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Christopher Passmore

CPA, MBA Partner

Get to Know Me

Chris Passmore is a partner with over 20 years of experience in public and private accounting and also serves as the partner-in-charge of the Firm’s Los Angeles office.

He specializes in assurance and business consulting services to emerging and middle-market companies. While Chris services a wide variety of clients, he has developed a reputation as an expert in working with technology companies, professional service firms, franchised businesses, and benefit plans.

He spent several years working with publicly and privately held businesses while working at a Big Four firm. Chris understands the accounting firm and client sides of running a business, having served as a corporate controller for a publicly held manufacturing company. As part of the Master’s program, Chris attended the prestigious Global Enterprise Management Program at Oxford University in the United Kingdom. Chris is a member of a small group of CPAs who hold an advanced-level certificate for audits of 401(k) plans. This credential was established by the Employee Benefit Plans Audit Quality Center of the AICPA to distinguish those service providers committed to the employee benefit plan industry and adherence to DOL and IRS requirements.

Industry Expertise

Service Expertise

Learn More About My Story

Learn more about my professional experience and how I spend my time outside the firm.

Education:

  • MBA, Pepperdine University
  • BS, Accounting, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

Professional Affiliations:

  • Member, American Association of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
  • Member, California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA)
  • Member, ProVisors
  • Member, Association for Corporate Growth
  • Advanced Certification in Defined Contribution Plan Audits from the AICPA

Chris is also known as the Social Media CPA. He uses his LinkedIn, YouTube, podcasts and other social channels to share the latest trends and tips for CPAs. As a thought leader, he is a frequent, sought-after contributor to local business publications. Chris has been recognized on the Forbes 2025 Best Accountants in the US. His exceptional expertise has also earned him a place on Los Angeles Business Journal (LABJ)’s LA500 List for 2024 and on their Thriving in their 40s list for 2023. Additionally, Chris has been honored as one of Inside The Valley’Most Trusted Advisors list for the second consecutive year.

Outside of the office, Chris stays active by hiking, biking and meeting new people. Most of all, he enjoys spending time with his family.

Authored Insights

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Los Angeles Business Journal Names Two Withum Partners as Top Advisors in the San Fernando Valley

Chris Passmore and Steve Martini have made a lasting impact across the San Fernando Valley through their leadership, business advisory skills and community involvement. Recognized for helping businesses navigate change, create opportunity and drive growth, they have strengthened the region’s business community while contributing to its long-term economic vitality. Chris Passmore is the Partner-in-Charge of Withum’s…

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Chris Passmore Named Top Leader on Los Angeles Business Journal List for  Fourth Consecutive Year

As partner-in-charge of Withum’s Los Angeles office, Chris plays a pivotal role in the Firm’s growth on the West Coast. With nearly 25 years of experience in the profession, he specializes in assurance and business consulting services to emerging and middle-market companies. In addition to serving technology companies and professional services firms, Chris holds an advanced-level certificate in 401(k)…

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Forbes Names Thirteen Withum Leaders to Its Best-In-State CPAs List

Withum’s representation reflects the Firm’s collective power of people, reinforcing its position as a leading national advisory, tax and audit firm. From the East to the West Coast and representing a broad cross-section of services and industries, the Withum advisors listed reflect diverse expertise and leadership styles, united by a shared commitment to client and community service.  Withum’s 2026 Best-In-State CPAs New Jersey New…