Professional Services
Pontiff + Associates, P.C. is a multidisciplinary accounting and consulting firm. We primarily focus on tax planning (and preparation), business valuation, small business consulting, and litigation support.
About Us
Pontiff + Associates, P.C., formed in 1987, is a multidisciplinary accounting and consulting firm. We primarily focus on tax planning (and preparation), business valuation, small business consulting, and litigation support. The firm and its employees strive to provide superior service and attention to each of our clients.
Pontiff + Associates, P.C. combines the service and commitment of a medium-size accounting firm with the personal touch and cost effectiveness of a small firm. In addition to being a licensed CPA, the firm professionals have attained professional designation and certification in special practice areas. These areas are ABV (Accredited in Business Valuation), CVA (Certified Valuation Analyst), CFF (Certified in Financial Forensics), and Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor.
Our professionals recognize the need to work together in well-integrated practice groups that reinforce and support one another. All professionals are encouraged to become involved in the Denver community and to be active participants in professional and non-profit organizations. As part of that commitment, professionals from Pontiff + Associates, P.C. have authored educational materials and presented lectures to professional and public groups within their respective areas of expertise.
The firm professionals are required to undergo extensive hours of continuing professional education, in addition to attending professional seminars and classes. The firm offers its professionals opportunities to refine their expertise through in-house seminars on issues relevant to their practice areas.
We are committed to the concept of involving all firm members in significant projects. Pontiff + Associates, P.C. conducts weekly staff meetings where current client matters and projects are discussed. At these meetings, each professional uses the firm as a whole to seek guidance and counsel on specific client matters. This allows client matters to benefit from the expertise of each professional within the firm. We believe this method allows the firm to employ its collective expertise and experience to provide more cost effective and comprehensive service to our clients.
Our Team
Our relationships with clients extend beyond financial recordkeeping and reporting. We understand the dynamics that affect their personal and professional lives. We listen to their goals and dreams. We work collaboratively to develop plans that transform ambitions into reality.
Matthew J. Pontiff, CPA/ABV/CFF, CVA
Certified Public AccountantAccredited in Business Valuation
Certified in Financial Forensics
Certified Valuation Analyst
Matt practices primarily in the areas of business valuations, litigation support, tax planning, and business consulting. He has represented various clients in purchases and sales of small and large businesses. He has testified in court and deposition as an expert witness in many civil cases. His focus in this area is in valuing closely-held businesses, calculation economic damages, forensic accounting, and divorce tax planning issues. These findings are often compiled as formal reports and financial schedules used for court presentation or settlement negotiations. Matt assists a wide variety of clients in tax planning and compliance including individuals, corporations, partnerships, and non-profit organizations. As the past owner of several businesses, his experience is helpful in providing management and consulting services to other business and professional practices.
Matt graduated from Niagara University in Niagara Falls, New York in 1990 with a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Accounting. In his senior year, he was hired as a staff intern with the national accounting firm of Urbach, Kahn & Werlin, P.C. in his hometown of Glens Falls, New York. In 1992, Matt became a staff accountant with Barrett/Gurovich, P.C. He was licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in January, 1994. Matt became accredited as a CVA (Certified Valuation Analyst) in 1997. This accreditation recognizes his special training in the area of business valuations. Matt also holds the ABV (Accredited in Business Valuation) and CFF (Certified in Financial Forensics) designations from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Matt is a member of several professional organizations including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Colorado Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts, and The Colorado Association of Business Intermediaries.
Matt and his wife, Julie, live in Littleton, Colorado with their three children, Charlie, Joey, and Maggie. He is an avid mountaineer, having climbed the forty-six peaks over the four thousand feet of the Adirondack Mountains of New York, as well as numerous Colorado fourteen-thousand-foot peaks. He also enjoys spending time playing hockey, camping, hiking, rock climbing, and backpacking.
Aaron Back, Senior Accountant
Aaron Back is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio and graduated from The Ohio State University in 2021 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. After graduation, Aaron moved to Denver, Colorado in October 2021 to begin his public accounting career with Pontiff + Associates P.C. Aaron works with a wide variety of clients performing tax, accounting, and business valuation services including individuals, partnerships, corporations, and non-profits. Aaron is continuing his education to receive a Master’s Degree in Accounting at Colorado State University – Global as well as pursing his CPA license.
Aaron is a frequent golfer and although new to Colorado has enjoyed his time exploring the mountains camping, snowboarding and hiking.
Nick Sawyer, CPA, Staff Accountant
Nick joined Pontiff + Associates, P.C. in June 2023. Prior to joining Pontiff + Associates, P.C., Nick worked in public accounting, with a primary focus in taxation. Nick works with a wide variety of clients including individuals, corporations, partnerships, and non-profit organizations.
Nick graduated from the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ in 2018 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. In 2019, he graduated from University of Arizona with a Masters in Accounting with an emphasis in Taxation. Nick returned to Denver to begin his accounting career and joined the accounting firm CBiz in Denver, CO. Nick passed the CPA exams while at CBiz and earned his CPA license in 2021. Nick also was responsible for training several Junior staff while at CBiz and organized the largest food drive in the history of the company raising over $15,000.
Nick lives in Denver, CO. He is passionate about the Denver Nuggets and has been a season ticket holder for three consecutive years. He is also an avid weightlifter and spends his free time playing in men’s softball and basketball leagues.
Sammi Cheesman, Staff Accountant
Sammi Cheesman joined Pontiff + Associates, P.C. in October 2023. Sammi was born and raised in Loveland, CO and graduated from Colorado State University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting and a minor in Spanish. Post graduation, Sammi moved to Denver after accepting a position as Audit Staff and Tax Associate with Spicer Jeffries LLP, specializing in Hedge Funds and Private Equity. A year later, Sammi joined Pontiff + Associates, P.C. to pursue her knowledge in taxes. Sammi is currently working towards her Masters of Professional Accounting at CSU Global and plans to obtain her CPA license after graduation.
In her free time, Sammi enjoys spending time in the mountains skiing, mountain biking, camping and reading a good book.
Debbie Prolow, Office Manager, QuickBooks ProAdvisor, Accountant
Debbie Prolow offers a full background in accounting, tax, and QuickBooks Pro advising. In addition, Debbie has vast knowledge of payroll and sales/use tax laws and regulations which allows her to assist clients with monthly, quarterly and annual payroll/sales/use tax filings. Debbie has more than 28 years of experience in accounting and management for public accounting firms in Colorado. As a 22-year employee of Pontiff + Associates, P.C., her accounting experience includes the preparation of income, corporate, partnership, and estate tax returns as well as corporate payroll and sales/use tax filings.
Debbie earned her Bachelors of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Phoenix and is a Certified Quick Books Pro Advisor. Additionally, Debbie is a Notary of Colorado and a member of the American Society of Women Accountants.
Debbie is a native of Colorado and lives in Castle Rock. She enjoys boating, camping, fishing and skiing in Colorado in addition to spending time with her children: Chris Prolow and Tabor Prolow.
Julie Pontiff
Julie Pontiff joined Pontiff + Associates, P.C. in 2012 after the firm relocated to Littleton from downtown Denver. Julie’s responsibilities are varied at Pontiff + Associates, P.C. and include office management, accounting and payroll. In addition, Julie prepares individual and corporate tax returns.
Julie enjoyed a 9-year sabbatical from the work force to raise her three children. Her prior experience includes working for Governor Owens in the Office of State Planning and Budgeting as the Senior Economist. Her work included forecasting the national and Colorado economies, which allowed Julie to forecast tax revenues in which the state budget was determined from. Moreover, Julie worked closely with the Administration and legislative staff to understand the costs and impacts of proposed legislation. Prior to working in the Governor's office, Julie worked for the Legislative Council as an economist forecasting for the criminal justice system. Julie received her Master of Arts in Economics from the University of Colorado Boulder in 1996 and her Bachelor of Arts from the Colorado College in 1993.
Along with their three children, Julie lives with her husband Matt in Littleton, CO. Julie enjoys time playing tennis with friends, hiking, biking, and yoga.
Contact Us
Let's discuss your situation so that we may understand your objectives and determine whether we have the ability to provide service and value.
Call (303) 861-1978