For more than a decade, Garrett Gfeller has been a steady and trusted part of DZA’s audit team. Now a Manager specializing in not-for-profit audits, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), single audits, and employee benefit plans, he brings a unique balance of technical rigor, curiosity, and deep appreciation for the missions behind the organizations he serves.
A Career Built on Logic, Curiosity, and a Solid Foundation
Garrett’s path to accounting began in high school, where a great business teacher introduced him to debits and credits. The work made sense to him from the start. Graduating from Gonzaga University during the Great Recession further solidified his choice. “There was a lot of talk about the stability of different career paths,” he recalls. “Accounting has always been the backbone of business operations, and the logical side of my brain recognized that.”
Still, accounting wasn’t always the plan. Garrett once pictured himself as a paleontologist, astrophysicist, pilot, history teacher, or even filmmaker. But life—and practicality—nudged him toward a profession where he could still tap into his analytical side while making a meaningful difference.
Meaning in the Mission
While Garrett’s technical expertise runs deep, what motivates him most is the impact his clients have on their communities. “Working with small not-for-profits is incredibly rewarding,” he says. “These organizations aren’t driven by the bottom line, but by their respective missions and the value that they add to their communities and society as a whole.”
His commitment extends beyond day-to-day audits. One of his most memorable projects came early in his career, when he assisted in valuing a crabbing trawler—owned by someone who appeared on Deadliest Catch. It was a unique assignment that pushed his skills in an unexpected direction and remains a favorite story to share.
A Culture That Fits
Before joining DZA, Garrett worked at a much larger firm with long busy-season hours, limited feedback, and a highly formal environment. DZA felt different from day one.
“Coming from a small farm in the Palouse, the ‘family’ feel of DZA resonated with me,” he explains. “The culture here emphasizes training, evaluation, and genuine growth, and was a big selling point to me.”
The firm’s relaxed dress code didn’t hurt either. “I enjoy looking professional,” he laughs, “but constant dry-cleaner visits get old fast.”
Guiding Light, Not the Spotlight
For Garrett, the most rewarding moments of his career come when he sees not-for-profit organizations evolve from constant struggle to long-term stability. “We provide tools and insight,” he says, “but ultimately our clients are the ones who pick up the light and carry it forward. Watching that growth is incredibly fulfilling.”
His day-to-day approach reflects DZA’s focus on relationships. Garrett strives to know his clients beyond the numbers—a personal connection that makes communication stronger and the work more human.
Roots That Shape Who He Is
Garrett was born and raised on a farm in the rolling hills of eastern Washington’s Palouse region. A fourth-generation farming family, the household was filled with crops, animals, wide-open land, and hard work. That upbringing shaped his values: humility, dependability, and a deep appreciation for community.
He later attended Gonzaga University for both his undergraduate degree (Business Administration with an Art minor) and his Master’s in Taxation. “Accounting was for a job,” he says. “Art was for my soul.”
Today, he lives in Spokane, which he says, “offers the best of the amenities of a moderate sized city, with the proximity to so many outdoor activities and open spaces.”
Life Beyond the Ledger
Outside of work, Garrett’s world is centered around his family—his wife of 14 years and their three kids: Gabriel (10), Elsa (8), and Ian (5). Whether he’s assisting with school activities or cheering at sports events, his family keeps him active and involved.
When he does find spare time, Garrett’s interests are wide-ranging. He loves to travel, especially internationally, where he can explore new cultures, history, and—most importantly—cuisine. A dedicated college basketball fan (Go Zags!), he also enjoys golf, disc golf, cooking, trying new foods, board and video games, and drawing. In recent years, he’s added woodworking to the mix, a hands-on hobby that lets him unwind and create something tangible.
A few fun facts? He loves The Lord of the Rings and reads it annually during the holidays. One of his favorite quotes from Carl Sagan captures his approach to both work and life: “We can judge our progress by the courage of our questions and the depth of our answers…”
Steady, Supportive, and Always Learning
Garrett embodies what makes DZA’s audit team strong: deep expertise, a genuine commitment to helping mission-driven organizations succeed, and an approach grounded in curiosity, humility, and heart. Whether he’s guiding a small not-for-profit through a challenging audit or building a new woodworking project in his garage, Garrett brings the same thoughtful, steady presence to everything he does.
To contact Garrett, please email ggfeller@dza.cpa.
