Our Team

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    Nicholas Yates (Owner)

    Nicholas is an Enrolled Agent and experienced tax professional with over a decade of hands-on experience serving individuals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. Throughout his career, he has developed extensive expertise in complex tax preparation, strategic tax planning, small-business accounting, and full-cycle bookkeeping, giving him a comprehensive understanding of the financial challenges that individuals and business owners face year-round.

    Before founding ARC Tax & Advisory, Nicholas spent years working directly with diverse clients across the Greater Bay Area and Sacramento Valley, helping them stay compliant, reduce tax burdens, and strengthen their long-term financial foundation. His professional experience includes preparing and reviewing hundreds of individual, business, and multi-state tax returns; resolving issues involving the IRS and state tax agencies; advising business owners on entity structure and long-term tax strategy; and providing practical guidance on day-to-day accounting best practices.

    Nicholas is a graduate of California State University, Sacramento, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accountancy.

    Outside of work, Nicholas is a devoted husband to his wife, Priscilla, and a proud father to his daughter, Jeanine. When he’s not working with clients, he enjoys hiking, traveling, and exploring new restaurants and cuisines with his family.

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    Patrick Mauldin

    Patrick is a Certified Public Accountant and the founder of Mauldin & Company, with decades of experience serving individuals and small businesses throughout the Capitola, Santa Cruz, and surrounding Northern California communities. Throughout his career, Patrick built a practice grounded in integrity, professionalism, and a steadfast commitment to client service.

    Patrick is a graduate of California State University, Fresno, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accountancy. Over the years, Patrick developed long-standing client relationships by providing thoughtful tax planning, compliance, and advisory services tailored to each client’s unique needs. His steady leadership and dedication to quality earned him a trusted reputation in the local business community.

    Patrick’s practice later merged with ARC Tax & Advisory as part of a strategic transition, ensuring clients continued to receive consistent, high-quality service and support. His legacy of client-centered service and practical guidance continues to be a cornerstone of the firm.

    Outside of work, Patrick is a devoted husband and father of three boys. He enjoys traveling, skiing, and spending time at his cabin with his family.

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    Candace Brown

    Candace is a Certified Tax Preparer and CPA Candidate with over eight years of experience helping individuals and small businesses achieve strong financial outcomes through accurate reporting and strategic tax planning. She brings a unique blend of public-sector and private-industry experience, having previously served as an auditor for the County of Santa Cruz.

    Before entering public accounting, Candace spent 28 years in the high-tech industry, working in strategic account management and market development roles with companies such as Oracle, IBM, and multiple start-ups. She is known for her analytical approach, attention to detail, and commitment to helping clients feel confident and informed.

    Candace is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Cruz, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychobiology. She also earned a Certificate in Business Administration and a Certificate in Accounting with Honors from UCSC Silicon Valley.

    Outside of work, Candace is an animal advocate and Native Animal Rescue and SPCA supporter with a deep appreciation for the Santa Cruz way of life. She enjoys music, gardening, and cheering on her favorite soccer teams in her spare time.

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    Alexander Faulk

    Alexander is a skilled accounting and bookkeeping professional with a strong background in corporate accounting, client service, and tax support. With over two and a half years of experience in tax preparation and accounting, he is currently pursuing certification as a California Certified Tax Preparer and working toward becoming an Enrolled Agent.

    He is known for his strong attention to detail, organized approach to financial records, and commitment to delivering exceptional client service. Alexander believes in building lasting relationships through clear communication, reliable work, and consistent support.

    Alexander is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Cruz, where he earned bachelor’s degrees in Physics and Music. He is a Certified QuickBooks Bookkeeper and a QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisor.

    Outside of the office, Alexander is a devoted husband to his wife, Haley, and a proud father of four children. He enjoys working on cars, camping with his family, and whale watching along the Monterey Bay.