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I wanted to stay within the valuation field, and, if I did,
What type of credential would best suit me as I progress in my career.
I decided I wanted to explore the corporate world and gain a more holistic M&A experience, so I joined Motorola Solutions’ business development group. My time at Motorola Solutions introduced me to the broader M&A life cycle and allowed me to work cross-functionally across a large publicly traded company. When the COVID-19 pandemic occurred, my family decided it was time to move back home to Indianapolis.
I joined a dental service organization in Indianapolis focusing on purchase accounting and valuation related to acquiring general dentistry practices. During this time, I was the client contact for CLA, which performed independent third-party valuation work for financial reporting purposes. This interaction with CLA made me realize how much I missed the valuation execution work and working with various clients to assist them with their financial and accounting needs. Soon after, I had an opportunity to join CLA’s Indianapolis office in their valuation, forensics, litigation, and investigations (VFLI) group.
I was thrilled about the opportunity to get back to performing financial reporting valuations, as well as to expand my valuation skill set in performing tax valuations for gift and estate tax purposes. I knew working toward an accreditation was important for my career. During my exploration of the valuation credentials, the ABV was at the top of my list because it’s issued by the AICPA, which is a widely known professional organization. Not being a CPA, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the ABV was available to qualified non-CPA valuation professionals who meet AICPA’s rigorous criteria. The ABV credential was the preferred credential for me because I wanted to be part of a community of other valuation professionals with similar interests and technical expertise. I also believe the ABV credential enhances a practitioner’s image as a trustworthy and competent valuation professional.
I believe the ABV credential has given me opportunities that I would not have received with another valuation credential. I believe the credential enhances my credibility and trustworthiness with prospective and current clients, and it has exposed me to a network of other valuation professionals holding the ABV credential with similar interests and practices.