Keith Hamasaki, CPA
DIRECTOR - ASSURANCE & ADVISORY
MANUFACTURING & DISTRIBUTION INDUSTRY LEADER
Keith Hamasaki, CPA, is passionate about empowering others so they can build a better future for themselves. He reveals these possibilities by bringing together a strong and cohesive team to provide his clients value-added experience through collaborative partnership. With over a decade of consulting experience, Keith specializes in audit and business advisory services to emerging and middle market companies in areas such as process improvement, internal controls, technical GAAP accounting implementation, and procedural review assessments. As someone who has consistently overcome challenges, Keith has developed an expertise in a variety of industries including real estate and construction, financial services, technology, digital media, restaurants, hospitality, not-for-profit organizations, and employee benefit plans. Further, Keith leads the firm’s Manufacturing and Distribution Industry Group and oversees the day-to-day operations of the firm’s Assurance & Advisory practice.
Prior to joining KROST, Keith was a Fund Controller at a SEC-registered investment advisor of institutional quality commercial real estate portfolios, where he oversaw the value-added commingled fund and separate accounts. Before this, he was an Experienced Assurance Manager at a top 10 national firm where he served clients in many industries.
Keith is recognized as a thought leader and industry speaker on topics of business and accounting issues. He has spoken for organizations and educational institutions such as CalCPA, California State University Northridge, Loyola Marymount University, Glendale Community College, and Pasadena City College. Further, Keith regularly instructs continuing education courses on audit methodology and analytical review procedures for professional staff. As an active member of the community, Keith has been a recurring Selection Committee Member for the Los Angeles Business Journal’s CFO of the Year Awards and is on the Professional Advisory Board for Accounting Curriculum at Pasadena City College and Glendale Community College.
Education
• Bachelor of Science, Accountancy from California State University, Northridge
• Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, Emphasis in Business Law from California State University, Northridge
Professional Affiliations
• Member of CalCPA
• Member of AICPA
• Member of Asian Pacific CPA Association
Extracurricular Activities
• Professional Advisory Board for Accounting Curriculum at Pasadena City College (2017 – present)
• Professional Advisory Board for Accounting Curriculum at Glendale Community College (2018 – present)
• CalCPA, Board of Director – Los Angeles (November 2015 – present)
• CalCPA, Officer – Los Angeles (May 2017 – present)
• Asian Pacific CPA Association, Board Member (2018 – present)
• Urban Land Institute, Los Angeles Strategic Partnership Committee (2016 – present)
• Urban Land Institute, Los Angeles Strategic Partnership Committee (2016 – 2018)
• Los Angeles Business Journal, CFO of the Year Award Selection Committee Member (2016, 2017, and 2018)
• Attendee of CalCPA Leadership Institute (2013 – 2014)
Certificate
• AICPA Cybersecurity Advisory Services
• AICPA + CIMA Data Analysis Fundamentals
Keith's Thought Leadership

Manufacturing Companies Beware: CCPA May Impact Your Business
January 20, 2021This is one of the articles in the KROST Quarterly Manufacturing Issue, titled “Manufacturing Companies Beware: CCPA May Impact Your Business” by Keith Hamasaki, CPA. The California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”) is a comprehensive framework to protect California residents (consumers). Effective January 1, 2020, data protection became a California requirement for businesses. All businesses that … Read More

Navigate the Complex Issues in Manufacturing & Distribution with KROST’s Industry Experts
November 10, 2020KROST has extensive experience in the manufacturing and distribution industry. Our team of experts has experience servicing clients in various sectors such as aerospace and defense, automotive and transportation, consumer products, food and beverage, industrial parts, wholesale distribution, and more. Manufacturing and distribution clients rely on our suite of services, specifically catered to their needs. … Read More

Accounting for PPP Loans and Forgiveness
September 2, 2020This is a preview of one of the articles in the new KROST Quarterly Manufacturing Issue, titled “Accounting For PPP Loans and Forgiveness” by Keith Hamasaki, CPA. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed by President Trump to help keep small businesses afloat amid the mandated COVID-19 related closures. The CARES … Read More

CCPA: California Enforces New Privacy Laws Impacting all Businesses Collecting Data
August 10, 2020This is a preview of one of the articles in the new KROST Quarterly Technology Issue, titled “CCPA: California Enforces New Privacy Laws Impacting all Businesses Collecting Data” By Steve Chhour, CPA and Keith Hamasaki, CPA. In recent years, the security of consumer data has been under significant scrutiny by all types of security organizations … Read More

KROST Quarterly Magazine: The Manufacturing Issue is Now Available!
July 28, 2020We are happy to announce the release of our newest quarterly magazine! The Manufacturing Issue highlights some of the hot topics in manufacturing, including accounting for PPP, transfer pricing, Foreign-Derived Intangible Income (FDII), R&D tax credits, and more. What You’ll Find Inside This Issue: Accounting for PPP Loans and Forgiveness by Keith Hamasaki, CPA Manufacturers … Read More

Coronavirus and Its Impact on Financial Reporting
March 23, 2020Nothing has gripped us quite like the Coronavirus (COVID-19). It has begun to affect all facets of life, from travel bans, school closures, meetings, and even financial reporting. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) has an Accounting Standard Codification (ASC) that addresses unforeseen circumstances occurring after the balance sheet date but before the audit is issued. … Read More

KROST Quarterly Magazine: The Technology Issue is Now Available!
March 9, 2020We are happy to announce the release of our newest quarterly magazine! The Technology Issue highlights some of the hot topics including trends in media & entertainment, privacy laws, AdTech, quantum computing, and more. What You’ll Find Inside this Issue: Streaming Wars: Technology Trends in Media & Entertainment By Paren Knadjian Tech Company Compensation: Unraveling … Read More

Keith Hamasaki, CPA, Named Co-Chair of the PrimeGlobal Manufacturing & Distribution Special Interest Group
November 4, 2019Los Angeles, California – November 4, 2019 – KROST’s Assurance & Advisory Director, Keith Hamasaki, CPA, has been appointed to Co-Chair of the PrimeGlobal Manufacturing & Distribution Special Interest Group (SIG). Keith has been a member of PrimeGlobal since he joined KROST in 2016. As the newly named Co-Chair, he is responsible for bringing together … Read More

CalCPA Los Angeles Chapter Names Keith Hamasaki, CPA, Vice President
October 16, 2019Los Angeles, California – July 31, 2019 – Our Assurance and Advisory Director, Keith Hamasaki, CPA has been elected Vice President of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA) Los Angeles Chapter. He joins three other Vice Presidents in the chapter. Keith served as a board member for the CalCPA LA Chapter since 2015 … Read More

The IRS Recommends Working with a Cybersecurity Professional: Why You Should Heed Their Advice
April 4, 2019Consulting with a cybersecurity professional should be a top priority for tax businesses to protect their clients’ data. Tax preparers deal with a large amount of sensitive information including social security numbers, bank account numbers, EINs, etc. This makes them perfect targets for cybercriminals whose main objective is to file fraudulent tax returns. “As cybercriminals … Read More