Maria Ortega
Founder and Principal Accountant
Founder & Principal Accountant Maria Ortega is the founder and principal accountant of Independent Accounting Services, LLC — a remote-first, bilingual firm dedicated to helping Arizona’s small businesses, sole proprietors, and families gain financial clarity and control. With nearly 30 years of combined corporate and public accounting experience across Mexico and the U.S., Maria brings trusted insight, accuracy, and strategic support to every client relationship. She specializes in bookkeeping, financial reporting, and tax preparation designed to keep businesses organized, compliant, and informed.
Her passion for accounting began in her family’s bakery in San Luis Río Colorado, Mexico, where she witnessed how disorganized finances could hinder business growth. That early experience continues to shape her mission today: empowering business owners with the knowledge, organization, and confidence they need to succeed.
Maria earned a degree equivalent to a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting and received her professional title designation as Contador Público (Public Accountant) from the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico. Her background includes progressive roles — from Assistant Controller to Accounting Manager — across diverse service-based sectors in both Mexico and Arizona.
She is an IRS-authorized Electronic Return Originator (ERO), a PTIN holder, and a participant in the Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP). With over 15 years of experience in individual and self-employment tax preparation, Maria also provides expert support for 1040 filings, ensuring compliance and maximizing tax deductions.
Fluent in English and Spanish, Maria is known for her clear communication, approachable style, and commitment to client success.
Core Areas of Expertise
Monthly Accounting & Financial Reconciliations
Accurate, up-to-date books that support smart decision-making.
Bookkeeping (Bank Statement Categorization)
Organized, categorized transactions to keep your records clean and current.
GAAP-Compliant Financial Reporting & Tax-Ready Statements
Clear reports designed for growth, planning, and tax compliance.
Month-End & Year-End Close Processes
Timely closing procedures to ensure clean, audit-ready financials.
General Ledger Review & Journal Entry Adjustments
Detailed analysis to maintain financial integrity.
Payroll Management & Tax Filing (Arizona)
End-to-end support including deposits, filings, and employer setup.
QuickBooks Setup, Cleanup, Training & Troubleshooting
Hands-on support for smooth, efficient software use.
Cash or Accrual Basis Accounting Methods
Flexible support tailored to your business structure and tax needs.
Budgeting, Cash Flow Forecasting & Variance Analysis
Smart planning to guide spending and track performance.
Controller-Level Oversight & Compliance Support
Accurate reporting, policy adherence, and internal controls for clarity.
Diagnostic Reviews, Cleanups & Catch-up Projects
We bring order to messy books and restore financial clarity.
Individual & Self-Employed Tax Preparation (Form 1040)
Expert tax prep for families, sole proprietors, and freelancers.
Ready to Simplify Your Finances and Focus on Growth?
Stop letting disorganized books or tax stress hold you back. At Independent Accounting Services, we specialize in accounting services for service-based small businesses in Arizona, as well as expert tax preparation for individuals and sole proprietors. From accurate monthly reporting to clean, compliant filings, we’ll help you stay organized, confident, and ready to grow.
