About
Hiratsuka & Associates is an accounting firm that provides audit, review, compilations, tax preparation, tax planning, and bookkeeping services. With a dedicated team of financial experts, we are committed to delivering accurate, professional, and personalized attention to individuals and businesses. Our goal is to help clients achieve their financial objectives with integrity and precision.
Audit & Review Team
Meet Our Experts
Annie Fitzsimmons, CPA
Annie grew up on a farm in Palisade, Colorado, and earned her accounting degree from Colorado Mesa University. She began her career in audit at Hiratsuka & Associates, gained tax experience with a small firm in Frisco, Colorado, and returned to Hiratsuka & Associates in 2017, where she grew into increasing leadership roles and became managing partner in 2026. Annie is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Colorado Society of CPAs. Outside of work, Annie and her husband are raising her two daughters in the mountains and enjoy traveling.
Steve Hiratsuka, CPA
Steve is a Denver native and graduate of the University of Colorado – Boulder. He started his career with Deloitte and was also a partner with a large local firm before co-founding Hiratsuka & Associates in 1985. Steve leads audit engagements and works closely with clients to deliver high-quality, reliable financial reporting. He is a member of the American Institute of the American Institute of CPAs as well as the Colorado Society of CPAs.
Ryan Brown
Ryan is an audit professional with more than twenty years of experience in public accounting and nonprofit financial leadership, with expertise spanning nonprofit organizations, governmental entities, and privately held companies. His decade-plus in senior nonprofit roles — including Controller and CFO — gives him an operational perspective that few auditors bring, allowing him to deliver audits that are technically rigorous and aligned with the real-world needs of the organizations he serves. Outside the office, he enjoys snowboarding, competitive pool, traveling, and podcasts.
Kanaka Mahalaxmi Thota
Kanaka Mahalaxmi Thota, known as Maha, is a Staff Auditor with a strong background in audit and financial reporting. She earned her Master of Accounting and Analytics from Tulane University.
Prior to joining the firm, Maha worked as an Audit and Assurance Senior Assistant, supporting audits for clients across the real estate sector and various other commercial industries. She is passionate about helping clients navigate complex accounting and reporting matters with accuracy and professionalism.
Outside of work, Maha enjoys video editing and exploring new places, and values continuous learning and professional growth.
Tax & Accounting Team
Meet Our Experts
Rene Riffle, CPA
Rene began her accounting career in 2019 as an accounting clerk preparing financial statements for small businesses, gaining experience across various accounting roles before discovering a passion for tax. She earned both her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Colorado State University–Global Campus and her master’s degree in accounting from Maryville University. She enjoys helping small business owners better understand their financial statements, preparing tax returns, and identifying tax planning opportunities. Rene is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Colorado Society of CPAs. Outside of work, she enjoys all things Colorado, especially snowboarding with her husband and two daughters.
John Moran, CPA/ABV, CVA
John works closely with individuals and business clients to assist them in identifying their financial goals, and develop tax planning strategies to achieve those goals. He is a life long learner and understands changing client needs and now is fully versed in working with Elders and those caring for Elders on financial matters and planning. He expects the United States to experience an aging Silver Tsunami.
Amber Martin
I'm an accounting professional based in Christiansburg, Virginia, and a proud graduate of Radford University, where I earned my bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance in 2018.
Since 2023, I've been part of our Colorado-based accounting firm, where I work with both individuals and businesses. I genuinely love the relationships I build with clients along the way — getting to know their goals and helping them succeed is what makes this work so rewarding.
Outside the office, you'll usually find me spending time with my family — my husband, Devin, and our energetic six-year-old chocolate lab, Kobi. Together, they keep life fun, busy, and full of love.
