Dawn M. Trout, EA, MSA, a proven professional in tax accounting, has been a co-equity partner and an enrolled agent (EA) at Gallagher and Rhodes PA in Cape Coral, Florida, since 2019. Her expertise has been honed for more than two decades, beginning as a junior accountant at Haney & Company CPA and then advancing to a similar position at Cossentino & Orlando. Ms. Trout joined Gallagher and Rhodes PA in 2001 as an enrolled agent instrumental in overseeing office management, staff training, client billing processes, and more.
Ms. Trout’s membership with the Internal Revenue Service underscores her commitment to maintaining high standards in her profession. She considers her proudest achievement to be the formation of a strategic partnership with a Canadian accounting firm. This collaboration allows her firm to handle United States tax returns for Canadian clients while the Canadian firm assists with her firm’s tax returns. This partnership has proven invaluable through the years, greatly enhancing cross-border tax services.
Academically, Ms. Trout holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Hodges University in Fort Myers, Florida, and a Master of Science in accounting from the University of Phoenix. These educational achievements have provided a strong foundation for her vast tax accounting knowledge. Further solidifying her professional credentials in the field, Ms. Trout secured an enrolled agent license from the Internal Revenue Service. She credits a large measure of her success and overcoming challenges to the guidance of strong mentors and supportive employers throughout her career, along with her husband, who played a crucial role by understanding her long work hours and assisting with household responsibilities as she pursued and accomplished her professional goals.
Looking ahead, Ms. Trout plans to take over leadership at Gallagher and Rhodes PA as part of a succession plan, offer business ownership opportunities to staff members, expand the business for future sale, and mentor younger generations within the industry. Additionally, she is working towards obtaining her certified public accountant license to further elevate her qualifications. Devoted to giving back to her community, Ms. Trout supports charitable causes, including serving as the treasurer of the Biz Net Cares Foundation.
Beyond work and service, Ms. Trout cherishes quality time with her husband and daughter and enjoys traveling. Someday, she hopes to leave a legacy as someone who fought for herself and made strategic decisions to achieve her goals with family support and through education and mentorship.