Business Details
36 Years
experience
Your Montana-Based Accounting Experts
Founded in 1990, Scharfe Kato has established itself as a trusted accounting firm serving individuals and businesses along the Montana Hi-Line. Our team of certified public accountants combines deep local knowledge with professional expertise to deliver tailored financial solutions. We prioritize long-term client relationships, offering personalized guidance in tax preparation, payroll services, and business consulting. With a legacy of community involvement and continuous adaptation to evolving tax laws, we remain committed to excellence in accounting practices.Our all-local staff ensures clients receive both technical proficiency and genuine understanding of regional business challenges. By maintaining a balance between small-town service and professional rigor, we help clients achieve financial clarity and success. Our history of growth reflects our dedication to meeting client needs while upholding the highest standards of accounting ethics and professionalism.
Services
Accounting Services
Tax Preparation
Payroll Services
Consulting Services
Business Form Filings
Entity Selection
Computer Accounting Setup
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of combined experience in Montana accounting practices
- Our team includes certified public accountants with local business expertise
- We provide tailored financial solutions for Montana's unique business environment
- Our firm maintains active CPA licenses and continuing professional education
- We combine small-town service with modern accounting technology
Services
Accounting Services
We provide comprehensive accounting solutions for businesses of all sizes, including general ledger maintenance, financial statement preparation, and computer accounting system setup. Our services help businesses maintain accurate financial records while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. With both monthly and annual reporting options, we adapt to each client's specific operational needs.
Tax Preparation Services
Our tax preparation services cover individual and business tax returns, including partnerships, corporations, estates, and non-profits. We stay current with changing tax laws to minimize liabilities while maximizing refunds. Our CPAs provide clear explanations of tax situations and offer strategic planning to optimize cash flow and future financial decisions.
Payroll Services
We offer complete payroll processing solutions including paycheck calculation, tax deposits, and regulatory reporting. Our services handle quarterly and annual tax forms, workers' compensation reporting, and accounting system integration. Businesses can customize service bundles to match their specific payroll needs while ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.
Consulting Services
Our consulting services focus on strategic financial planning and business entity selection. We help clients choose appropriate business structures, select accounting software, and develop long-term financial strategies. Our CPAs provide expert guidance on tax planning and operational efficiency to support sustainable business growth.
People
James C. Kato
Shareholder
A Havre native with over 25 years of accounting experience, Jim Kato graduated from Montana State University and joined the firm in 1995. He became a shareholder in 2006 and now leads the firm with a commitment to maintaining its founding principles while embracing modern accounting practices.
Lindsey S. Kellam
Shareholder
Growing up on a Montana farm, Lindsey Kellam earned her Master of Professional Accountancy from Montana State University. Joining the firm in 2006, she became a CPA in 2007 and a shareholder in 2014, bringing expertise in tax planning and business consulting to the leadership team.
Mark Kato
CPA
With experience in both public accounting and business ownership, Mark Kato brings diverse expertise to the firm. A former construction business owner, he joined Scharfe Kato in 2007 after working with BDO Seidman, providing clients with practical financial insights from multiple industries.
Savanna L. Munson
CPA
A Montana State University honors graduate, Savanna Munson joined the firm in 2020 and earned her CPA license in 2021. She provides accounting and tax services while maintaining strong client relationships, combining academic excellence with practical experience in public accounting.
Dawn Trotter
CPA
With experience at Eide Bailly and CHMS, P.C., Dawn Trotter joined Scharfe Kato in 2022. Her background in auditing and tax preparation, combined with agricultural business experience, provides clients with specialized expertise in farm and ranch accounting needs.
Questions
What accounting services do you offer for small businesses?
We provide bookkeeping, financial statement preparation, business entity selection, and accounting system setup tailored to Montana businesses of all sizes.
Do you handle both individual and business tax returns?
Yes, we prepare individual, partnership, corporate, estate, and non-profit tax returns while providing strategic tax planning to minimize liabilities.
What payroll services are included in your packages?
Our payroll services include paycheck calculation, tax deposits, quarterly and annual tax forms, workers' compensation reporting, and accounting software integration.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Havre and the Montana Hi-Line region, providing accounting expertise to both individuals and businesses throughout northern Montana.