In Old Pasadena, a Solo CPA Wins National Recognition

As accounting firms merge into ever-larger entities, one accountant in Pasadena has chosen another route: working alone.

Angel Zhen, 36, has built a one-person practice in Old Pasadena into a business generating about serving hundreds of clients across Pasadena and beyond. This fall, he will join 35 other accountants from across the country at the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ Leadership Academy, a four-day program in Durham, N.C., designed to prepare the profession’s next generation of leaders.

“It’s an honor to represent Pasadena — and a chance to push the profession toward innovation instead of outdated models,” Zhen said.

Building a Solo Firm

Zhen began his career at larger firms but struck out on his own in July 2020. He targeted entrepreneurs and real estate investors, emphasizing tax strategy and long-term planning rather than routine filings.

The approach found traction and has earned strong online reviews.

“The future of professional services doesn’t have to look like the past,” he said. “An agile solo practitioner can often serve clients more nimbly than a traditional firm.”

Shaping a Broader Conversation

Beyond his own practice, Zhen has sought to influence the direction of the profession. He is also the author of The Profitable Solopreneur Playbook and founded the Solo CPA Syndicate, a national network focused on innovation.

“Too many firms still compete on price and cling to outdated models,” he said. “My goal is to help push the profession toward innovation, with CPAs leading as trusted advisers in the next decade.”

A Countertrend in Accounting

His rise comes at a moment when many accounting companies are consolidating, a trend that has raised questions about access, costs and culture. Zhen’s success has offered an alternative: that a solo practice can not only endure but also thrive — and even draw national notice.

“Pasadena has always been a hub of innovation, and now it’s becoming a hub for the future of CPA practices,” he said.

Anchored in Old Pasadena

Zhen works from a historic brick building in the city’s downtown, where 19th-century storefronts share blocks with tech startups. The setting, he said, reflects the balance he hopes to strike.

“Old Pasadena reminds me daily: respect tradition, but always move forward with technology and strategy,” he said.