Kurt Shenk is an assurance partner at RSM US LLP and national technology sector leader, overseeing assurance, tax, and consulting for the technology industry. As a partner in RSM’s audit practice, Kurt has more than 16 years of audit and accounting experience, serving clients within the technology, media, telecom industry. Kurt was in the inaugural class of RSM’s Industry Eminence Program, which equips senior analysts to understand and communicate economic and business trends shaping middle market businesses.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with Digital First Magazine, Kurt shared his professional trajectory in accounting and finance, insights into the role of accounting and auditing professionals in shaping the future of business and technology, the secret mantra behind his success, personal hobbies and interests, future plans, words of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
What inspired you to pursue a career in accounting and auditing, and how have you seen the field evolve over time?
My grandfather was an accountant, so I learned about accounting and finance from an early age. I was also inspired by my first accounting professor who described accounting as the “language of business,” which always stuck with me. Over time, I’ve seen the field evolve with the integration of software, automation, and data analytics, making tasks more efficient and allowing for deeper insights.
What do you love the most about your current role?
I primarily serve companies within the technology, media, and telecom industry, ranging in size from startups to mature public companies. I enjoy building relationships with my clients and being a part of their journey, as well as collaborating on cross-functional teams to deliver solutions to our clients. Additionally, in my role as the RSM Technology Sector Leader, I take pride in developing and implementing RSM’s strategic initiatives to support and empower middle market technology companies. This includes identifying growth opportunities, fostering innovation, and ensuring these companies have the resources and guidance needed to thrive in a competitive market.
What role do you believe accounting and auditing professionals will play in shaping the future of business and technology, and how can they prepare for this shift?
Accounting and auditing professionals will play a crucial role in providing data-based insights and becoming skilled advisors who guide business strategy. As RSM advances in its digital journey, we’re integrating technologies like artificial intelligence to deliver smarter, more efficient solutions for clients and equip our talent with the skills to thrive in a digital landscape.
How do you approach leadership and team management, and what qualities do you believe are essential for effective leadership?
My approach is to lead by example, maintain open communication, and build trust. I enjoy helping my team set and achieve their career goals, as I believe that is one of the most rewarding opportunities in leadership – producing more leaders.
Who has been a significant influence or mentor in your career, and how have they helped shape your professional journey?
Over the years, I’ve been influenced by many great leaders. I’ve had the privilege to participate in leadership development programs and mastermind groups, which have helped me learn from leaders in different industries, providing me with valuable perspective and counsel on a range of topics. Another valuable experience for me was being selected as part of the inaugural class within RSM’s industry eminence program, to understand, forecast and communicate economic, business and technology trends shaping the industries RSM serves. Within this program, I helped the firm advise technology clients on conditions impacting middle market leaders.
Throughout your career, you have been a recipient of prestigious awards and accolades including one of Forbes’ Top 200 CPAs and most recently, one of Top 25 Technology Consultants and Leaders in 2025. Our readers would love to know the secret sauce behind your success.
I have had the privilege of working with so many great clients and colleagues over the years. Continuous learning, embracing change, giving back to the community, and maintaining resilience in the face of challenges have been crucial in shaping my career. Additionally, surrounding myself with a talented team has been instrumental in driving innovation and achieving success.
What are some of your passions outside of work? What do you like to do in your time off?
Outside of work, I enjoy outdoor adventures and sports, including hiking and golf. I also love exploring new cities and cultures through travel.
Which technology are you investing in now to prepare for the future?
As a firm, one of the areas we have invested in is RSM Luca, our dynamic digital audit ecosystem, enabling our people to deliver business insights for our clients. This ecosystem is a powerful combination of innovative tools, efficient processes, and our proprietary risk-based audit methodology. RSM Luca supports audit execution and our professionals’ understanding of our client’s business and industry, resulting in a high-quality digital audit tailored to our clients.
What are your long-term career aspirations, and how do you see yourself evolving as a leader over the next five years?
Long-term, I want my career to reflect a commitment to excellence and integrity. In the near term, one of the privileges I have is to mentor the next generation of leaders. RSM takes a forward-thinking and innovative approach to client service, and I would welcome the opportunity to meet with anyone interested in joining the firm.
What advice would you give to individuals looking to break into the accounting and auditing field, or transition into a leadership role?
My primary advice to those interested in the field of accounting and auditing is to focus on building a solid foundation of technical skills through education and practical experience. Seek internships or entry-level positions that provide exposure to various aspects of the field. Stay current with industry trends and technology, as the landscape is rapidly evolving and being adaptable is essential. For individuals aspiring to transition into a leadership role, I recommend developing effective communication and interpersonal skills. Cultivate relationships and network within your organization and the industry, as leadership is often about influence and collaboration. Look for mentorship opportunities, both as a mentee and as a mentor, to gain insights and share knowledge. Lastly, embrace continuous learning and be open to feedback, as humility, personal growth, and a willingness to adapt are key components of effective leadership.