Rick M. Smetanka, CPA

Partner-in-Charge, Audit and Business Advisory Services Group

With Haskell & White since: 1996

As the Partner-in-Charge, Rick is responsible for the operational excellence and strategic direction of the Firm’s Audit and Business Advisory Services Group. In addition, Rick effectively plans, executes and delivers audit and consulting services to both public and private organizations, primarily those in the life science, real estate and technology industries.

Rick joined Haskell & White after more than six years at the international accounting firm of Coopers & Lybrand LLP. His clients range from entrepreneurial start-ups to established multinational corporations. Rick has assisted companies in various financial transactions, including public offerings and acquisitions. He also has counseled public companies on compliance with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requirements, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the JOBS Act of 2012.

 

Industries & Areas of Specialty:
  • Life Sciences
  • Real Estate
  • Technology
  • Non-Profit Organizations
  • Audit & Consulting Services
  • Public & Private companies
Industry and Professional Affiliations:
  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
  • California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA)
  • Forum for Corporate Directors
Education:
  • University of California, Santa Barbara
    Graduated with Honors
Community Involvement:
  • Child Abuse Prevention Center – Founding Member of Advisory Board, Treasurer (fmr.)
  • ARTS Orange County – Chairman of the Board of Directors
  • MIND Research Institute Advisory Board
  • National Philanthropy Day – Co-Chair of Judging Committee 2015 and 2016
  • AYSO –Volunteer coach
  • Portola Hills Elementary School, Art Masters Program – Volunteer
  • UC Irvine, CSU Long Beach – Guest Lecturer

“Leadership is helping companies successfully navigate an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving regulatory landscape. Our experienced professionals are passionate about helping middle-market businesses thrive.”

Posts by Rick Smetanka

Now Is The Time to Prepare (for Critical Audit Matters)!

The year 2020 has been anything but typical and filled with change. So smaller public companies should be ready to embrace the first substantive changes to the standard auditors’ report in more than 70 years. For years ending after December 15, 2020, for the first time ever, the audit report of smaller public companies will Read more...

An Offensive Playbook for Nonprofit Arts Organizations

Nearly every performance has been cancelled. Galas and other critical fundraising events will not occur. Important youth programs have been curtailed. Like just about every other corner of society, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a sudden and severe impact on arts organizations. The economic impact on the arts and culture industry across the nation is Read more...

Leading Through a Black Swan Event

Last week, participants from around the globe participated in a Webinar sponsored by the World Business Forum featuring Jeff Immelt, Venture Partner, New Enterprise Associates (NEA) and former Chairman & CEO of General Electric (GE). Mr. Immelt led a global team of 300,000 people at GE for more than 16 years and led the organization Read more...