Alumni Spotlight – Steve Schacht, CPA, Partner
Twenty-five years ago, Steve Schacht graduated from the University of South Dakota Beacom School of Business with a bachelor of science degree in accounting, hesitant of what his next steps should be.
After some consideration, he kicked off his career at Deloitte and Touche LLP in the Twin Cities. Schacht began that first job with 32 other new graduates from around the country, but Schacht believes he was at a distinct advantage coming from USD.
“Many of them were from very large public schools or from smaller prestigious private schools,” commented Schacht. “I was concerned that coming from a small public school like USD that I would be at a disadvantage, but I quickly realized the education I received at USD was second to none of the other schools.”
From there, Schacht returned to his hometown of Rapid City, S.D. to work at Ketel Thorstenson, LLP, eventually rising to the position of partner. The company works with mid- to large-size commercial clients in both the tax and audit areas.
“I think the greatest skills I learned included being a critical thinker and being able to independently solve complicated tax or audit problems,” he said. “Those skills have served me very well in my career.”
Schacht spent his free time at USD involved in his fraternity, Sigma Nu, by holding many positions including treasurer and social committee chairs. He also took part in the Big Brothers Little Brothers program.
He now resides in Rapid City, S.D. with his wife, Rebecca, also a USD alumnus, and his three sons: Andrew, 19, Brady, 16, and Camden, 12. In his free time, Schacht enjoys hiking, golfing, boating and traveling. In addition, he is the financial chair for the Special Olympics South Dakota, is on the audit committee for the USD Foundation and volunteers in many nonprofit organizations. Professionally, he is a member of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the South Dakota CPA Society (SDCPA).