Nichole Dawson, CPA
Vice President

Personal Formation and Forte

Having lived in four states before college, Nicki made her way to Knoxville to pursue her Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Tennessee and completed it with honors. She went on to earn a Master of Accountancy degree from UT, pass the CPA exam with a top ten score, and work in audit and accounting positions for the University, an international CPA firm, and a rapidly growing technology company before joining Burkhart & Company.

Nicki is famous for her calm, thoughtful influence in any setting. She approaches every problem with her native intelligence and balanced hand, making her the "go to" when situations are dense with complexity or controversy. Complementing her command of technical matters are her therapeutic soul, easy smile and charming wit.

Turning Points

  • Finding her vocational path during a high school accounting class which appealed to her natural desire for logic, balance and honesty
  • Making her way to Knoxville, thanks to East Tennessee roots and her family’s affection for all things Volunteer
  • Realizing the intrinsic fulfillment of serving others in a thorough and personal way, rejoicing in their successes and sharing in the heavy lifting required in more challenging times

Practice Emphasis

Nicki draws from her diverse experience to provide services primarily for privately-owned businesses and their owners. Her areas of emphasis include:

  • Business forecasting and strategic planning,
  • Accounting processes and financial reporting,
  • Serving as an outsourced CFO,  complementing the client’s management teams, and
  • Financing arrangements and banking relations.

Broader Interests

Nicki has a heart for children and family, evidenced as much by nonprofit involvement as her devotion to her husband and two young sons. When not hard at work in the office, you might find her deeply engrossed in a youth basketball game, enjoying another zoo outing, or pondering the next round of home improvements. In moments of complete solitude, she is sure to be satisfying her inquisitive nature by reading or exploring the web.