Partner

Matthew Powell, CPA, CGMA

Audit and Assurance

I love helping our clients and adding value to their businesses and lives.

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Bio

Meet Matt

Matt has over 25 years of experience serving employee benefit plan sponsors, manufacturing and distribution companies, technology companies and employee benefit plans. He works closely with his clients delivering timely and insightful advice related to recent and upcoming accounting, auditing, legislative and regulatory developments.

Prior to joining Armanino, Matt was the practice leader of Brown Smith Wallace’s employee benefit plan audit practice and was the firm’s subject matter expert related to benefit plan audits. Additionally, he served as the engagement partner or engagement quality reviewer for several of the firm’s 11-K audit clients.

Throughout his career, Matt has worked with more than 250 employee benefit plan clients of all types, including 401(k), 403(b), pension, health and welfare and employee stock ownership plans. His clients spanned from small plans to those with more than 50,000 participants and greater than $5 billion in assets.

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Experience

Professional History

Associations

  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
  • Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants (MOCPA)

Education

  • University of Missouri, St. Louis

Experience

  • Brown Smith Wallace LLP

Q&A

Q. What is it about the accounting or consulting profession that first drew your interest?
I first decided to pursue accounting as it seemed like a practical career that encompassed so many different aspects of business. However, I quickly discovered that I really liked working with public accounting clients. There is always an opportunity to give advice or help a client overcome challenges, and I really enjoy being able to provide value to clients and make a difference in their lives.
Q. What is the toughest decision you have ever made?
When I was in college, I struggled with deciding which major to pursue. When you’re young and have all this opportunity in front of you but must select one singular educational path, narrowing your choices can be overwhelming. I ultimately chose accounting and haven’t looked back since; thankfully, it has been a great fit and a rewarding career.
Q. Without naming names, tell us about your favorite client and why you enjoyed working with them.
My favorite clients over the years have been companies that are growing rapidly or are taking their business in a new or different direction. I really enjoy helping them piece together their vision and finding ways to put it into practice.
Q. Describe your work style.
I like to be creative as possible. The best answer is frequently not the one that seems the most obvious, and I like brainstorming and collaborating with others to find the best solution. I am adaptable to changing circumstances and always do what it takes to accomplish the goal at hand.
Q. If you could pass on a nugget of wisdom to aspiring accountants or consultants, what would that be?
Be ready to learn. Try new things and find out what skills you excel at and what you enjoy most. In public accounting, there are constant changes; be committed to being flexible, creative and focused on personal development. Also, take and pass your CPA exam as soon possible.
Q. What do you love most about your work?
I love helping our clients and adding value to their businesses and lives. Knowing that I am playing a key role in helping clients problem-solve and make important decisions makes every day a truly rewarding experience.
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