Meet The Team | Ben Newman

Join us in welcoming one of our newest team members at Casey Peterson, LTD, Ben Newman. Ben joined us at the beginning of June as an Associate on our Nonprofit and Governmental team. He also interned with us in the Audit Department in 2019 and the Tax Department in 2020 and 2021.

Ben’s path to Rapid City — and accounting — was a little winding. During high school, he didn’t know what college major to choose but had always liked math and numbers. So, during one summer, his mom signed him up for the Summer Accounting Institute at the University of South Dakota.

At first, he didn’t want to go because a weeklong accounting camp didn’t sound all that fun. But he ended up loving it. In the spring of 2021, Ben graduated from USD with his master’s degree in professional accountancy and his bachelor’s degree in business administration.

In his current role, Ben helps school districts, cities, and other government entities with their financial and accounting needs. He primarily works with clients when requesting documentation for audit engagements. While working with clients, he tries to help them feel at ease and be as clear as possible to avoid confusion and frustration.

In his free time this fall, Ben plans to join his dad in a weekly bowling league. He also enjoys reading and hiking. But the interest he’s most passionate about is music. In college, Ben was a member of the top choir at USD. He also played sax in the marching and pep bands. Ben is hoping to join a musical organization in Rapid City soon.

FAVORITE QUOTE

“Remember, no man is a failure who has friends.” — Clarence in “It’s a Wonderful Life”

FAVORITE PODCASTS

• Accounting Today, Mark Levin, and Glenn Beck

THREE QUESTIONS:

WHAT WAS THE BEST CONCERT YOU EVER ATTENDED?

Elton John

WHAT ARE TWO ITEMS ON YOUR BUCKET LIST?

Skydiving and learning to play the accordion

IF YOU COULD VISIT ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD YOU GO AND WHY?

Ireland; I just think it would be really cool to go there.