A Portland CPA You Can Actually Talk To
Natalie Cohen, CPA
Title
Principal
HOMETOWN
Wilsonville, OR
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
14
EDUCATION
I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.
— Mother Teresa
Natalie has a heart for service. While double-majoring in Accounting and International Business at Seattle Pacific University, she interned with several non-profits. While completing her studies, she realized this heart for service could be satisfied by utilizing her knowledge of accounting & tax to serve businesses of all kinds. She thus embarked on a career in public accounting with a large regional CPA firm, where she spent nine years providing accounting and tax support to a wide range of individuals and entities. Her desire to work more with "the little guys," as well as a desire to exercise more control over her work, ultimately brought her to Dark Horse. Said Natalie, "I love working directly with business owners to help them manage their financials and make them actually useful while incorporating tax-saving opportunities," which is great news because that's what Dark Horse is all about.
Natalie grew up in Salem, Oregon, where she met her high school sweetheart, Neil, whom she ultimately married after her undergrad studies. As a matter of total happenstance, she met her husband at the same high school where Dark Horse Co-Founder, Chase Birky, went. Somehow, some way, the former South Salem Saxons joined forces later in life. She and Neil have two youngsters, Maddie (4) and Henry (1), along with a Catahoula named Charlie to round out their family.
When not helping small businesses and individuals win the day, Natalie enjoys the outdoors, whether camping, riding bikes with the kiddos, running with the dog, or eating donuts on the playground with the fam (don't judge, have you even had Blue Star donuts!?). Of course, like any self-respecting Oregonian, she also enjoys frequenting local craft breweries, wineries and coffee shops. And, when it's "me time," you can find her lying on a couch watching TV or movies or reading a good book (she can provide recommendations upon request).
Specialties
High-Net Worth Individuals
Closely Held Entities
Business Personal Tax Strategy
Equity Compensation
Industries
Individuals
Professional Services
Sole Proprietors
Tax & Accounting Advisory from your Portland CPA
Whether you’re looking for proactive tax planning to maximize savings or financial guidance to strengthen your business performance, your dedicated Portland CPA, Natalie Cohen, is here when it counts. As part of Dark Horse CPAs, Natalie delivers hands-on support, strategic insights, and modern tools that give Portland businesses and individuals the financial clarity they need to move forward with confidence.
Unlike traditional Portland accounting firms, we go beyond basic tax prep. Natalie prioritizes proactive communication, fast turnarounds, and personalized service that adapts to your goals. From tax compliance to long-term advisory, you’ll experience the high-touch expertise of a true financial partner committed to your success.
NATALIE COHEN, PRINCIPAL
"Dark Horse offers me the autonomy to serve my client base, while also offering the resources and vast knowledge base of CPAs who all specialize in different areas. I also love that we are constantly evolving our tech stack, which enables us to go above and beyond in serving our clients."
80%
Net Promoter Score
The average NPS for accounting firms is 38%. At Dark Horse, 80% of our clients would recommend us to a friend.
Net Promoter Score
Companies use this metric to gauge how happy their customers are with their services. It's calculated by taking the percentage of "promoters" minus the % of "detractors. "The average NPS score for the accounting industry is 39%, less than the DMV! We believe it's important to share that we have successfully fulfilled our promise to WOW clients and consistently monitor this metric to ensure we continue to deliver on the highest level.
550+
5-Star Reviews
Our Google and Yelp reviews speak for themselves. Our goal is to provide 5-star service to every client, every time.
5-Star Reviews
When someone shares their experience with us online, we find it extremely valuable to know where we've exceeded expectations and where we can improve. Many of our clients decide to engage with us as a result of reading about other Dark Horse clients’ experiences. Even when things do not go as planned, we do everything we can to make it right.
90%
Retention Rate
We're all about creating long-lasting, value-added relationships.
Retention Rate
This is the frequency of repeat business from our clients that work with us. This means that 9 out of 10 clients use us for subsequent years. That shows us that people enjoy working with our CPAs, are pleased with the work, and want to continue with Dark Horse over the long term.
Tax Strategy & Accounting Solutions for Portland Businesses
The Problem: Many Portland business owners lack timely, accurate financial data—or the strategic tax planning needed to stay compliant and profitable. In addition to federal and Oregon state obligations, businesses in Portland must navigate the City of Portland’s Business License Tax, the Multnomah County Business Income Tax, and other local reporting requirements. Without proactive planning, these complex layers can quickly become costly.
The Solution: At Dark Horse CPAs, we combine bookkeeping, tax compliance, and strategic tax planning for Portland businesses. From managing local and state filings to providing cash flow insights, growth strategies, and Fractional CFO-level advisory, we deliver the clarity you need to make informed, tax-smart decisions. With our Advisory-First approach, you gain a partner who understands Portland’s complex tax environment and is committed to your long-term success.
NATALIE COHEN, PRINCIPAL
“Proactive tax planning can’t wait until filing season—it has to happen year-round. I partner with business owners to create an ongoing relationship where questions are answered, and opportunities aren’t missed.”
Tax Strategy & Compliance for Portland Locals
The Problem: Too often, Portland residents only discover the full impact of their taxes at filing time—whether it’s owing more than expected, receiving a smaller refund, or realizing they missed savings opportunities. With Oregon’s high state income tax, property tax considerations, and local tax nuances, staying compliant while minimizing liability can be overwhelming without expert guidance.
The Solution: At Dark Horse CPAs, we believe in No Surprises. We work year-round with Portland individuals and families to reduce tax liability, ensure compliance, and plan ahead. From Oregon state filings to investment, retirement, and multi-state planning, every engagement includes personalized tax strategy so you can move forward with confidence.
NATALIE COHEN, PRINCIPAL
"I love working directly with my clients, being in the details, and being a resource for them throughout the year as questions come up. I enjoy educating my clients on their individual tax situations and, in doing so, enabling them to make informed decisions."
Nancy R.
I have used James Larsen as my CPA for many years and am confident in his work ethic and tax knowledge.
The Dark Horse Blog
The Dark Horse Blog, where we share expert insights on tax strategy, compliance updates, outsourced accounting, fractional CFO services, and more. Our content is tailored to small and medium-sized businesses as well as high-net-worth individuals.
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