Stories: Peter Owen, CPA

Peter Owen earned one undergraduate degree in finance and another in accounting from Weber State University. He earned his MBA at the University of Utah. “My family hails from Weber County and I started my career in the Ogden area but have been working in the Salt Lake area for the last eight years. We currently reside in Riverton,” he says. His career began as a financial analyst at Flying J Inc., but shortly after he started working there, they filed for Chapter 11, which led Peter to “rethinking my career. I eventually found an opportunity to jump into an accounting career at UMB Fund Services (formerly JD Clark & Company) and spent several years learning and growing there.” After UMB Fund Services, he joined Sorensen Capital, a private equity and venture capital firm where he worked for several years. In the last four years, he has been with private equity real estate firm Dakota Pacific Real Estate and currently serves as the Director of Finance. Peter has been involved with the UACPA’s Business & Industry committee and has “enjoyed working with others to provide CPE events for our association members.”

What led you to become a CPA?  I did not initially plan to be a CPA, but as I began my career in accounting, I saw the expertise separation of those who went through and completed the CPA process. I saw the value that they were able to provide to our clients and internally within the firm. I wanted to add the same value and obtain the expertise myself, so I set out to certify as well.

What do you like about being a CPA? The language of business is accounting and finance and being a CPA is like being an expert “interpreter” for all stakeholders involved. As the “interpreter” and trusted advisor, I have really found joy and fulfillment in being able to utilize my accounting and finance skillsets to help solve problems, identify opportunities, and create solutions for those both my employers and within the broader communities where I’ve resided.

What would surprise people to know about you?  Two things: First, I was a snowboard instructor at Snowbasin for three years; And second, I’ve completed an Ironman triathlon.

What is your favorite book? “The Count of Monte Cristo,” or “Ender’s Shadow.”

What do you like to do outside of work? In the winter, you can find me and my family on the slopes. In the summer months, you can find me swimming, biking, or running. I’d take all zoom meetings on the bike if I could. 

What are some of your goals both personally and professionally? I was diagnosed as a type-1 diabetic at 38, which has provided a fun challenge to re-learn how my body operates over the last couple of years. I completed an Ironman triathlon before that diagnosis, and I have a goal to adapt to my body and finish another one by 2026. As for professional goals, most are targeted toward improving upon expertise in my current industry and helping our firm meet its strategic objectives over the next few years.

What advice do you live by?  “There is never a destination, just the impulse to grow.” ― Chrissie Wellington, “A Life Without Limits: A World Champion’s Journey.”