LAURA GARCILAZO, CPA

LAURA GARCILAZO, CPA

With over a decade of experience in financial and compliance audits, I bring a combination of technical expertise, independent perspective, and public accountability that is well-suited to leading the Auditor-Controller’s Office.
As a CPA, I am licensed, regulated, and bound by a professional code of ethics that demands independence, objectivity, and integrity.
My background in public accounting provides oversight experience—reviewing systems, identifying weaknesses, and implementing corrective improvements from an objective standpoint.
I am a licensed Certified Public Accountant in California, with my license publicly verifiable through the California Board of Accountancy.
I offer fresh eyes and true independence.
We need to move from reactive to proactive oversight.
I will ensure financial reporting is timely, accurate and accessible.
I have proudly called San Benito County home since 2005. It’s where I met my husband, who was born and raised here and continues his family’s tradition as a local farmer. Together, we are raising our two sons surrounded by the support of our extended family. This community isn’t just where I live—it’s where I’ve built my life.
I began my education at Gavilan College before earning my degree, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting, from California State University, Stanislaus in Turlock. I went on to become a licensed Certified Public Accountant and began my career as a financial and compliance auditor with a CPA firm in Modesto, California.
After gaining valuable professional experience, I returned home to San Benito County, where my roots run deepest. For the past 10 years, I have worked at a local CPA firm and currently serve as a Senior Manager. As a practicing CPA, I bring a broad range of experience working with financial systems.
My ties to this community are both personal and professional. I am deeply invested in the future of San Benito County. It would be an honor to serve my community to promote transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of public resources.

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As an accounting professional, I offer fresh eyes and true independence. I am not influenced by legacy practices or internal politics, which positions me to objectively evaluate current operations and implement best practices. My goal is to build trust by ensuring that the Auditor-Controller Office operates transparently, efficiently, and in full compliance with all applicable standards.

We need to move from reactive to proactive oversight. That means strengthening internal controls, enforcing separation of duties, and conducting regular independent audits. I will prioritize modern financial systems that allow for real-time tracking and accountability. But tools alone are not enough; the office must have a culture of vigilance and independence. Policies must be enforced consistently, and no one should be above scrutiny.

Transparency should be the foundation of every financial decision. I am committed to ensuring that all financial reporting is timely, accurate, and easily accessible to the public, so residents can clearly understand how their tax dollars are being managed.
Equally important, I will provide County departments with reliable, up-to-date financial information they can depend on. When leaders and staff have accurate data at the right time, they can make sound, informed decisions that benefit the entire community. By strengthening reporting processes and prioritizing accountability, we can build trust, improve efficiency, and ensure responsible stewardship of public resources.
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