As a Manager at DZA, Jeremy Valdez is the kind of person who sees a project through, from the first client email to the final deliverable, whether it is a full audit, a Medicare cost report, or any other financial puzzle a client brings his way.
He oversees staff, teaches as he works, and makes sure the team feels supported, informed, and ready for what’s next. Jeremy also represents DZA at conferences, where he shares knowledge, builds relationships, and helps champion the firm’s growth.
But ask Jeremy what he enjoys most? Easy: “The people. I love working with our clients and I love working with my fellow DZAers. I enjoy being someone my colleagues can come to when they need help or have issues. I like the culture at DZA, and I believe I help make it a good place to work.”
The Unexpected Path: How Accounting Became Career #2
Jeremy didn’t begin his career with spreadsheets and audits. While he did originally plan to study accounting or engineering, life had other ideas, and he began the path toward a teaching career.
While in college, Jeremy worked at a Boys and Girls Club, discovered he had a passion for connecting with kids, and pivoted to pursue education instead. After 10 years of teaching, he felt the politics of education were overwhelming his enjoyment of his career. So, he made the leap: goodbye chalkboards, hello calculators.
One of Jeremy’s favorite roles at DZA today is being a group leader, also known as a POD leader. “I love the culture at DZA. I like the way we all work as a team and I’m glad that I get to help be a guide.”
Expertise and Skills
Jeremy’s areas of expertise include:
- Financial statement audits
- Government and nonprofit engagements
- Single audits
- Pension audits
He keeps his skills sharp by staying on top of accounting guides, reading industry updates, and attending conferences and trainings because in accounting, the rules love to change.
Big Wins and Proud Moments
One milestone Jeremy holds close is earning his CPA, an achievement that came with hard work, persistence, and a big payoff.
Another standout moment? His promotion to manager. “It told me that the firm trusts me to be a point of contact for clients and to train staff the DZA way. It feels good knowing I’ve earned that confidence.”
What Independence Means at DZA
Jeremy appreciates being part of an independently owned and operated firm. To him, it means transparency, flexibility, fairness, and not being tied to outside pressures or quotas.
“It tells clients we aren’t beholden to earning revenue just to pay others. It allows us to price audits and consulting services more reasonably, which matters, as many of our clients are smaller organizations with limited cash flow.”
He also brings DZA’s core values to life in the way he coaches staff, encourages critical thinking, and helps team members build confidence through real client involvement.
The DZA Difference: A Culture Jeremy is Proud Of
Ask Jeremy what sets DZA apart, and he won’t hesitate: the culture.
“We really do operate as a team. The open-door policy is real. Staff can go to partners with questions and feel safe doing it. We emphasize learning. No one expects you to show up on day one knowing everything. Hospital accounting is unique, and we help you grow into it.”
And when the team isn’t working, they’re often connecting through activities, retreats, and events strengthening the relationships that make DZA feel like, well, DZA.
Meet Jeremy Outside of DZA
Jeremy was born in Othello, Washington, spent much of his childhood in South Houston, Texas, and returned to Othello for his teenage years. In 2000, he moved to Spokane to attend Eastern Washington University, and he has been there ever since.
Jeremy’s daughter is a senior at Harvard University (yes – Harvard), and his son is a sophomore at Gonzaga Prep. Supporting them is one of his greatest joys.
When he isn’t working, Jeremy enjoys participating in a variety of activities. Some include playing volleyball in the late spring and summer with colleagues and friends, preparing for the big annual volleyball tournament, Spike and Dig, held in Spokane in August. He also enjoys learning to country swing dance to improve his moves on the dance floor, and he occasionally will pick up the mic during a karaoke session. Jeremy also enjoys hanging out with his teenage son while skiing, finessing the greens at the local putt-putt course, or watching him play soccer. And, from time to time when the need arises, Jeremy isn’t afraid to get his hands a little dirty while tending to various home improvement projects.
DZA is proud to have Jeremy as part of our team, and we encourage you to reach out to him at jvaldez@dza.cpa with any questions or to connect further.
