Michael Lin, CPA, MBT

Michael Lin, CPA, MBT, is a business leader, Certified Public Accountant, and community advocate running for the Walnut Valley Water District Board of Directors. A resident of Division V, Michael is committed to bringing his professional experience in financial management, risk assessment, strategic planning, and organizational governance to the District. He believes that providing safe, reliable, and sustainable water service requires responsible stewardship, careful planning, and leadership focused on the long-term needs of the community.

Michael has built his career around helping organizations make sound financial and business decisions. He currently serves as Managing Director of Harry C. Lin, CPA, A Professional Corporation in Diamond Bar, where he provides audit, tax, and consulting services. His responsibilities include overseeing audits, developing financial strategies, evaluating risk, reviewing internal controls, preparing financial reports, and helping clients navigate complex financial and regulatory requirements. His work requires a combination of financial expertise, attention to detail, sound judgment, and a commitment to accountability.

Earlier in his career, Michael worked with PricewaterhouseCoopers and Moss Adams, where he gained extensive experience auditing organizations across industries including construction, technology, retail, consumer products, and professional services. At PwC, he evaluated internal control systems, identified potential weaknesses, developed recommendations for management, and coordinated teams of professionals to complete complex engagements. These experiences have given Michael a practical understanding of how strong oversight, effective controls, and responsible financial management can help organizations remain successful and resilient.

Michael also brings significant experience serving on boards and working with professional and community organizations. He is a member and past Board Director of both the Sino-American Certified Public Accountants Association and the California Society of Certified Public Accountants, where he has participated in board meetings, professional programs, and community events. He also serves as Chief Financial Officer of the International Creative Class Alliance, helping coordinate community outreach and fundraising initiatives, including the California Highway Patrol’s Chips for Kids Toy Drive.

His commitment to community service extends beyond his professional organizations. Michael has served as a Community Ambassador for the United States House of Representatives, participating in local community meetings and assisting constituents. He also serves on the Program Advisory Committee for Kingston University, contributing to curriculum development and the university’s MBA accounting program. Through these roles, Michael has developed experience listening to community needs, working with diverse groups, and building relationships across professional and civic organizations.

Michael earned a Master of Business Taxation from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics with an emphasis in Accounting from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He has also studied accounting and international business through programs at National Taiwan University and Peking University. In addition to his CPA credential, Michael holds a California real estate broker license.

His professional achievements have been recognized by the Los Angeles Business Journal, which named him among its Top 100 Accountants in 2022 and 2025 and recognized him as a Leader of Influence Minority CPA in 2022, 2024, and 2026. He was also honored with the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association Los Angeles Outstanding Youth Award in 2024.

Michael believes effective public service is built on transparency, accountability, accessibility, and responsible stewardship of public resources. As a Division V resident, he understands that decisions made by the Water District directly affect families, businesses, and the future of the community. He is running to bring a thoughtful, financially responsible, and collaborative approach to the Board and to help ensure that Walnut Valley Water District remains strong, sustainable, and prepared to serve the community for generations to come.