Business name: Opsahl, Dawson & Company P.S.
Owners: Aaron and Jennifer Dawson and Matt Lee.
Address: 2620 S.E. 165th Ave., Suite 200, Vancouver. The company also has an office in Longview.
What the business does: Opsahl, Dawson P.S. is a full-service accounting firm. Aaron Dawson said his company is a “new age” accounting firm. It provides services including bookkeeping, payroll, tax planning and preparation, financial statements, business consulting and banking assistance using paperless technologies. Dawson believes in great customer service and helping clients achieve their financial goals. Two years ago, the firm developed paperless practices as an effort to increase efficiency. Its secure computer system allows staff to work with clients remotely.
How has the economy affected your business: Dawson said clients value customer service as they look for answers on how they can run their businesses smarter and leaner amid a tough economy. The company has assisted clients with bank financing and helped train client’s staff on how to produce timely financial information. Opsahl’s clients benefited by getting some significant tax refunds in 2009 and 2010, when the IRS allowed taxpayers to carry back business losses and recover taxes paid five years prior.
Greatest challenge: Dawson said the greatest challenge for any CPA business is how to survive the tax season. The firm does the majority of its work from Feb. 1 through April 15. Opsahl, Dawson is deadline-driven and successful at completing projects on budget and on time for its clients. It has developed a very unique scheduling system that allows for a smooth workflow. Another challenge is operating in two separate locations.
