We believe in the value of relationships. We view every client relationship as a partnership, and truly believe that our success is a result of our clients' success.

We are committed to providing close, personal attention to our clients. We take pride in the assurance that the personal assistance we offer comes from years of advanced training, technical experience, and financial acumen. Our continual investment of time and resources in professional continuing education, state-of-the-art computer technology and extensive business relationships is indicative of our commitment to excellence.

Our firm was founded in 1979 in Longview, Washington by George H. Opsahl, Jr. In 1998, a second office was opened in Vancouver, Washington. Effective January 1, 2009, with the addition of Aaron R. Dawson and Jennifer D. Dawson to our team, the name of the firm changed to Opsahl, Dawson and Company, P.S. Our team of 24 members includes eight certified public accountants and ten tax and accounting professionals. Our firm is licensed in Washington and Oregon, and all of our certified public accountants hold valid CPA certificates.

George H. Opsahl, Jr., CPA, BA University of Washington, and his wife Carole live in Longview. They have two sons and are active in the community. George began his career with Price Waterhouse & Co. in Seattle, Washington, as an auditor and tax accountant in 1971, and received his certification in 1973. After seven years, he left that firm as a tax manager to become a partner in a local Seattle firm, moving back to Southwest Washington in 1979. In addition to his skills in accounting, taxation, estate planning, and business planning, George has completed training as a Business Development Specialist, a service which he feels will prove valuable to our clients in growing their businesses. George enjoys cycling, having successfully completed Cycle Oregon three times, as well as the annual STP.

Aaron R. Dawson, CPA, BA Western Washington University, began his career with Clothier & Head of Seattle in June of 2002 where he practiced both audit and tax accounting. After three years he joined the tax department at Clark Nuber in Bellevue, rising to the position of Tax Manager. Aaron has worked with a wide variety of commercial companies and high net worth individuals. His broad experience with real estate, professional service companies, and manufacturing companies makes him a valuable team member. Aaron graduated from Mark Morris High School with honors in 1997, also playing on the varsity soccer team. While at WWU Aaron traveled to Washington, D.C. to represent the University at the National Accounting Society Annual Conference. He received his certification in 2004. Aaron and his wife Jennifer live in La Center.

Jennifer D. Dawson, CPA, BA Western Washington University, began her career with Clothier & Head in Seattle as an audit and tax accountant, leaving the firm after six years as a Supervisor in the Accounting and Auditing Department with her primary focus on manufacturing, wholesalers, and hospitality industry services. In addition, Jennifer has provided accounting and tax services to closely-held businesses and to individuals. Jennifer attended Oak Harbor High School on Whidbey Island, where she was a member of the Honor Society, co-captain of the varsity volleyball team, and a player on the varsity softball team. After graduation Jennifer attended Seattle Pacific University for one year and played on the SPU volleyball team, transferring to WWU to complete her education. She received her certification in 2005.

Terry H. Shepp, CPA, BBA Magna Cum Laude, Texas A & I University, has been with the firm since 1991 and was a shareholder from 1998 through 2008. She received her certification in 1968 and worked with a national accounting firm in Texas and with local accounting firms in Alabama and Oregon prior to moving to Washington. Terry and her husband Bill have two sons, living with their families in Atlanta, Georgia. She and her family have also lived in Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Matthew E. Lee, CPA, BA Portland State University, began his career with Fordham & Fordham, CPAs located in Hillsboro, Oregon, in 1987. Matt has experience in many industries such as: construction contractors, nursery growers, auto retailers, manufacturing, mining, health care and hospitality. He also has experience with multi-national companies. In 1992 Matt was recruited by Lake Peat Moss, Ltd and Black Gold Potting Soils, Inc. as the company CFO working with both their Canadian and US operations. After the company was sold in 1999, Matt re-entered public accounting working at a local CPA firm as a manager. Matt was excited to join Opsahl, Dawson & Company as he shares the companies’ commitment to their clients and enjoys the high-energy environment within the firm. He is an avid cyclist and golfer, enjoys volunteer work and spending time with family.

Sierra M. Eckman, CPA, BA Business Administration, Accounting Summa Cum Laude, Washington State University, joined the firm in 2010. She began her career in public accounting in 2006 and is a member of the Washington State Society of CPA’s. She also continues to network with WSU alumni. Sierra was born and raised in Washougal, WA and now lives in Vancouver with her husband. Sierra enjoys working in her garden and spending time with her family and two cats.

Debbie Ralston, EA, AA Accounting/Business Management, supervises our individual tax preparation department and has been with the firm since 1995. She previously worked at a local credit union and as a bookkeeper for a local company. Debbie and her husband Jerry have a son and a daughter.

James R. Gates, EA, AAS Accounting, joined the firm in early 2003. Jim has previously worked for local industries and also has helped his wife Shelby operate a custom fishing rod business for over 20 years. Jim and Shelby live in Woodland and have a son and a daughter. Jim enjoys music, fishing, and along with his family, many of the outdoor activities here in Southwest Washington and at other locations in the Pacific Northwest.