Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandy Lopez Oliva.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
We are a boutique CPA firm founded by four Cuban professionals who met while studying at St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens and decided to build a company together. The name ISLA reflects both the first letters of the founders’ names — Ivette, Sandy, Lilian, and Anni — and our shared roots as islanders. Today, two of the original founding members continue to lead the firm.
Lilian, Partner at ISLA Accounting, is a Florida-licensed Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Fraud Examiner. She holds a Master’s degree in Accounting from St. Thomas University and a Law degree from the University of Havana. With deep expertise in accounting and internal controls, Lilian is committed to helping business owners manage their finances effectively, offering expert guidance and professional service.
Sandy, Partner at ISLA Accounting, is an experienced tax accountant with nearly ten years of practice in Florida. He holds a Master’s degree in Accounting from St. Thomas University and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University “Marta Abreu” of Las Villas. Sandy’s strong technical background — combined with a client-focused and empathetic approach — enables him to guide businesses through the complexities of the U.S. tax system while delivering thoughtful and professional advice.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all — but every challenge has been part of the journey that shaped who we are today. Coming to the United States after already earning degrees and professional experience in Cuba meant starting over in many ways. We had to re-educate ourselves, complete another round of university studies, earn our Master’s degrees, and go through the rigorous licensing process — all while adapting to a new culture, building a network from scratch, and working to support ourselves.
There were moments of uncertainty and sacrifice, but those experiences strengthened our resilience and commitment. Every long night studying, every exam, every obstacle made us better professionals and better prepared to serve our clients. Today, being able to practice independently in one of the most competitive markets and build a successful firm is something we are deeply proud of. The road wasn’t smooth, but it was absolutely worth it — and we’re just getting started.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about ISLA Accompting Corp?
ISLA Accounting Corp is a remote full-service Certified Public Accounting firm that provides professional and personalized financial services. We offer comprehensive accounting, tax, and consulting services tailored to meet the needs of both individuals and businesses.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Many people don’t know that before we became CPAs here, we had already studied and graduated in Cuba — meaning we went through college twice! While most people get stressed about one accounting degree, we survived two systems, two universities, and two rounds of exams. It taught us discipline, resilience, and that caffeine is truly a best friend!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.islaccounting.com/
