Jaron Hays is a finance and audit professional whose career journey exemplifies a powerful blend of technical mastery, strategic foresight, and a deep commitment to ethical leadership. With over a decade of experience in public accounting and assurance services, Jaron has become a trusted advisor to corporate boards, C-suite executives, and audit committees across a broad spectrum of industries. His motto—“Lead with clarity, act with integrity”—reflects not just how he works, but who he is at his core.
From his early days as an accounting clerk managing complex reconciliations and ERP implementations, Jaron demonstrated a natural aptitude for order, structure, and precision. While others might have been daunted by intricate financial systems or vast volumes of data, Jaron thrived. It was in these early roles that he discovered his passion for accounting—not as a series of debits and credits, but as a powerful language for telling a company’s story with accuracy and accountability.
After earning his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from California State University, Fullerton, Jaron embarked on a steady upward trajectory in the world of audit. His academic success, underscored by honors like the Dean’s List and a scholarship from the Institute of Internal Auditors, translated seamlessly into professional excellence. Joining White Nelson Diehl Evans LLP as an Audit Staff, he quickly distinguished himself by taking on full audit cycles across industries as varied as manufacturing, construction, government entities, and nonprofits. He was entrusted not only with client-facing communication but with guiding newer team members—a preview of the leadership roles to come.
Jaron’s career progressed rapidly, with significant milestones at Moss Adams LLP, KPMG, and Marcum LLP (now CBIZ), each role bringing greater scope and complexity. At Moss Adams, he honed his skills managing audits for multi-billion-dollar companies, engaging directly with senior executives, and leading entire audit engagements from planning through final issuance. As a member of the firm’s recruiting committee, he also played an instrumental role in shaping the future talent of the organization, proving that leadership for Jaron extended beyond technical execution into mentorship and stewardship.
At KPMG, one of the Big Four accounting firms, Jaron took on engagements involving large, accelerated SEC filers. He successfully navigated integrated audits and ensured SOX compliance, a testament to his command of regulatory frameworks and his meticulous attention to detail. In this fast-paced environment, Jaron showcased his agility, seamlessly coordinating multiple audits while preserving the highest standards of quality and accuracy.
Currently serving as a Senior Audit Manager at Marcum LLP (now CBIZ), Jaron leads financial audits for a diverse array of clients, including those in the technology, life sciences, and manufacturing sectors. His work is characterized by strategic risk assessment, technical accounting guidance, and client-centric communication. His engagements frequently involve complex scenarios—such as lease accounting under ASC 842, revenue recognition under ASC 606, and impairment analyses—requiring not only a deep understanding of accounting standards but the ability to translate those complexities into actionable insights for executives.
Jaron’s influence extends far beyond the audit room. For the past four years, he has worked closely with corporate boards and governance committees, advising them on internal controls, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. These interactions have cultivated a profound understanding of boardroom dynamics and fiduciary responsibility—experience that now propels him toward board service. While he has yet to formally serve on a board, his advisory background, combined with a strategic mindset and calm, confident leadership style, make him a natural fit for such a role.
Throughout his career, Jaron has maintained a strong connection to the mission-driven world of nonprofit organizations. From leading audits of nonprofits to ensuring compliance with donor regulations and financial transparency, he brings a unique appreciation for organizations rooted in purpose. His dedication to ethics and community engagement, bolstered by his memberships in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the California Society of CPAs (CalCPA), speaks to a professional ethos rooted in service, responsibility, and long-term impact.
What sets Jaron apart is not only his knowledge and technical expertise but his character. His colleagues describe him as thoughtful, steady under pressure, and consistently focused on the bigger picture. He is someone who seeks out challenges, thrives on collaboration, and believes in empowering teams through clarity and communication. He approaches each engagement not just as an assignment but as an opportunity to help organizations excel.
Outside of his professional achievements, Jaron’s intellectual curiosity is evident. He was once a pre-med student and holds an associate degree in biology, reflecting a lifelong desire to understand how systems—whether biological or financial—function and thrive. A lover of tennis and cinema, he balances his career with a thoughtful, well-rounded personal life. His international exposure through Canadian audit engagements further amplifies his global perspective and adaptability.
In every endeavor, Jaron Hays leads with conviction, guided by the belief that sound governance, strategic thinking, and ethical leadership are the cornerstones of sustainable success. As he sets his sights on board service, he brings not just experience, but a vision for elevating organizations through accountability, clarity, and lasting value.
Character:
Jaron is driven by a deep sense of ethical responsibility and trust. His consistent integrity in working with boards, executives, and audit teams has earned him a reputation as a reliable and principled leader.
Knowledge:
With over a decade of professional experience across public, private, and nonprofit sectors, Jaron commands a deep and current understanding of financial reporting, risk management, and compliance. He uses this expertise not only to advise executives but to teach, mentor, and uplift those around him.
Strategic:
Jaron brings a forward-thinking mindset to every engagement, anticipating risks and providing actionable recommendations that enhance efficiency and ensure long-term growth. His strategic lens enables companies to stay a step ahead in both opportunity and compliance.
Communication:
Known for his clarity and calm presence, Jaron excels at presenting complex financial information in accessible ways. Whether advising audit committees or mentoring young professionals, he leads through transparent and effective dialogue.
