James Matthew Cruz joined the firm in 2026 as a Tax Staff, bringing a strong background in tax preparation and a proactive approach to problem solving. He began his professional career in 2023 after earning his Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from the University of the City of Manila, where he was recognized as a Dean’s Lister.

Prior to joining the firm, James worked for over two years as a Tax Associate with PwC Acceleration Center Manila. In this role, he developed experience preparing workpapers for partnership K–1s, as well as federal Forms 1065 and 1120, building a solid foundation in tax compliance and technical accuracy.

James is known for being proactive, collaborative, and innovative, qualities that support his commitment to delivering high–quality work and contributing to team success. He believes that repetition is key to mastery and approaches each task as an opportunity to refine his skills and deepen his expertise. His interest in accounting stems from a lifelong passion for numbers and problem–solving, which continues to drive his enthusiasm for the profession.

A believer in growth through taking risks, James is inspired by the quote, “leap and the net will appear,” which reminds him to embrace new challenges with confidence. Outside of work, he enjoys an active and creative lifestyle, including lifting, yoga, running, baking, journaling, and sketching. He is also known among friends, family, and colleagues for making exceptional chocolate chip cookies.