Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted CPA Partner in Kirkland, WA
Since 1974, VWC has been a trusted partner in financial advisory and certified public accounting, built on a foundation of human-centered principles. Our firm was established by Rolf Voldal and Ed Wartelle, who envisioned a CPA practice prioritizing people over numbers through strategic risk-taking and dedicated service. Over five decades, we've maintained a collaborative, client-first philosophy, serving closely held businesses, high-net-worth families, entertainment professionals, and organizations managing estates and trusts. Our team of 35 professionals combines technical expertise with personalized solutions, emphasizing integrity, transparency, and long-term partnerships.We approach every client relationship with humility and authenticity, delivering timely advice and well-considered strategies that redefine traditional accounting roles. With a focus on helping clients achieve success beyond financial metrics, we act as advocates for both business and personal goals, maintaining low staff turnover to ensure continuity and deep institutional knowledge of client operations.
Services
Audit and Accounting
Business Management
Tax Services
Benefit Plan Audits
Estates and Trusts
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of experience serving clients globally.
- Our team provides tailored financial solutions for unique client needs.
- We maintain a client-first philosophy with personalized service.
- Our low staff turnover ensures continuity and deep client knowledge.
- We combine technical expertise with proactive financial strategies.
Services
Audit and Accounting
Our comprehensive audit and accounting services provide financial clarity for business growth. We transform raw data into actionable insights through expert analysis of financial statements and compliance audits. With low staff turnover, we maintain deep institutional knowledge of client operations, offering continuity in financial oversight while identifying opportunities for efficiency and regulatory compliance.
Business Management
We streamline business financial operations through customized management solutions. Our team handles day-to-day accounting tasks while developing long-term strategies that align with client goals. Services include cash flow monitoring, insurance coordination, and personnel management, with integrated estate planning to protect business and personal assets for future generations.
Tax Services
Our proactive tax planning maximizes financial success through year-round strategic guidance. We help clients optimize tax outcomes by understanding their unique circumstances and applying specialized knowledge of tax codes. Services cover individual and business tax planning, estate tax strategies, and international financial matters with personalized solutions for closely held businesses.
Benefit Plan Audits
We specialize in employee benefit plan audits with meticulous attention to regulatory compliance. Our team ensures accurate financial reporting for retirement and healthcare plans while identifying potential improvements. This service supports organizations in maintaining fiduciary responsibility and meeting complex regulatory requirements through detailed audit procedures and advisory services.
Estates and Trusts
Our estate and trust services focus on preserving wealth through comprehensive planning strategies. We assist clients with trust creation, probate management, and legacy planning while coordinating with legal advisors. The service emphasizes protecting assets and ensuring smooth intergenerational transfers through tailored financial structures that align with long-term family objectives.
People
Adrienne Nordland
Partner, Audit and Accounting
Leader of Audit and Assurance since 2017 with extensive experience in financial oversight. Former Controller for family-owned business and local firm professional. Known for clear communication of complex financial matters. Washington native and University of Washington graduate.
Don Carlin
Partner, Tax
Trusted advisor since 1995 with expertise in financial strategy for manufacturing and distribution companies. Key leader in Family Office practice. Combines technical knowledge with practical solutions for business owners and high-net-worth families.
Lee Johnson
Partner, Business Management
First employee of VWC with 50 years of experience. MBA from Columbia University. Specializes in entertainment business management, serving world-renowned clients. Recognized for strategic financial guidance in the arts industry.
Rachelle Houghton
Partner, Business Management
Head of Business Management department with extensive private and public accounting experience. Focuses on tailored financial services for high-net-worth individuals and closely held businesses. Known for making complex financial matters accessible and manageable.
Steve Polis
Partner, Tax
46-year industry veteran with 31 years at VWC. Provides tax strategy and financial planning solutions for long-term clients. Leverages extensive professional network to solve complex international financial matters while maintaining personalized service approach.
Questions
What accounting services does VWC offer?
We provide comprehensive audit, tax, and accounting services including financial statement preparation, compliance audits, and year-round tax planning for businesses and individuals.
How does VWC approach client relationships?
We prioritize long-term partnerships through personalized service, transparent communication, and collaborative problem-solving tailored to each client's unique financial situation and goals.
What industries does VWC specialize in?
We specialize in serving closely held businesses, high-net-worth families, entertainment professionals, and organizations managing estates and trusts with industry-specific expertise.
What makes VWC different from other accounting firms?
Our 50-year legacy combines technical expertise with personalized service, low staff turnover ensuring continuity, and a client-first philosophy that prioritizes long-term financial success over transactional relationships.
