Christopher Menz

Partner, Armanino Advisory LLC

I want to see people win and try to be a key part of that process.

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Bio

Meet Chris

Chris is a licensed CPA and has extensive experience with publicly traded and privately held middle market companies. He has a strong background in business development, service delivery, project management and staff development. Chris is a client advocate, as he remains significantly involved as the client relationship partner with many of the firm’s larger clients. He has purchased, sold, managed and delivered professional services during his career; it is this experience that he utilizes to maximize the client/service provider relationship.

Prior to joining Armanino, Chris was Partner in Charge of Practice Growth at Brown Smith Wallace. He was responsible for growing the business and expanding market awareness of the firm’s services and the value proposition provided to its clients. Chris is a connector of people and business.

Contact Christopher Menz

Experience

Professional History

Associations

  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
  • Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants (MOCPA)
  • Association for Corporate Growth
  • Financial Executive International
  • Institute of Internal Auditors

Community

  • St. Louis ARC, Board of Directors and Finance Committee
  • St. Louis Social Venture Partners, Board of Directors and Grant Committee

Education

  • University of Missouri - Columbia

Experience

  • Brown Smith Wallace LLP
  • Jefferson Wells International
  • KPMG

Q&A

Q. What is it about accounting and consulting that first drew your interest?
I loved the idea of finding solutions for clients and being a problem-solver. My role in public accounting gives me the opportunity to meet and interact with people of all levels and industries. In accounting, the collegiality and the camaraderie are unmatched. You have a huge group of peers and you’re able to build personal relationships with both your colleagues and your clients.
Q. Without naming names, tell us about your favorite client and why you enjoyed working with them.
I enjoy working with many of my clients for different reasons, but my favorite clients are the ones with whom there’s mutual trust. Everything is on the table, including an honest representation of financial complexities and complicated family dynamics. Trusting me with such sensitive information allows me to be a better mentor and confidante. It gives me a more holistic view of the problem at hand, which allows me to provide a solution that best meets their needs. I’m not a huge fan of the term “trusted advisor,” but I love when I’m the client’s “person.” I want good things to happen for my clients, and I provide perspective without judgment that can hopefully help them no matter the situation they’re in.
Q. What is one fun fact about yourself?
I’m a happy crier. When people reach the pinnacle of their sport and succeed, I am a blubbering mess.
Q. Describe your work style.
I value action and collaboration and prefer to be on the move, tackling different issues with different clients. I focus on the success of our people and on the success of my clients.
Q. Who is (or was) the most influential person in your life
My dad, without question. He was a type A personality who liked to be in charge and make things happen. He was also an extremely generous person, and constantly displayed selfless, incredible behavior that really modeled for me the person I wanted to become.
Q. If you could pass on a nugget of wisdom to aspiring accountants or consultants, what would that be?
Take advantage of any opportunities that are laid out in front of you. Be a giver. When you give without expectation of anything in return, you will ultimately get so much more back. You want to be known as someone who will seize the opportunities you’re presented with—be grateful for the chance.
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