. After years in San Diego, she returned to her hometown, Bishop, where she enjoys the serene pace of small-town living and the dynamic demands of the career she’s so passionate about.
We caught up with Vanessa to hear more about her journey, her client work and how LLME’s supportive culture has helped her thrive — both professionally and personally.
You started at LLME as an intern in 2012. What’s kept you with the firm all these years?
I truly enjoy the people I’ve worked with over the years, both colleagues and clients.
The biggest thing for me is LLME’s flexibility. If something unexpected comes up, the firm is always willing to work with us. Recently, my son had a heart procedure, and I needed to take some time off and shift my schedule. I was able to work early mornings and evenings so I could be with him during the day while he recovered. That level of understanding and support is why I’ve chosen to stay with LLME.
You mentioned your clients. Can you tell us about who you serve and the services you provide?
As a tax manager, I work with a wide range of LLME’s clients but focus primarily on working with high-net-worth individuals and the businesses they own, mainly flow-through entities. My main clients are real estate partnerships, but I also support many clients in pharmaceutical-related industries. I provide tax planning, compliance and strategic guidance to help clients navigate the complexities of their business structures and investment portfolios and particularly enjoy the real estate component of this work.
What does your work in real estate typically involve?
A simple example is the purchase or sale of a property, but it can quickly become more complex. I often work on 1031 exchanges, where the profits from one property’s sale are rolled into another to defer capital gains tax liabilities. I also work with pass-through entities with multiple investors. If someone sells their interests or passes away, we handle step-up calculations and evaluate partnerships. There are also lease commissions to track, property improvements to consider and decisions about what to capitalize or expense. Tax rules and regulations always change, so I’m always evaluating situations to determine the best course of action.
How do you stay organized and ensure nothing falls through the cracks?
I focus on maintaining strong communication with my clients so we can plan ahead, especially when there are anticipated changes or major events on the horizon. I’m very detail-oriented and like to keep running lists of tasks, key contacts and follow-up timelines. That helps me stay on top of everything and ensures I’m regularly checking in when needed. I also have a pretty good memory, which helps!
You’re involved in the firm’s Recruiting & Remote Committees. What does this entail?
My recruitment role has shifted a bit since I’ve started working remotely. When I was in the office, I helped with campus visits and office tours, which was always fun. Now, I’m focused on training our new hires. I also keep an eye out for potential talent in my own community — even though it’s small. And I lead our Remote Committee through Teams to provide a space for all our remote employees to connect, ask questions and support one another.
How else does LLME support connection across both remote and in-office employees?
LLME has traditions and activities that bring our entire team together. This includes our annual Rancho Bernardo Inn gathering at the end of tax season, summer events and our holiday party. Even though we’re remote, the firm flies us out for those events, which really helps us stay connected and feel included.
It’s great to have that support and sense of community, no matter where you’re working from.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Honestly, I just enjoy spending time with my husband and son. We like going to the river, go out on our side-by-side UTV and explore our surroundings, walking the dog and visiting my parents. It’s outdoorsy in Bishop, and being outside is our favorite way to decompress.
Bishop sounds beautiful. What’s it like living there?
It’s a small town with a desert climate, but we get all four seasons. Summers can hit over 100 degrees and winters are in the 40s. There are so many lakes, rivers and hiking trails nearby and people travel from all over to visit Yosemite and Mammoth. There’s just so much charm in the little towns along Highway 395.
Are you involved in your local community?
Yes, I help out at my son’s school organizing things like monthly coffee carts for the teachers that involve the students, including those with special needs. I’m bilingual and I also try to make sure that Spanish-speaking parents feel included and can participate in school activities.
I’d love to get more involved with local nonprofits like the Salvation Army or my church’s outreach efforts. One of my long-term goals is to bring an American Heart Association initiative to Bishop. My son was born with a congenital heart defect, so heart health is a cause that’s deeply personal to me.
Any final thoughts about your journey with LLME?
The firm’s work-life balance has been key to my professional journey. LLME truly understands that we have lives outside of work. We’re human, we have families and responsibilities. The firm supports us in a meaningful way, and that kind of support makes all the difference.
Want to learn more about working with LLME — or working at LLME?
Reach out to Vanessa at reyesv@llme.com or explore our services and career opportunities.