Deborah Vandeven
Partner, Armanino Advisory LLC
- St. Louis
- 314-983-1386
You can’t be someone, you must become someone.
You can’t be someone, you must become someone.
Bio
Debbie, a licensed CPA, is a partner in Armanino’s Tax practice, serving as the St. Louis Tax Market Lead. Debbie has more than 30 years of experience as an accounting professional providing expertise to high-net-worth individuals and families as well as a wide variety of industry groups including construction, retail, health care, agriculture, manufacturing and distribution.
Debbie holds a CVA and has expertise in accounting and taxation, including planning, preparation and review of individual, corporate and partnership returns. She also has experience preparing financial statements and consulting with clients on accounting and income tax issues.
Prior to joining Armanino, Debbie was a partner in the Tax Services practice at Brown Smith Wallace, where she was the High Net Worth Families & Individuals Group leader.
Experience
My father brought me into this profession when I was 14 years old. I would go to his firm every day after school and work on taxes. I loved the structure and organization of it. When I started working with clients, I saw how much of a trusted advisor my father was and have strived to be the same for my clients ever since.
I had to choose between continuing to work in public accounting with my father, which I’d done for 15 years, or leave and go to a different firm. I knew the new firm would be more challenging and my client base would be more sophisticated. I decided to get uncomfortable, and I took the new job. It was the best decision I ever made.
He is one of my high net worth individuals who is involved in a variety of private equity companies. I love the challenge of being able to advise him personally while also considering his business dealings. He comes to us every single time he’s going to be make a big move or decision and relies on us to be his trusted advisor at every stage of his business and life.
My father lives in the U.S. but is originally from England, and a lot of our family is still in the U.K. We stay in close touch with them. I love the international connection. It allows us to understand and appreciate the differences in our cultures.
I’ve been told by several clients that one of my superpowers is offering a calming presence. Things can be complex and stressful, but they usually feel better after we talk. Also, I’m never afraid to put in the time it takes to get a job done correctly. I make it a priority to respond to clients immediately so they know I’m here for them and can put them at ease.
My oldest daughter attended West Point and is an officer in the Army. I’m beyond proud of her commitment and dedication to serving our country.
As accountants, we’re obsessed with perfection. We want to get it right every time, and that’s just not possible. Be honest about your mistakes and don’t beat yourself up over it, because it happens to everyone. When I’ve made a mistake and had to call a client, they appreciate the honesty, and it can even help solidify the relationship.
