Patrick Finnegan

Expert CPA Guiding Cannabis Businesses Through Tax Compliance and Financial Success

Patrick Finnegan is an accomplished Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with extensive expertise in the cannabis industry and over two decades of experience in tax auditing and regulatory compliance. Based in the greater Sacramento, CA, area, Patrick’s career reflects a profound commitment to empowering businesses with robust financial and operational insights, particularly within emerging and regulated markets.

As the Principal of Patrick Finnegan CPA since 2018, Patrick has dedicated his practice to guiding cannabis business owners through the complexities of financial accounting, tax preparation, and regulatory audits. His hands-on experience includes representing diverse entities such as retail dispensaries, distribution networks, and cultivation operations during federal and state tax audits. Patrick's nuanced understanding of the regulatory landscape allows him to adeptly assist clients in navigating tax obligations and compliance challenges, ensuring they remain in alignment with local and state laws.

Patrick's role extends beyond traditional accounting services; he is passionate about educating and supporting small businesses in financial literacy and compliance strategies. Through his involvement with equity programs, including initiatives in the City of Oakland, he has championed the cause of small business equity accounts, guiding them in entity selection and licensing processes. His advocacy helps businesses not only achieve compliance but thrive amid the competitive cannabis market.

Before founding his CPA practice, Patrick served as a Deputy Inspector General with the Office of the Inspector General for Northern California, where he honed his skills in policy compliance and oversight from 2008 to 2018. This role involved conducting thorough reviews of institutional practices, including tax audits and regulatory inspections. His career also features a decade as a Senior Tax Auditor for the State of California Board of Equalization, where he prepared and managed audits on a range of taxes pertinent to businesses, including those related to cigarettes, tobacco, and alcoholic beverages.

Patrick's professional foundation is fortified by a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Chico State University and an active CPA license in California, which includes the privilege to represent clients before the Internal Revenue Service and various state tax authorities.

Patrick’s unique blend of regulatory experience, tax expertise, and a client-centered approach makes him a vital asset for participants in the CORE Sacramento program. His ability to demystify complex tax and licensing processes and foster business resilience positions him as an essential guide for cannabis entrepreneurs aiming for long-term success."