Aubrey Stefanowicz

Sales and Use Tax Manager

With over 10 years of experience, Sales and Use Tax Manager Aubrey Stefanowicz specializes in sales and use tax compliance, audit management and defense, multistate nexus and liability analysis, voluntary disclosure agreements, refund identification and recovery, and taxability research. She works extensively with clients in the technology, manufacturing, food and beverage, and energy industries.

Aubrey holds a CMI (Certified Member of the Institute) designation from the Institute for Professionals in Taxation, as well as bachelors and masters degrees in accounting from the University of North Texas. Outside of work, Aubrey is an avid gardener. She also enjoys playing retro video games and building kitty condos for her cats.

Specialties

Insights from Aubrey Stefanowicz

Alert

Washington mountains

Washington Expands Sales Tax to New Services and Revises B&O Tax – Effective October 1, 2025

Insight

Two people reviewing work on a tablet in a construction setting.

The Compounded Sales and Use Tax Burden of Tariffs 

Insight

Someone delivering a package.

CO and MN Take Action on Retail Delivery Fee – NY May Follow Suit

P. Evan Stephens

Tax Partner

With over a decade of tax experience, Tax Partner Evan Stephens specializes in tax planning, compliance, and tax consulting. He works extensively with clients in the software, software as a service (SaaS), high-tech, retail, and biomedical fields. He is an expert in tax planning for high-net-worth individuals, C Corp, and S Corp taxation.

Evan received his Master of Tax Law from the University of Denver in 2009 and graduated Magna Cum Laude from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting. He is a licensed CPA in California. Outside of work, Evan enjoys working on classic cars, skiing, golfing, and spending time with his family.

Specialties

James Taylor

Risk Manager, Internal Audit and SOX

With over 17 years of experience in public accounting, internal audit, and risk management, James Taylor specializes in designing and implementing Sarbanes-Oxley compliance programs, assessing enterprise-wide risks, and enhancing financial and operational policies and procedures.

James works extensively with clients in the retail, technology, and manufacturing industries. His expertise within Internal Audit and Risk Management includes conducting risk based internal audits, benchmarking client metrics, developing value driver analyses, assessing risks, and developing audit plans. Within SOX Compliance, James executes SOX compliance testing, ITGC Testing, and streamlines the SOX function through process improvements.

Specialties

Insights from James Taylor

Insight

Someone looking at the camera.

The Future of Regulatory Adherence: SOX Compliance as a Service (CaaS)

Insight

A group of people discussing something.

Simplifying Compliance: Effective Strategies for SOX Success

Insight

A group of people looking at papers on a table.

Developing an Effective Internal Audit Function

Insight

Four people talking

What Are Internal Controls?

Tim Tikalsky

Tax Principal

With over 40 years of accounting experience, Tax Principal Tim Tikalsky specializes in tax planning, compliance, and consulting for medium-sized to large, closely-held companies, partnerships, and fiduciaries. He has extensive experience in handling engagement with multi-state and foreign operations.

Tim is a leader in Sensiba’s real estate and construction industry group and provides services including valuations, litigation support, cost segregation, performance management, retirement, and succession planning.

Tim is a frequent contributor to professional and technical publications and events such as the San Francisco Business Times and the International Council of Shopping Center’s (ICSC) Annual Law Conference. He has also appeared several times as a guest on the “Gary Allen on Business” radio show, hosted by KNBR 680.

Tim has been an adjunct professor at California State University Easy Bay since 2006, where he also received his Bachelor’s in accounting and master’s in taxation. He is a licensed CPA in California, Certified in Strategic Performance Management (CSPM), and is a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM). He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the California Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Outside of work, Tim is active in the community, serving as a Board Member for the Livermore Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Fremont Chamber of Commerce. In his downtime, Tim enjoys playing lead guitar for a local Country/Western band that has been together for almost 20 years!

Specialties

Insights from Tim Tikalsky

Insight

Two people looking at papers.

Grouping and Aggregation: Structuring for Tax Efficiency

Insight

Someone on the phone.

The Tax Advantages of a Synthetic Drop and Swap

Insight

A hand about to sign something and another holding a calculator.

Good News for Drop and Swaps

Stephanie Tsiagkas

Audit Partner

With over 25 years of experience in accounting and managing business risk, Audit Partner Stephanie Tsiagkas specializes in revenue recognition and venture capital funds.

Stephanie works extensively with venture-backed, emerging technology companies with an emphasis on the software and semiconductor industries. She is an expert in financial and management reporting.

Stephanie also has received certification in blockchain technology from the AICPA and CIMA. She understands the current landscape, business applications, and financial control considerations associated with blockchain use, as well as regulatory concerns and governance related to blockchain implementations.

Stephanie is the recipient of the YWCA Tribute to Women Award, which recognizes women exemplifying excellence in executive-level positions.

Stephanie received her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Santa Clara University in 1996. She is a licensed CPA in California. Outside of work, Stephanie serves on the Santa Clara University Accounting Advisory board. In her free time, she enjoys skiing, biking, and spending time with her family.

Specialties

John Volk

Tax Partner

With over 30 years of experience in business and legal advising, Tax Partner John Volk focuses primarily on tax and business matters of investment partnerships and pre-public companies. He is recognized nationally as a frequent speaker and panelist at industry conferences.

John is a graduate of Duke Law School (JD) and Claremont McKenna College (BA). He is an active member of the California State Bar. Outside of work, John enjoys reading, playing golf, working out, and spending time with his family.

Specialties

Jarrett Warner

Tax Partner

With over 21 years of experience, Tax Partner Jarrett Warner specializes in providing consulting and compliance services to privately held companies and high net worth families. He works primarily with manufacturing, distribution, real estate, and construction industries.

Jarrett has extensive experience working with closely-held businesses. Prior to joining Sensiba, he served as a Tax Director for the Private Company Services group at PricewaterhouseCoopers. He is skilled in providing federal, multi-state, and international tax compliance and planning services for corporations, partnerships, and individuals in a variety of industries.

Jarrett received his bachelor’s degree in business economics and accounting from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and is a Certified Public Accountant in California. When he’s not in the office, Jarrett enjoys volunteering in his community, hiking, snowboarding, and spending time with his family.

Specialties

Insights from Jarrett Warner

Insight

Two people looking at a piece of paper

When Are LLC Members Subject to Self-Employment Tax?

Paul Wenham

Partner and Chief Innovation Officer

Partner Paul Wenham brings a unique blend of technical expertise, product innovation, and entrepreneurial vision to Sensiba. Formerly a risk assurance manager at PwC, Paul has led assurance engagements across diverse industries and growth stages, developing a deep understanding of how companies scale trust and compliance to unlock business value from audits.

As Cofounder and former Co-CEO of AssuranceLab, Paul pioneered a better approach to cybersecurity audits that elevates the experience for clients from emerging startups to global enterprises. His expertise lies in rethinking traditional audit practices through smarter systems, purpose-built tools, human-centered design, and forward-thinking innovation.

At Sensiba, Paul plays a leading role in shaping the firm’s innovation strategy and guiding teams to deliver streamlined, high-impact outcomes that empower clients on their compliance journeys.

Paul studied Fintech Innovation at Harvard Business School and holds an MBA from Deakin University. Based in Sydney, Australia, he lives with his partner and three children. Outside of work, you’ll find him in the kitchen, on a trail run, or enjoying time outdoors.

Specialties

Insights from Paul Wenham

Insight

Three people looking at a tablet

10 Compliance Standards to Consider

Insight

Someone looking at a laptop

SOC 2 Scope: How It’s Defined

Insight

two people looking at a laptop

Why You Can’t Fully Automate SOC 2 Compliance

Insight

Two people looking at a tablet.

The Five Reasons Startups Go for Security Certifications

Wonsun Willey

Tax Principal

With over 20 years of domestic and international accounting experience, Tax Principal Wonsun Shin Willey leads the Sensiba estate & trust practice at the Firm. She specializes in tax compliance and consulting for high-net-worth individuals, families, and their businesses.

Wonsun’s client base includes many top Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, including angels, venture capitalists, and founders of some of the well-known Silicon Valley companies. She also works with high-net-worth individuals, multi-generational family groups, and their businesses in various industries, including real estate, manufacturing, and agribusiness. Wonsun works with these individuals and their families to bring optimal income, gift and estate tax solutions whilst helping them achieve their wealth preservation, charitable, and other financial goals.

Wonsun is a recipient of the YWCA Tribute to Women Award, which recognizes women exemplifying excellence in executive-level positions.

Wonsun received her bachelor’s degree in accounting and information systems from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia in 1991. She is a licensed CPA in the State of California, a member of the American Institute of CPAs, and maintains her Australian certification as a Chartered Accountant. In her free time, Wonsun enjoys spending time with her family, watching movies, and eating ice cream. She is also fluent in Korean.

Specialties

Ariane Woods, EA

R&D Senior Manager

Since 2006, Ariane has specialized in assisting a wide range of company sizes across many industries to leverage the Federal and State Research Tax Credits. She leverages her engineering degree in conjunction with experience in both product development and manufacturing to efficiently guide clients through the process of securing the credits along with any audits. 

Ariane graduated Cum Laude from the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology with a degree in electrical engineering. She is a certified Enrolled Agent (EA). Outside of work, Ariane has a passion for cooking and exercising, and doing both with family and friends. 

Specialties

Insights from Ariane Woods

Alert

People sitting around a table.

California SB 711: Key Changes to the State R&D Credit

Insight

Two people looking at a tablet on a farm.

R&D Tax Credit for Agriculture: Fund Your Farm Innovation and Growth

Alert

Michigan skyline

Michigan’s 2025 R&D Tax Credit: Changes Going Into Effect

Insight

Two Business people smiling at one and other.

IRS Finalizes Federal Form 6765 for Clients Claiming the R&D Tax Credit

Monica Wilson

Consulting Manager

Wilson brings more than 15 years of experience in providing financial statement preparation, independent audit engagement preparedness, and technology consulting across public technology companies, startups, and nonprofit industries to her role as consulting manager.

Monica received her bachelor’s degree in accounting from California State University, Fresno and is certified by AICPA in Fundamental Client Accounting Advisory Services. Monica is also a certified Sage Intacct Implementation Specialist. Monica is involved in the community and volunteers with The Girl Scouts of Northern California.

Fiona Wu

Tax Partner

Fiona Wu is a tax partner at Sensiba who specializes in providing tax compliance and consulting services to venture capital clients. With over a decade of experience, Fiona works extensively with venture capital clients ranging from emerging managers through large institutional multi-entity funds. She serves clients across the United States and around the world, providing invaluable support to help them navigate complex US tax regulations.

Fiona is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in California. She is a member of the California Society of CPAs (CalCPA) and the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). She received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in accounting from the University of Washington. Fiona is proficient in English and Mandarin.

Specialties

Insights from Fiona Wu

Alert

OBBBA’s Impact on Investment Partnerships: Strategic Shifts and Planning Opportunities

Amber Yates

Tax Partner

With over 25 years of experience, tax partner Amber Yates specializes in accounting and financial consulting for closely held businesses. Prior to their merger with Sensiba, Amber was also a partner at SGA Certified Public Accountants. She consults business owners and their families in business succession and estate planning matters. As a part of this work, she assists professionals and business owners in developing strategies to finance and capitalize their companies and develop purchase or sale strategies.

In addition to her work in public accounting, Amber has worked within businesses both as an accountant and as a financial officer. This experience provides her a deeper understanding of closely-held businesses and their needs.

Amber received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting from Eastern Oregon University. She is a licensed CPA in the state of Oregon and a member of AICPA and OSCPA. She currently serves as the president elect of EDCO (Economic Development of Central Oregon). In her free time, she enjoys skiing, hiking, traveling and spending time with her grandchildren.

Specialties

Insights from Amber Yates

Insight

People walking through and airport

Choosing the Best Business Travel Reimbursement Method 

Igor Zaika

Chief Technology Officer

With nearly 25 years of experience, Chief Technology Officer Igor Zaika leads Sensiba’s IT operations team supporting the infrastructure, systems, and tools that enable Sensiba employees to serve clients with a high degree of security and efficiency. Igor and his team help the firm’s leadership make more effective data-enabled strategic decisions, oversee the firm’s data security and privacy compliance initiatives, ensuring a smooth experience for Sensiba clients and employees. Igor holds a BS in electrical engineering from Vinnytsia National Technical University in Ukraine.   

Outside of work, Igor enjoys family activities, reading, and playing the piano. 

Karen J. Burns

Principal

Karen has over 30 years of public accounting experience including Big Four (PwC, KPMG). Over the course of her career, she has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to helping businesses minimize their risks, capture opportunities, and navigate the complexities of a dynamic marketplace.

Karen is passionate about serving mission driven, purpose led organizations who are using business as a force for good. This passion led to her most recent role as practice leader for Sensiba’s ESG and Sustainability services. Karen believes sustainability should be at the core of every business strategy, and she combines financial knowledge with a deep understanding of environmental and social impacts to provide clients with actionable and profitable sustainable solutions. While she serves clients in a variety of industries, she has a particular passion for and extensive experience in the manufacturing and food & beverage sectors.

With a commitment to empowering women, and as a recognized industry leader, she was awarded the: (1) San Francisco Business Times’ Women of Influence; (2) California Society of CPAs Women to Watch; and (3) YWCA’s Tribute to Women.  Additionally, Karen raised more than $100,000 for the Avon Foundation’s 39.3 mile Walk to End Breast Cancer over 14 consecutive years.

Insights from Karen J. Burns

Insight

Sustainability CEO Panel webinar presenters' headshots.

CEO Panel: ESG in Business Strategy

Insight

Two business people discussing work.

Sustainability Imperative: Delivering Bottom-Line Impacts and Risk Mitigation for CEOs

Insight

5 Healthy Tips for Food Manufacturing Success