Top 15 Accounting Technology Executives of All Time
April 26, 2019
Val Steed
This spring I have been asked a number of times to update and republish this article. I am happy to do so as these leaders deserve the mention again this year.
(originally published May 4, 2018)
I’ve been deeply involved in the accounting technology industry since 1987. I’ve known many great executives and some really bad ones. No, I will not waste the space here sharing the bad ones but you can be assured I have seen and experienced many. So, to keep it positive, I decided to share my personal list of favorites with the world.
These are executives that I‘ve had long and ongoing relationships with for many years. You should know we did not always see eye to eye. Many of them turned down business proposals numerous times but I always knew where I stood with each individual and we all respected each other. This is my all-star cast and they deserve a big shout out. Some of them are no longer with us but I share them in memoriam. I would love to hear if any of you know or knew these folks. Please share any stories you feel are appropriate.
My opinion of characteristics that qualify a top executive in priority order:
1. Honesty
2. Ethics
3. Communication
4. Respect
5. Kindness
6. Work ethic
My top fifteen:
1. Susan Austin (Sheridan) — SBT Accounting, ACCPAC, Sage
2. David Butler — MAS90, Sage, Ticketmaster
3. Doug Burgum — Great Plains Software, Microsoft, Inc., Governor of North Dakota
4. Steve Blundell — Intuit, Inc.
5. Michael Bertini — Open Systems, Inc.
6. Kevin Robert — CCH, Wolters Kluwer
7. Jennifer Warawa — Sage
8. Larry Wolfe — Intuit, Inc.
9. David Bergstein — CCH, Wolters Kluwer, Intuit
10. Rich Walker — Intuit, Inc.
11. Mark Albrecht — XCM Solutions, Inc.
12. Brian Austin – Avalara Software
13. Pat Ripepi — ACCPAC, NetLedger
14. William (Bill) Goodhew — Peachtree Software, Inc.
15. Larry Beach — Creative Solutions, Inc