In this article, you’ll discover how accountant Ryan Dumermuth shot to the top by studying hard, serving as an accountant with Rea & Associates, and listening to mentors. Today, he not only has received recognition for all his hard work, but he has also acquired a wealth of practical advice to give to young accounting professionals.

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	''My transition from a staff accountant to my current position of shareholder was the fairly typical transition you see in a public accounting firm.''

As a CPA, CFP, and partner with Rea & Associates, Ryan Dumermuth shot to the top in his accounting career and has yet to come back down. The proof of his success lies in his skills, abilities, and the firm-wide mentoring award he received from the numerous staff members he’s managed. But how did Dumermuth’s successful journey into the accounting industry begin?

An Accountant’s Education Can Include a Degree in Business Administration and an Emphasis in Accounting

Dumermuth seemed destined for an accounting job from a fairly early age. ''I first became interested in accounting when I took a couple classes in high school,'' says Dumermuth. ''I enjoyed the classes and did well.'' However, unable to decide where to go to college, Dumermuth stayed home and attended Tuscarawas of Kent State for a year. Later, he transferred to Baldwin-Wallace College, where he graduated three years later with a B.A. in Business Administration and an emphasis in accounting.

''In 1998, I enrolled in Ashland University’s MBA program and completed that in 2001. Looking back, it’s obvious my parents influenced me quite a bit. They taught me discipline and the importance of a strong work ethic.''

Dumermuth’s Career Path Begins at Rea & Associates…And His Responsibilities, Including Providing Tax, Accounting, and Consulting Services, Double

On June 26, 1995, Dumermuth secured an accounting position with Rea & Associates and has been there ever since. He has consistently progressed, however, from one position to the next.

''My transition from a staff accountant to my current position of shareholder was the fairly typical transition you see in a public accounting firm,'' he humbly admits. ''However, I became office manager in Mentor by accepting a transfer from New Philadelphia (where I spent the first 11 years of my career) when we acquired an existing one-office CPA firm in 2006.''

''Busy'' is one word that describes this Accounting Star. From accounting to consulting, Dumermuth does it all.

''My responsibilities include providing tax, accounting, and consulting services to my client base. My duties as office manager are broad and varied, but the primary ones are personnel, quality assurance, processes and procedures, the facility and equipment within [the office], production, financial results, marketing, vision, and growth.''

The Challenges and the Rewards of His Accounting Career Include Dealing with Personnel

''The most challenging element has to do with personnel — like deciding whether or not to hire a specific candidate for a position,'' says Dumermuth. ''It is also sometimes difficult to deliver critical feedback (constructive criticism), but it’s necessary for an employee’s professional development.''

In spite of the occasional difficulty, Dumermuth excels in these challenges. His leadership abilities have earned him recognition. According to Becca Davis, marketing coordinator at Rea & Associates, ''[Ryan] excelled in the leadership role and has since been promoted to shareholder (the youngest in the firm). He has a true passion for what he does, and younger team members can vouch for the fact that he is a wealth of knowledge for younger professionals.''

Dick Longfellow, Jeff Tucker, Greg Goodie, and Mike Noretto Arrive in Dumermuth’s Life: Mentoring Dumermuth

''It would be difficult to name one person that influenced me the most,'' Dumermuth says when asked if he’s had any significant mentors in his career. ''As my career progressed in the New Philadelphia office, each of the partners I worked with had some influence on my career. I learned a lot from each of them.

• ''Dick Longfellow, a retired partner of Rea & Associates — my office was next to Dick’s for several years before I made partner. I listened to how he spoke with clients. He helped tremendously as I began handling my own clients, as well as those that he transitioned to me in anticipation of retirement.
  
  
• ''Jeff Tucker, a current Rea shareholder in New Philadelphia — Jeff forced me to think on my own and trained me on a lot of technical accounting- and auditing-related issues. I have always felt like Jeff was ‘in my corner.’ He supported me and helped to build up my confidence.
  
  
• ''Greg Goodie, a current Rea shareholder in New Philadelphia — I could always go to Greg with any issue — business or personal.
  
  
• ''Mike Noretto, a current Rea shareholder in New Philadelphia — Mike was the office manager in New Philadelphia for many years. I learned from him and respected his business acumen and ability to develop new business.''

Dumermuth Offers Advice for Those New to the Accounting Industry

''Look for a firm that has a philosophy to train and develop young staff — a firm that thinks beyond the end of each one of the partners’ careers. The partners should have a diverse knowledge base and age range,'' says Dumermuth.

Q: What do you like to do outside of work? A: Golfing, reading, walking, jogging, biking, and hiking. Spending time with my wife and seven-month-old son. Q: Can you explain a little about your personal life outside of your company? A: I would describe it as pretty normal. After doing the things mentioned above and always “noodling” something related to work, I am normally exhausted and ready for bed. Q: What CD is in your CD player right now? A: I've got one in the dash, and I think it's Rick Springfield's Greatest Hits. I've got a six-disc in the trunk [with CDs] that range from the Tony Rich Project to Live...with a little country in between. Q: What is the last magazine you read? A: I think it was Cleveland Magazine, but I peruse a lot of them...mostly business-related. Q: What is your favorite TV show? A: I don't regularly watch any show. I do enjoy watching professional golf, particularly the major championships. Q: Who is your role model? A: It's my dad; how could it not be? He raised three boys and put them all through parochial grade school and high school. He put two through a private college. He did this on a very modest salary — actually, an hourly rate. He's worked for the same company for approximately 35 years. He really enjoys going to work. He coached all three of us in various sports. He's a one-woman man...he and my mother have been married for 40 years. He was the best man in my wedding.

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