Best Accountants for Hire in Portland

Portland Area Accounting Services

Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA isn’t just known for its coffee shops, startups, and creative scene — it’s also home to one of the Pacific Northwest’s most vibrant business ecosystems. From sustainability-driven tech firms to craft manufacturing, boutique agencies, and family-owned ventures, accountants in Portland play a vital role in keeping the region’s economy thriving.

Behind the scenes, these professionals ensure more than just compliance; they build clarity, confidence, and smarter decision-making for every client they serve. In a city where innovation meets intention, Portland accountants bring the balance — blending financial precision with strategic insight that empowers entrepreneurs, corporations, and nonprofits alike.

At Digital Reference, our mission is to make professional discovery more transparent and trustworthy. That’s why we’ve curated a list of standout accountants and consultants across the Portland area — from solo practitioners to firm leaders. These experts have been carefully vetted through our multi-step evaluation methodology, which considers experience, measurable results, ethical practice, and innovation.

Our Methodology: How We Selected Portland’s Best Accountants

Our research team used a combination of publicly available credentials, verified client feedback, and digital footprint analysis to identify these top consultants. We emphasize four pillars:
✨ Experience & Credentials – Education, certifications (CPA, CMA, EA, etc.), and years of professional excellence.
✨ Client Impact – Documented outcomes such as tax savings, audit accuracy, or business growth.
✨ Innovation & Technology – Adoption of new accounting tools, digital workflows, and cloud-based systems.
✨ Community & Ethics – Engagement in financial literacy, mentorship, or sustainable business initiatives.

These pillars ensure that every accountant featured here reflects the highest standards of Portland’s financial community.

🌟 Meet the Standout Accounting Professionals in the Portland Area

♦️ Urmila Paranjape, CPA

Staff Tax Accountant at Kingsland Company, PC 
🔗 LinkedIn

Urmila Paranjape is known across the Portland area for her detail-oriented approach to accounting and her passion for empowering small business owners. With a strong foundation in financial reporting and compliance, she’s earned a reputation for helping clients make sense of complex fiscal systems — transforming disorganized records into actionable insights.

🌟 Highlights:
💼 Specializes in small business accounting and bookkeeping solutions.
📈 Known for implementing efficient systems that save clients time and cost.
🚀 Offers personalized consulting that helps startups navigate early growth challenges.
🌍 Advocates for financial literacy and inclusive accounting practices in local communities.

Urmila’s ability to merge empathy with expertise makes her a go-to professional for businesses that value clear communication and trustworthy guidance.

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♦️ Cathy Kemnitz

Finance & Accounting Consultant, CEO at Cathy Kemnitz Consulting, LLC
🔗 LinkedIn

With decades of accounting leadership experience, Cathy Kemnitz has guided numerous Portland-area organizations through periods of transformation. Her hands-on style and sharp analytical mind have made her a trusted advisor for companies seeking clarity during scale-up and transition phases.

🌟 Highlights:
💼 Experienced in corporate accounting and financial leadership roles.
📈 Recognized for developing scalable systems that enhance transparency.
🚀 Provides fractional CFO services tailored to growth-stage businesses.
🌍 Known for mentoring aspiring accountants and contributing to financial education initiatives.

Cathy’s blend of strategy and empathy helps clients move confidently through audits, budget cycles, and long-term planning with ease.

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♦️ Laura Shiel, CPA, CFA

Co-owner and Chief Operating Officer at Clara CFO Group
🔗 LinkedIn

A Portland-based CPA, CFA, and strategic advisor, Laura Shiel is the co-owner of Clara CFO Group — a firm that partners with purpose-driven businesses to deliver clarity and growth. Laura’s career reflects a blend of analytical strength and forward-thinking strategy, enabling clients to translate numbers into narrative.

🌟 Highlights:
💼 Offers fractional CFO and outsourced accounting services for scaling companies.
📈 Known for turning raw data into actionable financial strategies.
🚀 Helps clients improve decision-making through detailed forecasting and reporting.
🌍 Leads a team focused on values-based business practices and transparency.

Laura’s mission-driven philosophy resonates deeply in Portland’s entrepreneurial landscape, where authenticity and accountability define business success.

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♦️ Fern Capella Allen

CFO & Accounting Consultant
🔗 LinkedIn

Known for her precision and client-first mindset, Fern Capella Allen brings a comprehensive background in accounting operations and reporting. Her experience spans audit support, GAAP compliance, and small business advisory, making her a sought-after consultant in the Portland region.

🌟 Highlights:
💼 Provides bookkeeping, reconciliation, and audit-ready reporting.
📈 Expert in establishing clean financial systems for long-term stability.
🚀 Trusted by clients for her hands-on support during financial transitions.
🌍 Actively involved in mentoring junior professionals in the accounting field.

Fern’s meticulous yet approachable style makes her indispensable to both entrepreneurs and established organizations.

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♦️ Joe Pointer, CPA

Fractional CFO and Business Advisor at Breakaway Advising
🔗 LinkedIn

Joe Pointer has built a reputation as one of Portland’s most reliable financial strategists. With years of experience guiding companies through growth, funding, and transformation, Joe combines technical accounting knowledge with a clear sense of business direction.

🌟 Highlights:
💼 Focuses on financial modeling, forecasting, and advisory services.
📈 Recognized for helping startups and SMBs establish financial frameworks that attract investors.
🚀 Brings cross-industry insight from years of consulting for tech and service-based companies.
🌍 Dedicated to financial mentorship and leadership development initiatives.

Joe’s forward-looking approach ensures his clients not only meet compliance needs but also prepare for long-term sustainability.

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♦️ Lindsay Park, CPA

Tax Senior Manager at Perkins and Company
🔗 LinkedIn

Lindsay Park is a respected name in Portland’s accounting community for her expertise in controllership and operational finance. Her practical yet strategic mindset allows clients to simplify processes, reduce inefficiencies, and gain financial clarity.

🌟 Highlights:
💼 Skilled in financial statement preparation and management reporting.
📈 Helps clients adopt systems that streamline accounting operations.
🚀 Provides actionable insights that guide better business decisions.
🌍 Advocates for ethical accounting practices and transparent client communication.

Lindsay’s strong operational sense and client partnership approach make her a trusted choice for growing organizations.

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♦️ Amy Knauer

Fractional CFO, Consultant at Element Five Consulting
🔗 LinkedIn

Amy Knauer stands out for her holistic approach to financial management — integrating technical expertise with educational outreach. She helps clients understand the “why” behind every figure, empowering them to make smarter, more confident decisions.

🌟 Highlights:
💼 Offers consulting in bookkeeping, payroll, and strategic planning.
📈 Focuses on empowering clients through knowledge and financial clarity.
🚀 Delivers personalized financial systems for small businesses and nonprofits.
🌍 Advocates for women in finance and local entrepreneurial education.

Amy’s passion for teaching and clarity-driven consulting makes her one of Portland’s most empowering accounting voices.

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♦️ Tarrah Adam

CFO, Owner of  Revel Accounting
🔗 LinkedIn‍

Tarrah Adam is the founder of Revel Accounting, a boutique firm redefining how modern entrepreneurs experience accounting. Her practice focuses on creating confidence through simplicity — turning what often feels daunting into a seamless, transparent process.

🌟 Highlights:
💼 Provides full-service accounting, bookkeeping, and advisory services.
📈 Known for building customized solutions that align with business values.
🚀 Helps clients harness modern accounting software to increase efficiency.
🌍 Champions authenticity, collaboration, and inclusion within the financial industry.

Tarrah’s mission-driven mindset perfectly reflects Portland’s culture of intentional, people-first business practices.

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♦️ Theban Tonnesen, EA, LTC

Fractional CFO, Tax Strategy Advisor, Founder of Advanced Tax Consulting
🔗 LinkedIn

Theban Tonnesen is a trusted tax expert specializing in both federal and state compliance. With his credentials as an EA and LTC, Theban provides Portland businesses and individuals with tax guidance rooted in precision, ethics, and education.

🌟 Highlights:
💼 Offers comprehensive tax preparation and strategic planning services.
📈 Recognized for resolving complex tax issues with clarity.
🚀 Guides clients through multi-year audits and IRS interactions.
🌍 Advocates for transparency and continuous learning in tax practice.

Theban’s technical knowledge and client-centered care make him a standout tax professional in the region.

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♦️ Paul Tilyaev, CPA, MSF

Accounting Consultant & Advisor, Managing Partner at Perpetual CPA
🔗 LinkedIn

Paul Tilyaev is known for his ability to translate complex financial data into actionable business strategies. His analytical mindset and attention to detail allow clients to make data-backed decisions that drive long-term results.

🌟 Highlights:
💼 Expert in financial modeling and performance analysis.
📈 Works with clients to build custom reporting frameworks.
🚀 Focuses on improving profitability through strategic cost management.
🌍 Active in local business mentorship and leadership circles.

Paul’s combination of strategic thinking and technical excellence consistently adds measurable value to his clients’ operations.

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♦️ Briana Mathias

CPA, Finance Professional & Business Advisor
🔗 LinkedIn

Briana Mathias represents the next generation of Portland accountants — forward-thinking, analytical, and highly adaptable. She’s known for helping small businesses establish solid financial foundations that sustain growth and resilience.

🌟 Highlights:
💼 Specializes in small business bookkeeping and advisory.
📈 Helps clients adopt automation tools for smoother operations.
🚀 Offers clear, actionable financial insights to guide scaling decisions.
🌍 Dedicated to financial inclusion and empowerment within her community.

Briana’s proactive and approachable style embodies the collaborative, innovative nature of Portland’s accounting sector.

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♦️ Mike Gentry

CPA, Financial Consultant, Partner at Gentry & Gentry LLC
🔗 LinkedIn

Mike Gentry brings a strong analytical background in financial modeling and business tax. With years of experience across both corporate and nonprofit sectors, he’s trusted for his data precision and deep understanding of compliance.

💼 Highlights:

📑 Specializes in GAAP-based audits and process reviews.

💬 Consults with nonprofits on funding audits and donor transparency.

📊 Expert in data reconciliation and internal control systems.

His approach balances technical accounting rigor with accessible communication, making complex audits easier to navigate.

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♦️ Cameron Clark

CPA, Audit & Advisory Specialist at WB CPA, LLC.
🔗 LinkedIn

Cameron Clark blends public accounting experience with advisory expertise. His work emphasizes compliance and audit readiness — crucial for growing firms preparing for mergers or funding rounds.

💼 Highlights:

📋 Leads audit preparation for mid-size enterprises.

💬 Advises on regulatory shifts impacting local manufacturing clients.

📈 Integrates sustainability metrics into financial reporting.

Clark’s disciplined and forward-thinking approach places him among the most reliable CPAs in St. Louis.

Why Portland Accountants Matter & Digital Reference’s Role

The professionals featured here represent the core of Portland’s business integrity — bringing precision, strategy, and community-driven purpose to every client relationship. From modern CFO services to grassroots bookkeeping support, these accountants shape the economic fabric of the Pacific Northwest.

At Digital Reference, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on these professionals and their contributions. By curating trusted experts across finance, law, and consulting, we make it easier for clients to find advisors who share their values and vision.

Looking for related insights? Explore:

• Best Fractional CFOs in Portland
• Best Financial Advisors in Portland
• Best Audit & Compliance Consulting Services in the USA

Our goal is simple: to bridge trust between professionals and clients through research, transparency, and storytelling. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, or enterprise CFO, Digital Reference helps you find the right partner — one ethical, strategic decision at a time.