Business Details
36 Years
experience
Your Trusted Accounting and Financial Advisory Partner in Vermont
Founded in 1990, Davis & Hodgdon Associates, CPAs has built a reputation as a proactive leader in accounting, tax, and financial advisory services. Our firm was established on the principle of forward-thinking financial strategies, moving beyond traditional historical reporting to deliver tailored planning solutions. Over three decades, we have expanded our expertise to include audits, business client accounting, succession planning, and fiduciary financial advisory services through our affiliated entity, Copper Leaf Financial. Our team of certified professionals brings deep industry knowledge, including specialized certifications such as Certified Public Accountants (CPA), Certified Financial Planners (CFP), and Chartered Financial Analysts (CFA).We maintain a strong commitment to innovation, evidenced by our adoption of remote accounting solutions like Convergent Accounting and our SEC registration as fiduciary advisors. Our authority in the field is reinforced by partnerships with organizations like NAPFA and our active role in Vermont's business community. Clients trust our transparent approach, demonstrated through fixed-fee structures, proactive communication, and a 30-year track record of delivering measurable financial outcomes.
Services
Audits Reviews Compilations
Business Client Accounting
Succession Planning
Tax Planning Preparation
Financial Investment Planning
Business Valuation Services
Retirement Transition Planning
Nonprofit Accounting
Remote Accounting Department
Fiduciary Wealth Management
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of proactive tax planning expertise for complex financial scenarios.
- Our integrated services combine accounting, financial planning, and business advisory under one roof.
- We maintain 100% transparency with fixed-fee pricing and no hidden charges.
- Our team holds elite certifications including CPA, CFP, and CFA designations.
- We pioneered Vermont's first remote accounting department for streamlined client operations.
Associations and certifications
- ISO 9001
- NAPFA Member
- SEC Registered Investment Advisor
What people say
Invaluable during the Pandemic
Modernized our financial practices
Reasonable fees
Deep industry expertise
No hidden charges
Services
Audits Reviews Compilations
Our audit and attestation services provide comprehensive financial examinations with independent verification. Certified CPAs conduct thorough assessments of nonprofit organizations, dealerships, and construction firms to ensure regulatory compliance and financial accuracy. Clients benefit from our specialized expertise in Vermont's nonprofit sector and our commitment to delivering actionable insights that improve organizational transparency and accountability.
Business Client Accounting
We deliver tailored accounting solutions for growing businesses through our Convergent Accounting division. Services include remote bookkeeping, CFO advisory, and financial reporting tailored to Vermont's business environment. Our team addresses common pain points like staff turnover and inaccurate records by providing consistent, technology-driven accounting processes that free business owners to focus on strategic growth initiatives.
Succession Planning
Our succession planning services help business owners prepare for leadership transitions and retirement. Certified financial planners develop customized strategies for wealth preservation, ownership transfer, and tax-efficient exit plans. We combine accounting expertise with investment management to ensure smooth transitions while maintaining business continuity and maximizing value for stakeholders across Vermont and northern New England.
Tax Planning Preparation
We specialize in proactive tax planning strategies that minimize liabilities while maximizing financial opportunities. Our CPAs provide year-round tax advisory services for individuals and businesses, focusing on Vermont-specific regulations and federal compliance. The practice combines historical expertise with modern approaches to deliver tax-efficient solutions that align with clients' broader financial objectives and life goals.
Financial Investment Planning
Through our affiliated entity Copper Leaf Financial, we offer fiduciary investment planning services. Certified professionals provide fee-only advice on retirement planning, asset allocation, and wealth preservation strategies. Our SEC-registered advisory services emphasize transparency, ethical investing, and personalized solutions that align with clients' values while maintaining rigorous compliance with financial industry regulations.
People
John W. Davis
Founding Partner
John founded the firm in 1990 after working at large and mid-sized accounting firms. He recognized the need for proactive financial planning and built the practice around strategic advisory services. With his CFP certification, he focuses on helping entrepreneurs achieve long-term financial success while maintaining the firm's core values of innovation and client commitment.
Bret L. Hodgdon
Managing Partner
Bret joined as partner in 2005 to lead audit services and became a key leader in the firm's evolution. Holding CPA, CFP, CFE, and CGMA certifications, he oversees the expansion of service offerings including financial planning and client accounting. He played a central role in the 2016 launch of Convergent Accounting and maintains active involvement in Vermont's business community.
Questions
What accounting services do you offer for Vermont businesses?
We provide audits, reviews, compilations, business accounting, succession planning, and remote accounting services through Convergent Accounting. Our Vermont-focused team addresses industry-specific needs for dealerships, construction firms, nonprofits, and manufacturing businesses.
How does your financial planning differ from other advisors?
Through our affiliated entity Copper Leaf Financial, we offer fee-only fiduciary advice registered with the SEC. Unlike commission-based models, we prioritize your interests with transparent, ethical investment strategies tailored to individual and business financial goals.
Can you help with business transition planning?
Yes, our succession planning services include ownership transfer strategies, retirement planning, and business valuation. Certified professionals develop customized solutions to ensure smooth transitions while maintaining business continuity and maximizing value for Vermont business owners.
What makes your tax planning approach unique?
We focus on proactive, year-round tax strategies rather than annual compliance. Our CPAs combine Vermont-specific expertise with comprehensive financial planning to minimize liabilities and create opportunities aligned with clients' broader business and personal objectives.
Do you work with nonprofit organizations?
Yes, we've specialized in nonprofit accounting since 2005. Our audit and attestation services address the unique needs of Vermont's nonprofit community, including compliance requirements, grant reporting, and financial transparency improvements that help organizations maximize their community impact.
How do you handle client accounting for growing businesses?
Our Convergent Accounting division provides remote bookkeeping and CFO services that solve common challenges like staff turnover and inaccurate records. We implement consistent processes using modern technology to give Vermont business owners reliable financial information for strategic decision-making.
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