James Dougherty, CPA
Partner
A teacher at heart, James brings reasoned advice and simplicity to complex financial reporting.
James first learned to master a difficult instrument, publicly lead his peers and quickly assess and resolve any potential problems while concertmaster and skilled violinist in his junior and senior high school orchestras. He now continues these traits on personal, professional and community levels. James conquers new systems for clients in an ever-changing business environment. James has an innate ability to teach accounting to expert and novice alike. His appetite for both learning and mentoring, personable nature and knack for networking make James the CPA who can bring order to a client’s seemingly complex financial reporting challenges. He fixes various accounting problems and is the calm voice in strained situations.
Areas of Expertise
James has over 30 years of experience auditing various types of entities including manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors, real estate fiduciary companies, insurance companies and not-for-profit organizations. James’ insurance experience extends to captives, government risk pools, property and casualty insurers and agencies offering a variety of commercial and personal lines. James is also a qualified peer reviewer under the AICPA Peer Review Program.
Ever involved in the community, he is the past Co-Chair of the Planning Committee of the Accounting and Auditing Conference and past member-at-large of the Accounting Principles and Assurance Services Committee, both sponsored by the CALCPA Education Foundation, has served as the Assistant Treasurer of The ManKind Project USA (a national nonprofit organization) and is a former director and past CFO of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce.
Membership & Professional Associations
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
- California Society of Certified Public Accountants
- Southern California Insurance Accounting and Systems Association (IASA)
- Former Director and Chief Financial Officer, Glendale Chamber of Commerce
More About James
His career began with Coopers & Lybrand, LLP, leading to positions in industry as senior, manager and controller. However, James focused his career in public accounting which has been his passion for most of his life.
James received a Master of Accountancy from Stetson University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Southern California.
Favorite Quote?
My dad always told me, “If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.”
Least Favorite Word?
“Can’t.”
What Can’t You Stop Talking About?
“My kids.”
Advice for Aspiring CPAs?
“Network with the people you know from school and the people you meet along the way. Use LinkedIn because it makes networking so much easier. Always think about how you can help the person sitting next to you.”
