Brian E. Bender, CPA, MBA – 2019 40 Under 40 Honoree

Career Highlights:

Growing the Nonprofit Practice at S.R. Snodgrass has been one of the most rewarding professional experiences of my career. Having over a decade of experience in public accounting, and five years serving as a financial executive for several large trade associations and an international membership organization in Washington, DC, I have been fortunate to have experienced a journey that led to where I am today.  After first leaving public accounting, I was nominated to serve a three-year term on the AICPA Nonprofit Expert Panel, during which I served as an instructor in the AICPA’s Nonprofit Certificate Program and a speaker on several topics at the annual AICPA Nonprofit Industry Conference. 

 

What are you doing to make a difference in the profession, your community, the world?

Working in the nonprofit sector, I find myself well-positioned to help people every day.  I participate in Robert Morris University’s Ready to Compete Program, which offers nonprofit organizations the opportunity for intensive consulting to improve their financial or human resource capabilities.  I served as a founding board member of Hero Dogs, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to training and placing service dogs with disabled veterans. Being able to connect regularly with organizations through my affiliation with PANO, WVNPA, and my firm’s marketing efforts in the Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC metro areas – I find that even when I can’t serve an organization that I can make connections that allow for them to accomplish their mission and assist them in helping others.

 

Favorite books/websites/speakers that you find influential:

1. My father – A 20+ year veteran of Lowe’s turned financial advisor who leads the Stifel Pittsburgh branch.  He never went to college but can straighten out your retirement and help you build a house at the same time.   
2. The Subtle Art series, by Mark Manson

 

What do you see yourself doing professionally in 10 years?

I enjoy coaching people, specifically other accountants.  It’s one of the reasons that I came back to public accounting.  With a growing practice, we are able to hire more staff and I will be able to guide young accountants on a career path that helps them build balance between work and personal lives, whether in or out of public accounting.   

 

What accounting conferences do you normally attend?

• AICPA Nonprofit Conference
• GWSCPA Nonprofit Conference
• WVNPA Nonprofit Leadership Summit
• PANO Nonprofit Conference
• Various ASAE events

 

What websites/magazines do you use to keep up on news of the accounting profession?

• CPA Practice Advisor
• Journal of Accountancy
• AccountingToday
• ASAE Alerts and Publications
• GWSCPA Alerts and Publications
• Venable Nonprofit Practice Alerts

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See all of the “40 Under 40” honorees for 2019.