Ray joined Schneider Downs in 1975, becoming chief executive officer in 1985. He served as Chairman of the firm from 2014-2017. Today, Ray remains of special counsel with the firm. His administrative accounting capabilities are enhanced by his in-depth understanding of the acquisition and sale of businesses and general business planning, including consulting.
Member—American and Pennsylvania Institutes of Certified Public Accountants and the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants
Board Member—World Presidents Organization, Pittsburgh Chapter
Past Chairman and Board Member—Young Presidents Organization, Pittsburgh Chapter
Past President, Executive Committee Member, Advisory Board Chairperson and Board Member—Notre Dame Club of Pittsburgh
Board Member—Neighbors in the Strip
Board Member—Vincentian Collaborative System Foundation
Allegheny Conference, Regional Investor Council
Member—AICPA Nominations Committee
Advisory Boards of numerous closely held entities
Do you have a hobby or personal passion?
My passions are family, friends and travel
What was the best advice you’ve ever received?
The advice to pass on the Big 8 (it was a long time ago) and find a good local CPA firm to start my career
Who was your role model?
I’m fortunate to have had three role models:
Raymond W. Buehler, Sr., for his integrity and values, and his commitment to family and integrity
Bill Hoag, who preached to “kill ‘em with kindness”
Jim Schneider, who taught the value of marketing with a commitment to working hard
What was your childhood dream?
To be like my father, with a commitment to family, as well as business and financial success.
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your college self?
I wouldn’t change a thing.
What is the best or most interesting thing about your career?
The fact that I’ve been part of the same company for more than 41 years, and the fact that we’ve grown from 22 employees to more than 400…while keeping our corporate culture and focus intact.
What was your first job?
I was a bus boy at Bonanza restaurant, making $1 an hour.
Do you have a “motto?”
One word: Care.
Do you have advice for young professionals?
Stay with public accounting and find your passion. The experience will serve you well no matter where your career path leads. Most of all: Care about all that you do, and you will succeed.
Big Problem: Liquidity Issues For A Local Company.
Big Thinking: New Ways To Predict And Control Cash Flows.
Receive all the latest insights and industry tips.
Schneider Downs is a Top 60 independent Certified Public Accounting (CPA) firm providing accounting, tax, audit and business advisory services to public and private companies, not-for-profit organizations and global companies. We also offer Internal Audit; Technology Consulting; Software Solutions; Personal Financial Services; Retirement Plan Solutions and Corporate Finance Services. Schneider Downs is the 13th largest accounting firm in the Mid-Atlantic region and serves individuals and companies in Pennsylvania (PA), Ohio (OH), West Virginia (WV), New York (NY), Maryland (MD), and additional states in the United States with offices in Pittsburgh, PA, Columbus, OH, and McLean, VA.
© 2024 Schneider Downs & Co., Inc. Maryland license number 35239.
Every moment counts. For urgent requests, contact the Schneider Downs digital forensics and incident response team at 1-800-993-8937. For all other requests, please complete the form below.
