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About Us

Background

Marlin Peterson has owned and operated his own accounting firm for over 20 years. In 1993, he relocated his practice to San Luis Obispo. Since January, 1993, the firm has been providing quality, personalized financial guidance to individuals and businesses on the Central Coast. Our services include tax planning, preparation and compliance, as well as a full range of accounting services.

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide tax and accounting services with a personalized approach. We want to help our clients maintain their financial health while taking a proactive approach to achieve future goals. Our firm is dedicated to meeting these goals with high standards of excellence and professionalism.

Our Team

Marlin C. Peterson

marlin@marlinpetersoncpa.com (805)781-3200

Marlin has over 35 years of tax and accounting experience. After receiving his BA degree in economics from Occidental College and a MBA from UCLA, he went to work for Deloitte and Touche in Los Angeles. He was licensed by the state of California as a CPA in 1978. After 8 years as a controller for Hughes Tool Company, he started his own business in Long Beach, California. In 1992, he sold his business in Southern California and moved his family to the Central Coast. He has extensive experience dealing with small business clients in a variety of industries. He also has significant experience dealing with real estate investments and real estate exchanges.

Cindi Peterson

Cindi works part-time for the practice providing accounting and tax services. She also provides on-site accounting services to her own, as well as Marlin’s clients. Cindi is also the controller for a local vineyard manager. Cindi, a graduate of Cal State Long Beach with a BA degree in accounting, has worked with Marlin for over 30 years. She received her license as a CPA in 1998. In addition to her work in public accounting, Cindi has extensive industry experience with several companies including Hughes Tool Company and locally with Strasbaugh, Inc. Cindi has extensive experience in the wine industry and is proficient in winery accounting.

Shelly Zachar, EA

Shelly provides tax, accounting and bookkeeping services to the firm. Shelly is an Enrolled Agent, licensed to practice before the IRS. Prior to joining our firm in January, 2013, Shelly worked for a tax preparer in the South County for seven years. Shelly also has extensive experience as a bookkeeper in several different industries. Shelly is a member of the California Society of Enrolled Agents and the National Association of Enrolled Agents. Shelly lives in San Luis Obispo with her husband and her beloved yorkie terriers.

Nicole Dominguez

Nicole has been employed in the firm since December, 2014. Nicole is responsible for all administrative functions in the office. Nicole handles a variety of duties with enthusiasm and humor. She also prepares many of the payrolls performed by the office. Nicole previously spent a number of years working in the Kern County Community College District performing administrative duties and financial aid assistance. Nicole currently resides in Santa Marie with her three sons.