Hutchens buys local accounting firm of Brian Jensen, CPA

SANDPOINT — Jim Hutchens, a local CPA with over 30 years of experience, recently purchased the local accounting firm of Brian C. Jensen, CPA.

Jensen, who is expanding into management advisory services including chief financial officer of a local start-up company, said Hutchens was his choice to be his successor because of his knowledge and reputation in the Sandpoint community.

“I chose Jim because it was important to me to ensure that my clients continue to receive outstanding services, and I know Jim will do just that,” said Jensen, who assures his clients he will remain an active participant in the business to ensure a smooth transition.

Hutchens is a graduate of Eastern Washington University and worked in Spokane before purchasing a CPA firm in Sandpoint 14 years ago. Since that time he has earned a reputation as an outstanding CPA whose firm also provides bookkeeping services, including but not limited to, payroll and QuickBooks support.

In his over 30 years of tax experience, Hutchens has represented a variety of clients including individuals, small businesses and large corporations. In addition to tax preparation, Hutchens also prepares financial statements and advises businesses and individuals in all areas of tax planning. He takes pride in providing personalized service for all his clients.

“I look forward to meeting Brian’s clients and working closely with them to meet their financial goals,” said Hutchens, adding that even with the expansion he will still be able to provide the personalized service his clients have grown to appreciate and respect.

In addition to Hutchens’ Sandpoint office, located at 1211 Michigan Street approximately two blocks from Sandpoint High School, Hutchens will also service clients each Thursday out of his new Bonners Ferry location at 6769 Main St.

Joining Hutchens is a highly competent staff of bookkeepers including former employees of Brian Jensen, Angela Brown and Tammy Wolfgang. He will also add an enrolled agent to his staff.

Jim and his wife Patty are active members of the Sandpoint community. Jim was a member of Business Networking International for the past 13 years, is president of the board for Lakeview Cemetery, serves as treasurer of his homeowners association and has been a long-time supporter of local youth athletics.

Patty currently serves on the Sandpoint Arts Commission, Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency, the advisory board for Kinderhaven, is the past president of Community Cancer Services and also served on her church council for four years. They have two sons, Kevin, who will be a freshman at the University of Idaho this fall, and Brett, who will be entering his freshman year at Sandpoint High School.

Brian Jensen and Jim Hutchens are hosting an open house today at the Sandpoint office, 1211 Michigan St., from 4-7 p.m. and in Bonners Ferry at 6769 Main St. on Aug. 23 from 4-6 p.m. The community is invited to stop by to meet the staff and enjoy some refreshments.

Jim Hutchens can be reached in Sandpoint at 208-265-2500 or his Bonners Ferry office at 208-267-1655.