Partner

Kat Peterson, CPA, CFE

Consulting

I love helping clients determine the right answer.

Contact Me

Bio

Meet Kat*

Kat is an audit partner with more than 20 years experience in the industry. She started her accounting career as a financial auditor for the U.S. Government Accountability Office in Washington, D.C.

She returned to Austin in 2006 to work at EY in Austin, leaving to become a manager of SEC reporting and SOX compliance analysis at Newgistics. She returned to public accounting and joined Holtzman Partners in 2012, where she led Holtzman’s accounting and advisory practice, until she joined the Armanino team in 2021.

A passionate lover and supporter of animals and their rights, Kat is an active volunteer with the Austin Humane Society.

Kat received her B.B.A. and M.P.A. from the University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business. She is a member of AICPA and a Certified Fraud Examiner issued by the ACFE.

*Kat holds her interest in the firm through GATA Enterprises, PLLC

Contact Kat Peterson

Experience

Professional History

Associations

  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
  • Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE)

Community

  • Volunteer with local nonprofit pit bull rescue Love-A-Bull
  • Volunteer with Austin Humane Society

Education

  • University of Texas at Austin

Experience

  • Holtzman Partners
  • Newgistics
  • EY
  • US Government Accountability Office

Q&A

Q. What was it that drew you to Armanino?
Their focus and dedication to employees, clients and community. And the fact that Armanino is one of only a few Certified B Corps in the nation. It means they‘re walking the walk while making a positive impact in the world.
Q. What is the toughest decision you have ever made?
The decision to return to public accounting. I was working for a private company when I realized I didn’t enjoy what I was doing. It felt like admitting failure to turn around and go back where I came from. But it felt like the best decision for me, and ultimately I was right.
Q. What keeps you up at night?
It’s big things and little things. I’m up thinking about the warming of the planet, but also the email I forgot to send. My to-do list is always running through my brain.
Q. Describe your work style.
I’m very organized. I’m always making lists, tackling the hardest projects first thing in the morning. I try to delegate and work with my teams to ensure everything is getting done. I love getting down into the details.
Q. Who is (or was) the most influential person in your life?
My parents. They have a great perspective on what’s important in life and help me handle those things keeping me up at night and make tough decisions. I go to my parents for guidance in work and in life.
Q. If you could pass on a nugget of wisdom to aspiring accountants or consultants, what would that be?
Pass the CPA exam as soon as possible, because it only gets harder. It’s a tough exam with a low pass rate. Some people think they’re too busy, but it’s worth it to take time to study and tackle the test head-on.
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Industries Served
Kat's Thought Leadership
Audit vs. Review vs. Compilation: What’s the Difference?
Audit vs. Review vs. Compilation: What’s the Difference?
It’s important to select the appropriate level of assurance that balances the costs and the benefits.
February 08, 2021
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