OUR FIRM | Partners

MICHAEL SHER, CPA | Partner

Michael started practicing accountancy in South Africa as a Chartered Accountant starting his own practice which grew rapidly and has subsequently grown into one of the largest independent accounting firms in the country. He has practiced as a CPA in California for over 35 years, specializing in the entertainment industry representing companies as well as talent both in front and behind the camera. In addition, he has extensive international business experience. He enjoys long distance running and has completed 18 marathons including three ultra-marathons and remains in training for the next one.

“I’ve never been one to talk about myself or my accomplishments. I’ve always believed that craftsmanship and good work leads to its own word of mouth and that’s how you build a business. Maybe it’s the marathoner in me. I’m intrinsically thinking long term relationships and future goals. It’s how I grew up in South Africa. And as singular as a long-distance run can be, there are disciplines that I use every day at our firm. The warmth of camaraderie when you run with others, the competency and preparation; I apply those things every day. I have learned so much from running, especially running with my sons. We’ve run marathons together, so richly rewarding, and something I think about as we work together at the firm. Hard work, family, the bonds of trust; they all matter here. Our clients and employees alike thrive on those qualities. Quietly, that is how we have made our business.”

BILLIE GELB, CPA | Partner

Billie Gelb was a chartered accountant in South Africa and is licensed in California as a CPA. He specializes in audit and review engagements, and provides accounting and tax services to a wide spectrum of businesses. He has been involved in internal control evaluations, litigation support and other special engagements. He has been in public practice for over 42 years. “Vested, resourceful, sincere; that’s how I describe this firm. And of course, fun, because of how hard we work and how much time we put in, if it isn’t fun it just doesn’t make much sense. We are most definitely not your standard accounting firm mentality. And I think that’s our greatest strength. Thinking differently. Team building. Getting a bit crazy when it suits us.”

KEITH HEERDT, CPA/ABV, CVA | Partner

Keith follows his father and grandfather into public accounting, working at his father’s firm while studying accounting at USC. After earning his CPA credential he became interested in business valuations; he qualified as a Certified Valuation Analyst and then received an ABV accreditation from the AICPA. He has represented clients in arbitration proceedings, IRS audits and collection matters, and other taxing authority examinations. Keith formed a partnership in 1997, Hubbard & Heerdt, CPAs, during the next 12 years he grew his practice and served as the Tax, Accounting and Managing Partner of the firm. His expertise in tax and valuation matters has been important to many clients. Keith also has a growing business management practice, which includes some top TV commercial and film directors. In 2010 Keith dissolved his partnership to become a partner at SHER|GELB, rejoining a firm he worked for as a junior accountant over 28 years ago. Keith enjoys many of the important things in life: family, yellow labradors, surfing, sailing, fencing, wakeboarding and off-shore fishing.

“Growing up around accountants definitely had an effect on me. My dad and grandfather were sole practitioners back then, but they taught me so much about how a firm should operate and how a brand should be built. Together they built an adobe here in LA and it still stands. Their craftsmanship carried over into everything and that inspires me to this day, working with an amazing array of creative clients that I can honestly say I’m a fan of. I’m constantly inspired by having a chance to work with really wonderful people in film, technology and music – it’s probably why I’ve taken up guitar again, so if you hear someone wailing on some Beatles or Stones, it will most likely be me.”

JONATHAN SHER, CPA | Partner

Going into his 20th year with the practice, Jonathan continues to help grow the entertainment and sports segment of the firm as well as the practice as a whole. Jonathan has a wealth of tax knowledge and practical business management experience and is a very useful asset and resource to his clients. He works with individuals and businesses both in the United States and abroad in a multitude of industries. He has a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of California, Los Angeles and is still an active basketball player and runner. He is married to Alexis Endsley Sher, a successful attorney based in Los Angeles and has a bright eyed and smiley son, Felix.

“I’m an LA sports nut, through and through. Magic Johnson is still my all-time favorite, and I have vivid memories of watching him and the Showtime Lakers playing and knowing that I wanted to be part of that in some form when I got older. It’s with that in mind that I’m proud of all the players and entertainers we have as clients, from basketball and baseball players to actors and actresses - you name it. They love that we get the concept of teamwork, and how that fosters long term relationships; we just look to win over and over for our clients in whatever form that ends up being. For me, my role model is my dad and working with him is my favorite part of the job. Not only do I look up to him but he is so respected in the industry; just so honorable and trusted. He sets a high bar that we all strive to hit. I’m truly lucky to work and spend time with him on a daily basis."