16 SEP 2024 / SERVICES UPDATES

Opsahl Dawson & HJS Unite in Strategic Partnership, Expanding Presence in Washington

- MYCPE ONE Insights Team

Summary

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Accounting firm Opsahl Dawson & Company Advisors LLC has forged a strategic partnership with Hauser Jones & Sas (HJS) as part of its growth plan. Opsahl Dawson's move enhances its services in tax, audit, and assurance specialties, addressing growing demands due to their shared commitment to innovation and client service excellence.

Vancouver, WA – November 2024 – Opsahl Dawson & Company Advisors LLC, a Vancouver-based accounting firm with FY23 net revenue of $24.3 million, has announced a strategic partnership with Bellevue-based Hauser Jones & Sas (HJS), effective November 1. This partnership marks a significant milestone in Opsahl Dawson’s growth, bringing its total workforce to 180 partners and professionals across four offices in Vancouver, Lacey, Longview/Kelso, and now Bellevue, Washington.

Expanding Reach and Combining Strengths

The partnership represents a cultural and strategic alignment between two Washington-native firms. Both are committed to innovation, strong values, and delivering exceptional client service. “We are both home-grown Washington firms built on hard work, strong values, and dedication to our people, our clients, our profession, and our communities,” said Aaron Dawson, CEO of Opsahl Dawson. “Both firms are on an endless pursuit of excellence, and we never stop evolving. Our combination elevates that mission in so many ways that will benefit our people and our clients.”

Cultural Synergy and Strategic Fit

For Ellen Sas, Managing Partner of HJS, the decision to join forces was guided by shared values and vision. “Among the first criteria we evaluated was the cultural fit between our organizations, and we found that Opsahl Dawson’s values meshed very well with our own,” Sas stated. “Their people-first culture is a natural extension of our teamwork, commitment, and integrity values. Additionally, we were drawn to their forward-thinking approach to technology and their extensive resources in growth, operations, and recruiting. This is the right move for us, with the right people.”

Backed by Alpine Investors and the Ascend Growth Platform

Opsahl Dawson is part of the Ascend growth platform, powered by private equity firm Alpine Investors. This platform enables regional firms to maintain independence while accessing the resources of a larger organization. Ascend’s support helps firms address industry challenges, such as rapid technological advancements and staffing constraints, empowering them to reach new heights. Sas highlighted the benefits of the partnership: “As a local firm, we faced the staggering pace of technological change and significant staffing challenges impacting the entire accounting industry. Our combination with Opsahl Dawson gives us a deeper bench of expertise in multiple technical areas, which will allow faster and more accurate results in even the most complex situations.”

Backed by Alpine Investors and the Ascend Growth Platform

The union also enhances Opsahl Dawson’s offerings in tax, audit, and assurance services, addressing growing regional demand. “Southwest Washington is in need of a firm that offers not only tax services but also audit and assurance specialties,” said Dawson. “Combining two great firms has a way of accenting our great attributes. We get to build on each other’s strengths.”

For Dawson, this expansion also carries personal significance. “I started my career in Bellevue 15 years ago at Clark Nuber, and it is great to be back” he shared.

Until next time…

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