About us
Monique Wright, CPA
CEO/Founder
Monique has started Beach Cities Tax & Accounting twenty two years ago, after taking over a small client base of sixty individuals and some small businesses from her former boss and mentor. Since 1997, the firm has experienced a steady growth, currently serving over four hundred clients. Monique is a long time South Bay resident, and she enjoys the coastal life. Originally from Poland, she came over with her family in 1981, and completed her education as well as professional CPA designation in the U.S. Over the years, Monique served as an officer for Torrance PTA, while her three children attended the local schools. She stays involved in the local community by volunteering during beach clean-ups and has provided pro-bono accounting services for the Torrance school district. In her spare time, she enjoys working out, ballroom dancing, and dining at the local restaurants. She has been married to Rich Wright for 36 years, whom she met at El Camino College.
Steven
Partner
Steven grew up in Los Angeles, California. He received his Bachelors of Science Degree in accounting at California State University Northridge. While receiving his Bachelor’s degree, he worked in public accounting and continued until he went to work in private industry where he worked as a controller for 7 years. Steven joined our team in December of 2019 where he prepares tax returns for individuals, partnerships, corporations, and trusts.
As of June 2022 Steven became partner.
Steven enjoys spending time with his wife and children. In his free time, he loves listening to music, RVing, taking long walks—and cheering on his favorite hockey team, the LA Kings.
Katherine
Senior Admin
Katherine joined our team February 2020; she is an administrative and customer service specialist with two decades of successful experience in client communication and day to day office essentials. She has experience working in accounting, food & beverage and entertainment & staging industries. In 2018, she became a Certified CA Notary. She is a strong believer in the power of positive thinking & communication in the workplace. She enjoys watching the sunset and capturing photos. Photography being a hobby along with spending free time with her family, crafting, watching sports, food tasting and always happy to find a great standalone coffee shop.
Jennifer Rule
Staff Accountant
Jennifer was raised in the South Bay, attending Hermosa Valley and Mira Costa High School. A local through and through. She worked a variety of jobs at local businesses until she found her passion for bookkeeping and tax preparation at a Hermosa Beach public accounting firm. While learning useful skills on the job there, she also attained her Bachelor's in Accounting from Western Governors' University, receiving her degree in 2020. When she joined us in late 2023, she had more than 8 years of experience working in public accounting, and continues to learn and grow in her position at Beach Cities. Aside from accounting, she enjoys reading, quilting, jewelry, Disneyland, and traveling.
Michael Bell
CPA
Michael joined the Beach Cities Tax & Accounting team in June 2024. He received his Bachelors of Business Administration in Accounting from California State University: Long Beach. He worked in public accounting for over 2 years preparing tax returns for individuals, partnerships, & corporations. Michael has officially received his CPA license in March 2025. He has lived in Los Angeles his entire life, which he views as the home that he loves and could never leave. He enjoys going on long walks by the beach, trying out new restaurants, gaming, and spending time with friends & family.
Olivia & Courtney
Administrative Staff
Olivia is an administrative assistant who joined the Beach Cities team in 2021. Redondo Beach is her hometown, and she is a recent graduate of El Camino College with a degree in English. She is currently in training to receive her Private Pilot License and has hopes of moving onto flight school to become a commercial pilot. In her free time, Olivia enjoys reading, writing, painting, and tabletop roleplaying games like Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder. She is passionate about artistic freedom of expression, the importance of having a good attitude and an open mind, and 1997-2003 teen supernatural drama Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
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Courtney is the newest member of the Beach Cities Tax and Accounting team, joining us at the beginning of 2025. Since coming onboard, she has made a positive impact within the office through her enthusiasm and strong work ethic. Born and raised in the South Bay, Courtney graduated from Palos Verdes High School in 2023 and is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting at California State University, Long Beach. She brings a well-rounded background with experience across a variety of work environments, including serving as a surf instructor, working in food service and retail, and assisting her father in his law office. Outside of work and school, she loves spending time with family and friends, traveling to new places, embracing outdoor adventure, and she’s always happy to strike up a conversation.
