Accounting
Sean Saari, CPA/ABV, CVA, MBA – 2019 40 Under 40 Honoree
Sep. 23, 2019
Starting out as a promising young intern, Sean soared in a short eleven-year span, moving through the ranks to become the youngest partner in Skoda Minotti’s history. Today he manages the firm’s Valuation and Litigation Services Group, which has grown over 300% under his leadership to become one of the firm’s largest niches. Much of Sean’s success can be attributed to a rare combination of humility, dogged work ethic, and a keen ability to blend his deep analytical aptitude with clear, concise communication skills. Sean also consistently exhibits a tangible desire to help those around him succeed. Sean has also been recognized by industry groups with awards for his contributions to the profession, including the AICPA’s 2016 “Standing Ovation” award, the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts’ (NACVA) “40 Under 40” award in its inaugural year, and the 2010 NACVA Jeffrey Salins Award for Report Writing.
What are you doing to make a difference in the profession, your community, the world?
My outreach beyond Skoda Minotti hasn’t touched the world, but I hope it has made a difference in my profession and the community. Professionally, I have written numerous blogs and articles on valuation and litigation support topics, and I present regularly on those same themes, in an effort to translate complex issues into more relatable concepts that attorneys and business owners can really grasp. In the community, I have loved “getting back into the game” the past few years by coaching my young kids’ football, basketball and soccer teams, which has been incredibly rewarding.
Favorite books/websites/speakers that you find influential:
- Books – The Last Lecture (Randy Pauch); The Snowball: Warren Buffet and the Business of Life (Alice Schroeder); Outliers (Malcom Gladwell); Uncommon (Tony Dungy); God Never Blinks (Regina Brett)
- Speakers – Jordan Peterson
What do you see yourself doing professionally in 10 years? In 10 years, I hope to be doing the same thing I do now (valuing privately-held companies and providing expert testimony on valuation and other financial issues), only better. I also hope to have further expanded my network of clients and have more relationships in which I am viewed as my clients’ primary business advisor.
What accounting conferences do you normally attend? AICPA FVS Annual Conference; NACVA Annual Conference; Leading Edge Alliance Annual Conference
What websites/magazines do you use to keep up on news of the accounting profession? CPA Practice Advisor; Inside Public Accounting; Journal of Accountancy; Business Valuation Update; NACVA Value Examiner
——