Richard Baker is a Director of Accounting and Auditing. His experience includes twenty years of public accounting and six years as a CFO. As a former audit partner with a large international accounting firm, Rich’s clients included large and small to medium-sized manufacturing, distribution and technology companies. 

As the CFO of two rapid growth pre-public software companies, Rich had direct experience closing equity financings, negotiating license agreements, establishing compensation plans, implementing planning and forecasting processes, and building the accounting organization.

Some of the experience Rich has had includes:

• Experience with rapid growth companies. Rich served as the CFO of two software companies, the first from 1998 to 2000 and the second from 2000 to 2004. Both companies were experiencing rapid growth. The first grew revenues from less than $1 million in 1998 to $8 million in 2000 while headcount increased from 25 in 1998 to 130 in 2000. Similarly, the second company grew revenue from $20 million in 2000 to $40 million in 2004 while the number of employees grew from 110 to 240. Rich had varied responsibilities at these companies, including finance and accounting, planning and analysis, tax, license agreements, benefits, compensation, professional services, human resources and risk management. This experience as a CFO brings a unique perspective to finding solutions for our clients.
  
  
• Supporting SEC registrants. As a former audit partner with a large international accounting firm, Rich managed six initial public and secondary equity offerings that raised approximately $300 million for software and manufacturing companies. Transactions ranged from $10 million to $90 million. In supporting public clients, Rich has assisted them with accounting and reporting issues, including revenue recognition and stock compensation issues, and delivered presentations to their boards of directors and audit committees addressing SEC disclosure requirements and improvements to internal accounting controls.
  
  
• Advising on emerging accounting and reporting issues. By staying abreast of emerging technical issues, Rich has been a valuable resource to his clients. He has presented seminars on software license revenue recognition and stock-based compensation and has been a guest lecturer at college-level accounting courses. Additionally, he has authored articles on accounting topics which have been included in various publications.

Rich is a CPA and a member of the AICPA and the California Society of CPAs. He holds a BA degree in Accounting from California State University, Hayward.