About Us
Wander CPA – Built for Entrepreneurs, by Entrepreneurs
At Wander CPA, we don’t just crunch numbers—we build relationships, solve problems, and help businesses grow. We understand entrepreneurs because we are entrepreneurs.
Like many, I once sat in a corporate office, staring at spreadsheets, wondering if my work truly made an impact. The steady paycheck was nice, but I realized something: job security isn’t about being employed—it’s about the value you bring. If I could drive growth for my employer, why couldn’t I do the same for my own clients? That’s when I made the leap.
Leaving a comfortable corporate role wasn’t easy, but I’ve always believed that the best opportunities come from taking responsibility, stepping up, and delivering real value. Whether it was spending long hours refining tax strategies for businesses, training in Jiu-Jitsu over lunch, or volunteering as an EMT, I’ve learned that meaningful work requires full commitment. The same holds true for the way we serve our clients.
At Wander CPA, we believe in proactive service, responsiveness, and personalized attention. We take on a limited number of clients because we’re serious about delivering real value—not just filing forms, but helping you grow, strategize, and succeed.
If you’re an entrepreneur who values strategic thinking, action, and a CPA who’s invested in your success, let’s connect. Your journey is our journey, and we’re here to help you build something great.
Meet Michael Wander
Hi there! I’m Michael Wander, the face behind Wander CPA. My journey began with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington, where I double-majored in Judaic Studies and Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations. After spending a few years exploring Israel and the Middle East, I pivoted to accounting and earned my MBA from CUNY’s Zicklin School of Business.
On a personal note, I now have five kids and a newfound commitment to fitness. I hit the gym 4-5 times a week and have taken up Muay Thai and no-gi grappling. I’ve even competed in amateur MMA and Muay Thai competitions – it’s my favorite way to earn a black eye!
Professional Journey
My professional career began at PwC Los Angeles as an Auditor. After gaining invaluable experience at the Big 4, I joined City National Bank, where I supported M&A, derivatives investments, and valuation. This experience provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the critical role accounting plays in business success.
As a CPA, I found myself increasingly approached by business owners with their tax questions. This inspired me to focus on smaller businesses and make a bigger impact. I started taking on side accounting jobs and soon realized that if I wanted my clients to take me seriously, I needed to go “all in” with Wander CPA.
One pivotal day, while sitting at my computer, I had an epiphany: the timing would never be perfect. I knew that we only live once, and if I didn’t take the plunge now, I might forever be stuck in a dead-end career serving a master because I was too afraid to take my destiny into my own hands. I was confident that I would not fail, as long as I focused intensely on helping others. Success would not happen on its own; it required dedication and a relentless commitment to delivering value.
