Theresa McDowell CPA

I lead the employee benefit plan audit practice for our Rocky Mountain region, overseeing a team of roughly 100 professionals responsible for completing hundreds of retirement plan audits for clients in a wide variety of industries. Most of these projects involve auditing different types of defined contribution and defined benefit plans.

I pursued a career as an auditor because I felt it would provide the day-to-day variety that I enjoy. This type of consultant role also allows me to connect with our clients directly so that I can be a “value-added” resource rather than just focusing on compliance issues. As a result, I’ve been asked by clients to speak with their boards, at industry conferences, and even within the local community about topics impacting their business and staff.

In the more than 15 years I’ve been with the firm, we’ve more than doubled our Rocky Mountain region’s benefit practice. While I’m proud of that accomplishment, being involved in the community and managing a successful work-life balance with my husband and four children may be my greatest accomplishment. I’ve also been an enthusiastic supporter of campus recruiting for the firm to ensure we attract the best talent possible, and I’ve played an active role in coaching and mentoring many colleagues here.

I’m a member of the AICPA, the EBP Audit Quality Center, and Western Pension & Benefits. I earned my B.S. in accounting from Metropolitan State University of Denver. I’m active with Veteran’s Passport to Hope, which provides money and resources to deserving veterans in need. As a U.S. Army veteran, it’s a cause I am passionate about.

In my free time, I spend as much time as possible with my husband and our four girls. We also spend a lot of time road biking with a community of friends here in the Denver area, and I’ve been fortunate to travel internationally with family and friends.

Fun fact: I served as a medic in the U.S. Army for seven years at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio. I retooled myself around the age of 25 and used my GI Bill to become a CPA.