Nancy Dickman serves as a Senior Accountant and Assistant Controller in DZA’s Client Advisory and Accounting Services (CAAS) practice. In her role, she works closely with clients to provide accounting support, financial oversight, and forward-looking strategic guidance that helps organizations operate more efficiently and grow with confidence.
While accounting may traditionally be viewed as historical and compliance-focused, Nancy has found renewed purpose in the evolution of the profession through CAAS.
“What I love most about accounting today is how CAAS has evolved the profession. Traditional accounting often looks backward, but CAAS allows us to be forward-thinking advisors. Many of our clients rely on us as their outsourced finance department or virtual CFO. That blend of hands-on work and high-impact insight is incredibly rewarding.”
An Unexpected Start
Nancy did not initially set out to become an accountant. She began her college career at Eastern Washington University as a Biology major. After taking a year off, she returned and enrolled in an Economics class, where everything clicked.
She discovered she thrived on the precision and problem-solving that accounting demands, and appreciated the diverse career paths available within the profession. That realization ultimately set the course for her career.
Her professional journey began as an Internal Auditor with a Department of Energy contractor at the Hanford site. During that time, she was selected to assist the Office of the Inspector General on special investigations, an opportunity that launched her into governmental auditing and contract compliance and left a lasting impact on her career.
In 2001, Nancy joined a local CPA firm part-time while raising her family, where she focused on tax research and return preparations for businesses and high-net-worth individuals. Over the next 22 years, she built an expertise in tax strategy, compliance, and advisory work. While she enjoyed the technical and research aspects of tax, the work was often driven by deadlines, leaving limited time for proactive strategic conversations.
That changed when she transitioned into CAAS at DZA.
“Moving into CAAS gave me the space to sit down with clients, provide thoughtful strategic and compliance planning, and see the direct impact of our work. Watching clients succeed because of the guidance we provide is the most fulfilling part of my career.”
Growth and Professional Development at DZA
Nancy values DZA’s strong commitment to professional growth. From the firm’s annual Critical Access Hospital conference to in-house CPE classes and timely training sessions, the support system makes continuing education both engaging and meaningful. Meeting the 120-hour CPE requirement every three years is not only manageable, but it’s relevant and impactful.
Nancy graduated from Eastern Washington University in 1989 and passed the CPA exam in 1994.
Being part of an independently owned and operated firm is another aspect she deeply appreciates. Leadership has the flexibility to listen, adapt, and implement change quickly. Professionalism is evident at every level of the organization, and that standard carries through to both client relationships and internal collaboration.
Community and Culture
Community involvement is woven into DZA’s culture. The firm organizes volunteer opportunities such as the Walk for MS and supports organizations including Second Harvest, Spokane Valley Partners, and Riverkeepers. DZA also matches employee donations to charitable causes.
Nancy and her sons volunteer together at Second Harvest and Big Table, a nonprofit that supports workers in the restaurant and hospitality industry , an industry that Nancy believes strengthens both families and communities.
Life Outside the Office
A Spokane Valley native, Nancy began her career in the Tri-Cities before spending time in San Francisco. She and her husband ultimately chose to return to Spokane to raise their family. Today, their family includes three adult sons, a daughter-in-law, and two rescue dogs, who all live nearby.
Outside of work, Nancy embraces everything the Pacific Northwest offers. Winters are spent skiing, while summers are filled with boating and hiking. Time outdoors with family is one of her greatest joys.
“I’m proud to be part of the DZA team and grateful for the opportunity to help healthcare and nonprofit organizations thrive through thoughtful financial guidance.”
Through every stage of her career, from auditing and tax to advisory services, Nancy’s work has been grounded in precision, integrity, and a genuine desire to help organizations succeed.
