Introducing one of BPM's newest Partner: Stephen Daughters

This week, we’re excited to spotlight Stephen Daughters, whose passion for forensic accounting and problem-solving drives his success at the Firm. From delivering newspapers as a kid to pursuing public speaking mastery, Stephen shares his journey and how perseverance has shaped his career and life outside of work.

Describe your path to partnership – what skills helped you get there????

This is a long story to share in such a short time, but if I had to pinpoint one skill that helped me, it would be perseverance. I’ve worked at a variety of accounting and consulting firms. I left forensic accounting to go to business school. I didn’t intend to return, but as luck would have it, I re-engaged with Ernst & Young and realized that I enjoyed the work and the people. I decided to make a career in it. After being invited to the partnership at BPM, Kemp Moyer sent me a nice note about how everyone’s journey is unique. That resonated with me, likely because my path has been more circuitous than most. Nevertheless, I wouldn’t trade it for another. I’ve also made it a point to share this lesson with my family, teaching them the importance of perseverance and trusting their unique paths. “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” – Oscar Wilde.

What do you love most about your role and the work you do for clients????

What I love most about my role as a forensic accountant and testifier is the opportunity to help clients gain clarity and transparency amid complex and unclear situations. Whether it’s uncovering the details behind a dispute or quantifying the financial aspects of a case, every project feels like a puzzle waiting to be solved. Piecing together the information, analyzing it and ultimately providing clients with a clear solution is deeply gratifying. It’s rewarding to know that my work helps bring some much-needed understanding to their challenges and provides them with the insights they need to make informed decisions moving forward.

What’s your favorite activity outside of work that helps you recharge????

Mountain biking! I used to love skiing the most, but mountain biking has taken over as my #1 passion! It’s much more accessible than skiing — you can do it 11 months out of the year. It’s healthy, thrilling and gives me that rush of excitement that makes me feel young... which, let's be honest, I’m not.

What was your first paying job?????

My first paying job was delivering newspapers. I used to get up at 5:30 a.m. There would be 2-3 bundles of newspapers by my garage. I’d fold and rubber band them, then stuff them into my newspaper bag satchel. Afterward, I’d hop on my bike and pedal around delivering newspapers.

If you could master any skill instantly, what would it be and why????

If I could master any skill instantly, it would be public speaking. Public speaking is a key leadership skill in all professions. Effectively communicating your message in a public forum takes practice and tremendous skill. I’ve always wanted to be an effective public speaker.

Stay tuned every Tuesday as we feature our newest Partners and share their inspiring journeys with BPM. Learn more about their unique contributions and the impact they’re making.

For the full press release, click here.