Scharfe Kato

Scharfe Kato & Co., PC is a tax and accounting firm located in Havre, Montana. We are dedicated to providing professional accounting related services to both individuals and businesses in Havre and along the Montana Hi-Line. We strive to strike a balance between small local service and professional expertise. We focus on building long-term relationships with our clients by helping them with their unique and individual needs. Our all-local staff is always ready to take time to get to know and understand your business or individual situation so that we can help you achieve your specific goals.

Our History

In 1990, the accounting firm, Richard K. Scharfe, CPA, was founded by Richard (Dick) Scharfe and his wife, Carlene. Dick is a native of Havre, MT, and after working several years as a partner in a larger firm, it was his and Carlene's intention to provide their hometown of Havre, Montana with professional accounting services and also maintain a personal relationship with clients by starting their own company. The small firm developed a steady clientele and after a few years incorporated to become Richard K. Scharfe & Co., PC. A small staff of three or four grew to include Dick and Carlene's son-in-law, James (Jim) C. Kato, CPA. In 2003, Jim became a partner in the business and Dick and Jim changed the name to Scharfe, Kato & Co., PC. The new company continued to expand and offer clients professional services tailored to fit each individual's situations. In 2009, Dick retired, deciding the golf course was the venue to conduct business. The company now employs four full-time CPA's, two staff accountants and numerous office support staff to accommodate the needs of individual and business clients. In 2014, Lindsey S. Kellam, CPA joined Jim as a shareholder and they are taking the company forward, maintaining the integrity of the past and striving for excellence and continued growth in the future.

Meet The Team

James C. Kato, CPA, is a shareholder and a native of Havre, Montana. He graduated from Havre High School in 1989 and went on to complete a Bachelor of Science degree in Business with a Major in Accounting at Montana State University in Bozeman, MT. Jim enjoys spending time with his wife Carrie and their three children Lauren, Carlee, and Reid. When he is not coaching or chasing his kids around, you will usually find Jim at the golf course.

Lindsey S. Kellam, CPA, is also a shareholder. She grew up on the family farm just south of Chinook, Montana, graduating from Chinook High School in 2001. She continued on to MSU-Bozeman, earning a Bachelor's degree in Business in 2005 and a Master of Professional Accountancy degree in 2006.