When Grant Patterson began his career in accounting at Beers and Cutler, his team was searching for a staff member to recruit and present at George Mason University.
As he took more recruiting trips, he got to know the faculty well and connected with student organizations. Eventually, the firm’s partner at the time, John Niehoff, BS Accounting ’84, asked him if he would be willing to manage the recruiting relationship at George Mason, and Patterson was more than willing to step into that role. He was able to carry over that relationship when he transferred to Aronson, now merged with Aprio, and he continues to sit on the Accounting Advisory Council to this day. “George Mason offers a lot of opportunity to a lot of people,” he says. “I think George Mason’s diversification is incredible compared to other universities.”
When Patterson looks at the Costello College of Business, he sees a business school that continues to evolve in a way that he’s excited to be part of.
“I think that just the desire to be better, to bring in the best educators available, and the willingness to offer opportunities to all students, not just a certain segment, makes the Costello College of Business the ideal institution to partner with and recruit from,” says Grant Patterson, Tax Partner at Government Contracting, Aprio Advisory Group, LLC.
Aprio offers many opportunities for students to boost their skillsets. In the fall of 2024, four Costello students from the introductory accounting class came together to create a team for Aprio’s national case competition, ultimately winning second place out of 100 competing teams. “Two accounting students, one MIS student, and one management student showcased their grit, teamwork, and willingness to go beyond the ACCT 203 curriculum to become formidable competitors,” says Peggy Tsirigotis, assistant area chair and instructor of accounting at the Costello College of Business. “Their achievement is a testament to what’s possible when professionals like Grant and firms like Aprio create a space for students to rise.”
Since entering the accounting profession, Patterson has witnessed many changes in the industry. Over the years, the requirements for becoming a CPA have changed. And like other fields, the capabilities of computers have accelerated the amount of work anyone can accomplish at a given time. However, he acknowledges that no computer or artificial intelligence is a replacement for a good mind. Perhaps the most significant positive change he’s noticed is how much more supportive and encouraging the industry now is. “Back when I started, the methods for encouragement were a little different, and you didn’t always get a pat on the back,” he says. “Now, we work to get the best out of folks. It’s better.”
As rapidly as the industry has evolved, Patterson has stayed ahead of the curve and advanced his career all the way up to partner with the firm thanks to the leadership he received, work ethic, and ability to adapt. Each promotion earned has prompted additional learning he’s had to do to succeed in the role, especially since becoming tax engagement partner. “You’re responsible for all the folks you work with,” he says. “I want to see them grow and get better at what they do. If that happens, they’re going to serve the clients better, and the firm is going to be successful.”
All the professional growth Patterson has experienced and the challenges he’s overcome have brought him a better understanding that he imparts with students when he interacts with them. “Participate in internships to get a flavor of what it’s like to really work in an accounting firm,” he says. “Talk to professionals, go to these presentations that accounting firms are giving, and go to the events that are offered on campus for the meet-and-greets. The internships and those events are test drives on both sides.” He believes now is the best time to enter the accounting profession, and there have never been more options or routes to start a successful career. Continuing his involvement with the Accounting Advisory Council, he is pleased to contribute to the bounty of resources available to accounting students at the Costello College of Business.