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THEODORE M. PETTKO CPA
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Since joining Schneider Downs as a CPA in 1997, Ted has earned a reputation for his insightful knowledge and experience working with both public and privately-owned companies across diverse industries, including construction, natural resources and real estate. He has earned a reputation for not just knowing his own industry, but also those of his clients, as well. By immersing himself in the businesses of his clients, Ted is viewed as an astute business advisor and student of matters falling outside of traditional accounting.
Ted has served as a member of the Schneider Downs Board of Directors since 2016, helping to guide the firm’s future direction and growth. He serves as the leader of Schneider Downs’ Construction industry group, one of the 25 largest construction accounting practices in the nation. He also chairs the firm’s overall industry niche program—a primary vehicle for Schneider Downs business leadership.
Ted is a frequent participant at national conferences, remaining current with the latest trends and insights. Through these experiences, he channels his passion to work with numerous industry-specific associations, serving on several Boards and Committees as a volunteer and active member (see listing below). He also serves his community as a board member of the Sarah Heinz House and the Laurel Highlands Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and serves on the Advisory Council for the Saint Vincent College School for Business.
He is a much-sought-after mentor to younger professionals and considers leadership and community service to be opportunities, rather than obligations.
Professional and Community Involvement
Member—American and Pennsylvania Institutes of Certified Public Accountants
Member—Master Builders Association of Pittsburgh
President—Council of Petroleum Accountants Societies of Appalachia (COPAS)
Member—Surety Association of Pittsburgh
Board Member—Sarah Heinz House
Board Member—Laurel Highlands Council of the Boy Scouts of America
Board Member—The Club at Nevillewood, Treasurer
Committee Member—Marcellus Shale Coalition, Membership
Leadership Pittsburgh XXVIII graduate
Board of Directors—Schneider Downs & Co., Inc.
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Do you have a hobby or personal passion?
Exercise, model trains and my family.
What was the best advice you’ve ever received?
You are responsible and accountable for your career.
Who was your role model?
My father.
People would be surprised to know that I…….
…have more than 9 million views on YouTube with the Anchorage Polar Bear Attack.
When you have an hour of free time, what do you like to do?
I go for a run.
Do you have advice for young professionals?
Don’t be passive with your career. Take charge, and don’t be afraid to make a mistake.
Our Thoughts On
Our Thoughts On
Our Thoughts On
Fraud Risk Management for Emerging Technology Companies
FEATURED
Big Problem: A Global Company Needing Better Internal Controls.
Big Thinking: A Network Of Professionals To Implement Best Practices.
Shareholder JIM YARD is Schneider Downs’ practice leader for our Risk Advisory Services Department. Jim specializes in providing risk management, internal audit, and internal control consulting services.
One of our clients was a large consumer markets company with a global footprint. We learned that the company wanted to improve overall corporate governance and internal controls. Jim’s team was called upon to help with an evaluation since leadership at the company realized the need for a firm with international experience in multiple countries and languages. With the assistance of country-specific resources through Prime Global - one of the largest associations of independent public accounting firms in the world - and a consistent core team based in Pittsburgh, we have been able to provide the expertise necessary to develop and assist the company in building and establishing a global internal audit function, and bringing best practices across their global operations and core processes.
“By accessing industry expertise, assessing risk and pulling in subject matter and international specialists, we were able to direct the company’s plans to implement best practices, mitigate risks, standardize their processes and create efficiencies throughout its operations and business units,” Jim said. “The client has recognized the success of this partnership and has gone on to award us other projects including on-going international location reviews, various operational and process reviews, systems implementation/migration, and fraud investigations.”
Schneider Downs provides Big Thinking and Personal focus in delivering a variety of services for large and small businesses, both publicly and privately held, as well as nonprofit organizations, government entities and more. Through our commitment to thought leadership and knowledge management, we deliver the solutions our clients need with a personal commitment to service.
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