THEODORE M. PETTKO CPA

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.

SHARE

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

FEATURED

Big Problem: A Not-for-profit Client Out Of 401(k) Compliance.


Big Thinking: Allowing More Contributions By Highly Paid Employees.

Shareholder JASON LUMPKIN serves as a Practice Unit Leader for SDAdvantage Retirement Solutions. He has more than 17 years of qualified retirement plan experience, primarily serving middle market, closely held businesses. His background includes plan design, documentation reporting, participant education, and ongoing administration for defined contribution plans, including employee stock ownership plans.
While working with one of our non profit clients, Jason’s team discovered that the organization was failing non-discrimination testing due to poor 401(k) participation among its employees. To address the issue, we recommended the implementation of a second retirement plan, a 403(b) plan, that would cover only the highly paid employees, allowing them to contribute the maximum amounts without concern for the limits imposed by the 401(k) plan’s non-discrimination testing. “These top employees were no longer constrained by the limits of the 401(k) plan testing results,” Jason said. “Plus, the organization no longer had to be concerned about the non-discrimination test. We also avoided implementing a “safe harbor” design in the 401(k) plan, which can result in costly employer contributions and vesting provisions that favor short-term employees.” 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.

Have a question? Ask us!

We’d love to hear from you. Drop us a note, and we’ll respond to you as quickly as possible.

Breached?

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.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.