2020 Trusted Advisers Accountant: Ryan Sivill

The two main ingredients in accountant Ryan Sivill’s work are caring about his clients and providing essential expertise.

He provides that to his BKD LLP client load; the net worth of his clients range from $100,000 to more than $300 million. His focus is on family-owned and private equity-backed companies, for which he provides guidance on mergers and acquisitions, performance-based compensation and implementation of the newest accounting standards.

Sivill says he’s encouraged by a team at BKD that cares about clients as much as he does.

“As an auditor, you can be independent and still care, and it has been exciting to watch and, professionally and independently, assist clients that I work with grow through acquisitions and execute transactions that not only benefit their company but play a tremendous role in the economic vitality of the Ozarks,” he says. “We are fortunate at BKD LLP to have an incredible team of thoughtful, caring and insightful professionals who make me a better person and professional every day.”

Sivill heads BKD’s southern Missouri audit and assurance practice, and his clients also include commercial services businesses, nonprofits and public-sector groups.

Clients and colleagues alike recognize Sivill’s technical expertise, says Gary Schafer, BKD’s local managing partner.

“He is passionate and dedicated in achieving his goals and is a tremendous asset to BKD and our community,” Schafer says. “His business acumen and problem-solving abilities are valued by clients.

“Ryan is a focused and highly professional individual who has accomplished a great deal and has a very promising career ahead of him.”

A certified public accountant, Sivill is active with industry organizations, including American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants. He’s also delivered presentations to the likes of the Institute of Management Accountants’ Joplin chapter.

Sivill is investing in the Springfield community, as well, serving multiple volunteer roles outside of BKD.

He serves as chair of The Network, the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s young professionals group, and he’s a member of the board of directors for the local chamber.

At his alma mater Missouri State University, Sivill has been a mentor in the College of Business corporate mentorship program. He’s currently working on the MSU Foundation’s long-range planning committee.

He also is a member of the professional advisory board for the MSU School of Accountancy, and he’s served as a guest speaker and panel participant in several college accounting classes over the past 10 years.

His reason for volunteering is simple: “I love Springfield!” Sivill says.