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LESLIE O. DAWSON, CPA, CVA, ABV, CFF

Leslie O. Dawson is a partner in Glenn & Dawson, LLP. She has been working in the accounting field since 1980.  She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Accredited by the American Institute of CPAs in Business Valuation (ABV), Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF), and a Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA). She received her Master of Science degree in Taxation from Golden Gate University.

Certified Public Accountant

California Certified Public Accountant - June, 1995

The national professional group for Certified Public Accountants - 1995 to present

Accredited in Business Valuation Designation (ABV) – February, 1999
The ABV designation is awarded to CPAs who provide evidence of substantial experience in Business Valuation and who have passed a written exam covering the business valuation common body of knowledge. CPAs with the ABV designation must re-certify every three years, demonstrating substantial involvement in the business valuation discipline and completing professional education requirements.

Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF) – July, 2008
The AICPA’s CFF designation combines specialized forensic accounting expertise with the core knowledge and skills that make CPAs among the most trusted business advisers. It encompasses fundamental and specialized forensic accounting skills that CPA practitioners apply in a variety of service areas. To qualify, a CPA must be an AICPA member in good standing, have at least five years of experience in practicing accounting, and meet minimum requirements in relevant business experience and continuing professional education.

  • Member – 1995 to Present
  • Family Law Section – Member 1996 to Present.  Officer 1996 to 2006.  Chair 2004 to 2006.  In charge of the quarterly family law tax updates.
  • East Bay Litigation Services Committee member – 1995 to present. Chair 1999 to present.
  • Statewide Family Law Conference – Chair in 2000.  Committee 1998 to present.
  • Coordinator of the Contra Costa County Pro Bono Program – 2002 to present.
  • Chair of “Tax Issues in Divorce Mini-Conference” – 2005 to present.  Co-sponsored by the East Bay Chapter of the California Society of CPA’s and the Contra Costa Bar Association.
  • Associate Editor of “The Witness Chair” – 2002 to present.
  • Family Law Section Distinguished Service Award – 2010
  • CalCPA and AICPA Woman to Watch Award – 2010

Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) – February 1998
Certified Valuation Analysts (CVA) perform valuations of business enterprises. The CVA designation is limited to CPAs who have met the educational and testing requirements of the Association. CVAs must meet continuing education requirements and peer quality reviews to maintain the designation.

Professional Experience

  • Experience in providing litigation support services since 1991.
  • Appointed Court's Expert in California Superior Courts.

Community Activities

  • Kids’ Turn – Board of Director and Treasurer – January 2007 to present
  • Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce – Board of Directors - 2007 to present; Past Chair of the Board
  • Mt. Diablo Interpretive Society – Board of Directors – 2007 to present.  Current Vice President.
  • Involved in supporting various homeless and social service programs in Contra Costa County – 2000 to present
  • Mt. Diablo Habitat for Humanity – Volunteer since 1993 - 2004
    President – 1998 to 2000
    Board of Directors/Finance Committee – 1994 to 2000
  • Ujima Family Recovery Services – Board of Directors – 2004 to present.
  • Leadership Contra Costa Program (Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce) – Graduate – 1995/1996
  • Expert Faculty for Hastings College of Advocacy Business Litigation Institute – 1998 to 2000.
  • Institute of Management Accountants – Board of Directors, Diablo Valley Chapter – 1992 to 1997

Education

·         Masters of Taxation degree at Golden Gate University – August, 1998

·         Bachelor of Arts in Accounting (Cum Laude) Sonoma State University – May, 1991

·         Society of California Accountants Scholarship – 1989 and 1990

·         Finley Foundation Scholarship – 1990.