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 26 members includes ten certified public accountants and nine tax and accounting professionals.

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. 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 advisor. Aaron graduated from Mark Morris High School with honors in 1997, and was a member of the varsity soccer team. While at WWU Aaron traveled to Washington, D.C. to represent the University at the National Accounting Society Annual Conference. Aaron and his wife, Jennifer, live in La Center. Aaron enjoys outdoor activities (hunting, fishing, soccer), and enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter, and two cats.

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 was a member of the varsity softball team. After graduation Jennifer attended Seattle Pacific University and was a member of the SPU volleyball team before transferring to WWU to complete her degree. Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband, Aaron, daughter, and two cats.

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, 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 and son. Sierra enjoys working in her garden and spending time with her family and two cats.

Rachael Rahn, CPA, BA magna cum laude, Linfield College, joined the firm in 2010. Prior to joining the firm, Rachael worked in public accounting in Lake Oswego, Oregon. She has experience working with a variety of both individual and business tax clients. Rachael enjoys coaching volleyball and spending time with her family.

Ursula A. Perkins, CPA, BA, summa cum laude, Washington State University Vancouver, joined the firm in 2010. She previously worked in the banking industry and entered public accounting in 2004, working for a small Vancouver CPA firm. She has experience working with a wide variety of individual and business clients in the areas of tax, accounting, and payroll. Ursula was excited about the opportunity to work for a larger firm and was impressed by Opsahl, Dawson & Company’s high standard of professionalism. Ursula and her husband, Shawn, have a daughter and a son. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, camping, riding ATV quads, fishing, and beach clean-ups.

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.