ABOUT PAUL SIMONSON
Florida-certified public accountant (CPA) Paul Simonson has also been a member of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA) since August 1998. He is a graduate of the University of Florida and Florida International University and holds a BSc and an MSc, both in Accounting.
Paul was raised and lived in the Florida Keys and is a PADI-certified divemaster. He also enjoys a wide range of other watersports, including Hobie catamaran racing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, boating, deep-sea fishing, hydro sliding, and slalom skiing. The Florida Keys offers many opportunities to enjoy these activities: the island chain is home to the continental US’s only living coral barrier reef, which is teeming with marine life. The reef runs about five miles offshore, and the coral formations are famous for their abundance of fish; the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary has now been established by the US government to help protect this very special habitat.
The Florida Keys is also known for its indigenous cuisine, which incorporates an array of fresh, locally caught fish and seafood. Key West pink shrimp are a particular favorite of locals and visitors alike and are considered sweeter than other crustaceans, while the area’s stone crabs are renowned for their succulent and delicious claw meat.
Skilled Cellist
An avid cello player since the age of eight, Paul is an attendee of the Interlochen Center for the Arts, which offers once-in-a-lifetime immersive arts experiences to students in grades 3 to 12 and adults of all ages. Generations of both artists and arts enthusiasts have benefited from the center’s programs, which aim to develop a deep and shared connection through the language of the arts while also honing students’ skills. As a cello player, Paul has performed with a variety of intermediate and semi-professional orchestras.
Professional Career
Paul is the chief financial officer of several companies including Schar Holdings and is also a Florida-certified sales tax auditor and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). His professional topics of interest include tax strategies, financial management, and estate and succession planning.
Hobbies & Interests
In his free time, Paul loves to spend time with his family and enjoys playing the electric and bass guitar. He likes to travel (he has visited 10 countries and 30 states to date), watch movies and documentaries, read trade journals and periodicals, and is a fan of the American football team the Miami Dolphins. Paul enjoys Mexican and Japanese cuisine and can often be found making homemade sushi.