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 experts and novices alike. His appetite for 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 three decades of experience auditing various entities, including manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors, real estate fiduciary companies, insurance companies, and not-for-profit organizations, including Single Audits. James’ insurance experience extends to property and casualty – captives, government risk pools, carriers and agencies offering a variety of specialty, commercial, nonstandard auto and personal lines, and life and health insurance companies. James is also a qualified peer reviewer under the AICPA Peer Review Program.
Ever involved in the community, James serves on the Peer Review Committee and the Professional Standards Committee of TxCPA. 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. James also served as the Assistant Treasurer of the ManKind Project USA, a national nonprofit organization. He is a former director and past CFO of the Glendale, California Chamber of Commerce, where he served the full 7-year term.
Membership & Professional Associations
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
- California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA)
- Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants (TxCPA)
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.”
