Marc Sawyers
Shareholder
Education/Certification
Marc joined the firm in 2017 as a Senior Accountant in the Governmental Auditing group after 6+ years with the State Office of the Auditor General. He was promoted to Manager in 2018 and Senior Manager in 2020.
• Bachelor of Science in Biosystems Engineering – MSU
• Master of Science in Accounting – GVSU
• CPA license
• Single Audit Certified through the AICPA
Marc is an active member of the, Michigan School Business Officials (MSBO) , Michigan Institute for CPAs (MICPA) and American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
What is your area of specialty – how do you best help your clients?
School district auditing, including federal grants management and federal compliance audits. Almost all clients I work with are receiving federal funding – something that is intimidating and confusing to many. Having expertise in this area, but more importantly being able to effectively communicate it to our clients, is one way I can help our clients.
Audits can be stressful, and we are in a position to help our clients on a personal level. Since some uneasiness and fear of the auditor is common, what I love most is breaking down that barrier so that our clients can know who we are as people. When our clients trust us on that level, the professional relationship flourishes.
What are your top 5 strengths? What is your favorite strength?
1. Adaptability
2. Harmony
3. Developer
4. Consistency
5. Achievable
I’d say my favorite is adaptable. That serves me well at work and at home. At work, adapting to auditing in the virtual world, dealing with different needs of different clients, or adjusting management approaches from staff to staff are just a few examples where adaptability helps.
At home, my wife is a cellist. Between symphonies, private lessons, performances, gigs, etc. and not to mention sporting activities for the kids… being adaptable comes in handy. Every day is a little different.
Accomplishment you’re proud of?
Pulling off a successful career change. My undergraduate degree led me to my first job out of college – quality assurance at Red Gold Tomatoes. Third shift!
From there, I’ve taken a long, windy road to get to where I am today at Hungerford. A path that I wouldn’t recommend but has helped shape me in many ways, on both a personal and professional level. Though there were challenges along the way, periods of low morale and questions about my future, I’m proud that I didn’t give up in my pursuit of a more fulfilling career.
Tell us about your life outside of work (family/pets/sports/activities/interests/hobbies)
Sophie -10, Oliver- 8, Penelope- 6. Music and sports are life in our household. My wife, Alicia, is an incredible cellist. Hearing her solo over the years, and now witnessing my children and their musical endeavors, has been a great joy in my life. Yes, I’m an auditor in a family full of musicians, but I like to think that I contribute sufficient, dare I say beautiful, vocals.
I love sports – both playing and watching. Especially baseball, basketball, and football. Since I went to MSU and grew up in East Lansing, I bleed green. My dream is to join the Senior PGA golf tour, however with a handicap of +20 I have some work to do.
What is your favorite part of working at the firm?
Flexibility and being part of a growing audit group.
