As the founding owner of DZA (along with Luke Zarecor), Tom Dingus wears many hats—Managing Partner, Director of Audit, and trusted advisor to clients. But beyond the titles, Tom’s impact on the firm and the community is significant. Tom has successfully made a company that has made a difference to the community and clients alike.
A Man of Many Roles
As Managing Partner, Tom ensures the firm stays true to its vision, mission, and core values. “I help our partners shape and carry out our shared vision for the firm,” Tom explains. His role as Director of Audit keeps him engaged with the team, ensuring that DZA maintains its high standards and delivers top-tier audit services. What really stands out, though, is his commitment to client relationships, providing timely and professional services that exceed expectations.
A Journey Into Accounting
Tom’s career in accounting started with a spark of interest during an accounting unit in a high school Farm Management class. What began as a “process of elimination” eventually led Tom to pursue accounting at Central Washington University. While teaching was once a contender, he quickly discovered that accounting was where his true interests aligned. It provided the perfect outlet for his analytical mindset and offered the variation and challenge he desired in his career.
“I enjoy the variety of work,” Tom shares. “I get to work different clients in healthcare and not-for-profit industries, and no two days are the same.” He also mentions that what he enjoys most is the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of DZA colleagues, whose unique perspectives and skills make each project more dynamic and rewarding.
Expertise and Accomplishments
Tom’s expertise is vast. He specializes in financial statement audits and single audits for critical access hospitals, community health centers, and not-for-profit organizations. Over his career, he has also worked in Medicare reimbursement and prepared IRS Form 990s, making him a wealth of knowledge and experience to his clients.
Amongst his proudest professional accomplishments is receiving the Founders’ Award from the Washington/Alaska Chapter of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) for his years of service.
However, Tom’s most rewarding achievement is something less quantifiable: “Founding DZA along with Luke, and then building it with Shar and Shaun – and the other partners and long-time DZA team members – has been satisfying. We collectively built and maintained a CPA firm that has provided a great team atmosphere, a flexible, professional workplace (often ahead of others and better at maintaining it), and a diverse and talented team, while providing high quality client service,” he says.
Spokane Roots and Family Life
Though originally from Zillah, Washington, Tom has made Spokane his home. He moved to the city for a job and has never wanted to leave. “Spokane is a near-perfect sized community,” he says, citing its four seasons and accessibility to outdoor activities. It’s the perfect place for someone who loves hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and traveling—interests that Tom and his family share.
Speaking of family, Tom’s wife, Wendy, is also an accountant, and their two daughters, Olivia and Claire, have followed in their parents’ footsteps with careers in consulting and accounting.
A Passion for Giving Back
Tom’s dedication to his community is inspiring. He coaches a girls’ basketball team, mentors a high school student through Launch Northwest’s MPower program, served on the Central Valley School District Board of Directors for 17 years, and even participates in trail maintenance through the Dishman Hills Conservancy. He explains his motivation simply: “The community has given to me, so I give back to the community.”
Tom plans to increase his volunteer work after retiring at the end of 2025, but it’s clear that he’s always been driven by a sense of service and responsibility.
A Lifelong Adventurer
Outside of work, Tom is a man of adventure. One of the most surprising things about him? In 1989, he biked across the United States to raise funds for the American Lung Association. He has also visited all 50 states and read a biography on every U.S. president.
Tom’s favorite motto reflects his approach to both life and work:
“Seek and do not fear knowledge—and have empathy for others—our paths through life are not all the same.”
With a commitment to lifelong learning, a heart for helping others, and an unwavering dedication to his profession, Tom Dingus is truly someone you can count on.
If you would like to get in contact with Tom Dingus or learn more about DZA’s services, please email tdingus@dza.cpa.
