ADAM J. GOODE CPA

Adam serves as Chief Executive Officer-Elect of Schneider Downs, where he is responsible for setting the firm’s vision and leading its long-term growth, performance and strategic direction. He is recognized for building aligned, high-performing teams and fostering a culture where people are empowered to grow, collaborate and contribute to a shared purpose.

Under Adam’s leadership, the firm is focused on delivering meaningful outcomes through disciplined execution, collaboration and a strong one-team mindset. He is committed to developing people and cultivating a culture rooted in accountability, trust and continuous improvement, recognizing that sustained success is driven by both strong results and strong relationships.

Adam joined Schneider Downs in 2007 and has more than 25 years of experience guiding organizations through growth, change and strategic decision-making. He previously served as Managing Shareholder of the firm’s Consulting practice, where he led strategy, operations and expansion across a broad range of advisory services—experience that continues to inform his enterprise-wide perspective and leadership approach.

In an increasingly dynamic business environment, Adam champions the thoughtful use of technology and innovation to enhance how the firm operates and to elevate client experience. His leadership reflects a forward-looking balance of strategic vision and operational discipline, positioning Schneider Downs to create lasting value for its people, clients and the communities it serves.

Professional and Community Involvement

Education

B.S.—Business Administration, Robert Morris University

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Do you have a hobby/personal passion?
Spending quality time with my kids.  I have three daughters who love board games and card games.

What was the best advice you’ve ever received?
Someone once told me to “be where your feet are”.  With all the chaos and distractions in life this has always resonated with me and when I actually follow this advice allows me to be the best version of me.

Who is your role model?
I’ve had many over the years.  I always look up to successful people who have a healthy balance between work and family.

What was your childhood dream?
I wanted to become a pilot and fly fighter jets in the military.

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to your college self?
I studied engineering for two years before I discovered my love for debits and credits.  I’d have told myself to skip the engineering classes and go straight to accounting.

People would be surprised to know that I…
…have an odd attraction to European sports and on Saturday and Sunday mornings will often start my day watching an early morning soccer match or formula 1 race.

What is the best or most interesting thing about your career?
Before I worked in public accounting I ran a retail business.  I always enjoyed retail and was in some ways disappointed to leave the industry.  Today I work with many retailers in an accounting and advisory role and am thrilled to stay connected with the industry I thought I had left behind.

What was your first job?
I was a cook at Hardees.

Do you have a “motto”? (spoken or unspoken)
Don’t be afraid to fail.

When you have an hour of free time, what do you like to do?
I’d love to say that I’d do something productive or enriching with my time, but honestly with only one hour of time I’d find a quiet place to sit, listen to music and get caught up on the day’s news.

Do you have advice for young professionals?
The most rewarding aspect of the job will never be found inside a spreadsheet.  Get to know your clients personally and get to know their business.  You’ll enjoy the work a whole lot more.

Our Thoughts On

FEATURED

Big Problem: Emerging Technology Client Unaware Of Sales Tax Requirements Upon Exit


Big Thinking: Perform Multi-jurisdictional Tax Exposure Analysis To Ensure Compliance

Shareholder TREVOR WARREN joined Schneider Downs in 2001 and has more than 20 years of experience in public accounting. He mainly focuses on audit, review and compilation engagements, and he services a diversified number of industries, from automotive to nonprofit. He also leads the firm’s Emerging Technology Services Group.
When one of the firm’s emerging technology clients was making plans to sell their business, Trevor and his team noticed that they were unaware of sales tax filing requirements. Knowing from experience how complex such requirements can be for emerging technology companies who sell products across multiple taxing jurisdictions, Trevor and his team understood that this missing piece would pose issues during due diligence and could negatively impact the client’s sale. To help ensure that the sale went smoothly, Trevor and his team suggested that the Schneider Downs state and local tax group perform a sales tax nexus study on the company. The group performed an analysis on both the client’s material revenue streams and the sales tax reporting requirements in the jurisdictions where they had customers. Then, Trevor and his team used that information to estimate the client’s total tax exposure, pinpoint the jurisdictions with significant exposure and help draft Voluntary Disclosure Agreements in those the jurisdictions. “We know that these requirements can be hard on early-stage companies when they have limited staff and revenue generation is a primary focus,” said Trevor. “By doing this analysis and going through the voluntary disclosure agreement process, we were able to get the company compliant with their sales tax filing requirements at a significantly reduced cost.” In addition, this process eliminated tax issues and exposure for the company upon exit. 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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