Patrick M . Smith
“ Finish each day and be done with it . Tomorrow is a new day . You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense .” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Patrick Smith ’ s journey from a young student in Charleston to the principal of his own forensic accounting firm , Canary Financial Forensic Solutions , is a testament to his tenacity and self-reliance and the profound influence of his family .
“ For nearly my entire life , my mother has told me there is only one person who I can truly rely on , and that is myself ,” Smith says .
His educational path led him to Virginia Tech , where he earned both a bachelor ’ s and master ’ s degree in accounting and information systems , setting the stage for his professional career . He first worked for Arnett & Foster PLLC , now part of Baker Tilly US LLP , where he honed his skills and built the foundation for his future endeavors .
In March 2024 , Smith took a significant leap by starting his own business , a dream he had nurtured for over a decade .
“ As the principal of Canary Financial Forensic Solutions , a firm specializing in financial disputes , claims , investigations and business valuation , I ’ m the conductor , decision-maker , strategist and technician ,” he says . “ I get to choose the path forward while keeping my clients and myself at the forefront of every action .”
Smith attributes his success to his tenacity and extensive experience gained from various professional roles . He strives to offer his best , drawing invaluable knowledge and skills from each position he has undertaken . This dedication sets him apart from his peers and has been a driving force in his career .
The influence of his family , particularly his father , a second-generation dentist , played a crucial role in shaping Smith ’ s career path . Growing up in the halls of his father ’ s office , he observed the blend of clinical proficiency and business expertise required to run a successful practice . These experiences instilled in him a desire to pursue a career where he could complement his analytical skills with a personal touch .
Living and working in West Virginia , Smith feels deeply connected to his roots .
“ West Virginia is home ,” he says . “ It ’ s full of opportunity ; one just has to look . Some of the best people live here . As a West Virginian , I consider myself a steward of the state and encourage others to behave similarly . We have a story to tell the world about the Mountain State ; let ’ s make it a great one .” •
Patrick M . Smith
Company :
Canary Financial Forensic Solutions
Title :
Principal
Contact Information : patrick @ canaryforensic . com
Professional Credentials :
• Certified Public Accountant
• Accredited in Business Valuation
• Chartered Global Management Accountant
Community Service :
• The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Forensic and Valuation Services Executive Committee
• Marshall University Brad D . Smith Schools of Business Department of Accountancy & Legal Environment Advisory Board
• Board of Trustees of the West Virginia College and Jumpstart Savings Programs
• Charleston Area Alliance Board of Directors
West Virginia Executive | Profiles | 2024
2024 Profiles FINANCIAL SERVICES
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