Jim McDowell

Jim McDowell is a lecturer in the Accounting and Law Area at the Orfalea College of Business teaching courses in Financial, Managerial and Intermediate accounting. Mr. McDowell has enjoyed a diverse business background spanning over 35 years. After serving five years as a CPA with KPMG in Orange County, CA, McDowell continued his public accounting experience by becoming the partner in charge of auditing with Swenson Corporation, a regional CPA firm in Ontario, CA. He then relocated his young family to the San Luis Obispo area and has served some of the larger companies in the area in both CFO and CEO capacities. Additionally, Mr. McDowell has provided consulting services for financially troubled companies, specializing in turnaround situations.  McDowell has participated in successful entrepreneurial ventures and currently owns and operates two small businesses in San Luis Obispo. His diverse background provides an opportunity to bring real-world business experience into the classroom. McDowell is a past board member for The Abalone Farm, Inc. and currently serves as the Faculty Advisor for California Philanthropy Group, a student-led club that focuses on fundraising for various non-profit charities.

Education:

• Cal State University, San Bernardino, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with concentrations in Public Accounting, 1984

Experience:

• Owner/Launderosa, Inc.
• CEO/Central Coast Oil
• CFO/The Parable Group
• CFO/RRM Design Group
• CEO/The Abalone Farm, Inc.
• Partner/Swenson Corporation
• CPA/Auditor at KPMG Peat Marwick
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license granted 1988

Accolades:

• 2018 PMC Outstanding Educator Award
• 2017 KPMG Outstanding Educator Award
• 2016 KPMG Outstanding Educator Award