BV pathway
Resources

Advocating for your career and the impact of a strong mentor

Apr 21, 2025 · 2 min read

Return to the Business Valuation Career Pathway Page

Greg Saunders
While attending Virginia Tech, I decided to double major in finance and accounting based on recommendations from a variety of peers and people already in the industry. These individuals emphasized the interconnectivity of the two fields and the importance of understanding each. However, during my coursework, I realized that audit and tax accounting was not what I preferred. I understood financial accounting well, but was more drawn to finance. This interest led me to a couple internships in the investment industry; specifically, a firm providing sell-side equity research regarding publicly traded companies. Although I enjoyed this work, during a career fair, I was introduced to a recruiter from Keiter CPAs’ forensic and valuation services practice (FVS). FVS sounded enticing — it leaned in to my finance interests while also incorporating aspects of accounting. For example, the analyses used in business valuation are like the analyses used in equity research.

I started at Keiter in 2014, and I have found business valuation to be a dynamic profession that has always kept me engaged. Whether it is the variety of businesses and industries we see, unique and challenging assignments, or the high caliber individuals that we often get to work alongside, each day brings something new and exciting.

When I started, the lead for Keiter’s FVS practice became my mentor. He gave me ample opportunity to work on complex engagements early on in my career as well as have us “come alongside” him for additional experience when the opportunity arose. For instance, on litigation assignments where we had assisted with preparation of an expert report, my mentor would have us attend trial to watch him testify. Or, when he was asked to give a presentation, he would often have another staff member join him to co-present. I believe these experiences helped me develop faster than I otherwise would have and provided me with a road map on how to progress in my career. Additionally, I have found members of the business valuation profession to be extremely willing to help when asked, so it is important to look for a mentor externally if you don’t have one at your firm.

A strong mentor can only take you so far in your business valuation career. I believe it is critical to extend beyond day-to-day work responsibilities to continue progressing — for example, looking for speaking opportunities, getting involved in volunteer organizations, or consistently meeting with referral sources. There is no one “right” career path, but I have found that being proactive in finding the path that suits you best will result in more fulfilling work.

What did you think of this?

Every bit of feedback you provide will help us improve your experience

What did you think of this?

Every bit of feedback you provide will help us improve your experience

}