About Joe Gates, Founder
I am a proud native of the Northwest and hold a CPA license in both Washington and Oregon. I realize that although
I feel passionate about doing accounting, the majority of people I know would prefer doing anything but. With over 20 years
of diverse financial experience and commitment to the highest standards of service, I am prepared to help
you achieve your financial goals.
My business career started at age 17 when I opened and successfully operated my first martial arts school. The principles that were instilled in me as a martial artist - courtesy, integrity, and perseverance, created the framework of my business ethic.
After graduating from Western Oregon University in 1989 with a BS in Business Administration, I began auditing for the Oregon Secretary of State Audits Division. In the Audits Division, I audited the State’s financial statements and its compliance with laws and regulations.
Between 1995 and 1999 I worked in the Controller’s Division of the State of Oregon’s Department of Administrative Services. As a member of the Controller’s Financial Reporting Team, I prepared key sections of the State’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) and disclosures, and the State’s Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. I wrote and implemented accounting policies and procedures, and assisted nine to twelve state agencies with accounting and financial reporting.
In 1999, I moved to Washington and started working for a large Fortune 500 company, where I held several finance-related positions. From 2003 until I left the company in 2009, I served as the Accounting and Finance Manager and First Vice President of a large 700 FTE Division within the corporate headquarters.
I established my CPA firm in May, 2009 and have since been fulfilling my dream of working directly with clients. With my help, one client was able to save significantly on federal taxes by changing the structure of his business. Another client will be able to save a significant amount each year as a result of changing some business practices and implementing controls.
From the beginning, I’ve worked hard to build quality into the fabric of my firm. In September 2009, we underwent a stringent peer review of our system of quality control and received a “pass” rating with no comments. In 2009 I was also granted a municipal audit license from the State of Oregon. To keep current of ever changing rules and regulations, I have continued to actively participate in industry related activities. In August 2010, I had the opportunity to become the chair of the Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants’ Financial Statement Review Committee. To stay current on governmental accounting and financial reporting, I’ve continued to serve as a reviewer of financial statements from state and local governments for the Government Finance Officers Association’s prestigious Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Program.
- ~ Chair of WSCPA Financial Statement Review Committee
- ~ State and local government financial statement reviewer for the GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Program