Aaron Rios, CPA

With more than two decades of public accounting experience, Aaron Rios brings deep expertise and a steady hand to LSL’s Consulting and Advisory Services (CAAS) Department. As a licensed CPA since 2003, Aaron specializes in helping governmental agencies—from municipalities and counties to school districts and special districts—navigate audits, reporting, internal controls, and compliance with confidence.

Before joining LSL, Aaron served as a partner at a top 25 regional firm and as an assurance director at a top 10 national firm as member of the governmental audit quality group. His experience includes leading large-scale engagements, including a city and county in Colorado with nearly $500 million in federal awards. He has conducted audits under Government Auditing Standards and the Single Audit Act, and helped clients prepare Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports (ACFRs) and Schedules of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA), including required note disclosures.

Aaron is also a go-to resource for implementing complex GASB standards. His hands-on approach and passion for solving problems have made him a trusted advisor for internal control improvements, fund-to-government-wide conversions, and helping clients achieve GFOA Certificates of Excellence in Financial Reporting.

What drew Aaron to accounting? Surprisingly, it was a path to the FBI. But after a college economics course and an early interest in how financial systems work, he found his home in accounting—where every client engagement is a chance to learn, solve problems, and serve others.

Outside the Office… Aaron enjoys reading, working in his yard, going to the movies, and collecting vinyl records. He loves spending time with his two boys and relaxing with a cup of tea at Barnes & Noble.

Professional and Civic Involvement:

Firm member, PrimeGlobal

Education:

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting from Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi- Graduated with Honors.
Masters of Accountancy from Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi.