Peter McDonald

Peter McDonald

CPA

Member of the Firm
Director of Payroll & Accounting Services

Hagerstown, MD

301.733.5020

With over 20 years of experience, Peter is a trusted advisor to closely-held and family-owned businesses, as well as their owners and individual clients. His expertise spans accounting, tax, and consulting services, with a particular focus on tax planning strategies, multi-state taxation, entity structuring, and mergers & acquisitions. Peter also brings valuable experience in navigating Canadian income tax matters for his clients.

As the firm's Director of Payroll & Accounting Services and Member-in-Charge of the Hagerstown office, Peter provides strategic leadership and oversees the development of the firm's payroll and accounting services, ensuring both internal operations and client solutions drive growth and efficiency.

Quick Facts

Professional Memberships
- American Institute of CPAs - Member
- Maryland Association of CPAs - Member
Community Involvement
- Washington County Chamber of Commerce - Treasurer
Writing Engagements
- Important Reporting Reminders When Preparing 2020 Forms W-2 (January 2021)
- New Form 1099-NEC (January 2021)
- IRS Releases 2020 Form W-4 Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate (January 2020)
- New Overtime Rules Effective January 1, 2020 (January 2020)
- Pennsylvania 1099-Misc Withholding Tax Requirements (January 2020)
- Sage 50 & QuickBooks Desktop Updates (January 2020)
Recent News
- Peter McDonald Named Maryland's Accountant Advocate of the Year (2017)

Certifications

Certified Public Accountant – Maryland

Education

Baccalaureate in Commerce, with honors in Accounting – University of Ottawa, Canada

Work Highlights

Year joined SEK: 2000
Year admitted as a Member: 2015

Q&A with Peter

Where are you from?

I grew up in a small town in Canada, then moved to the U.S. shortly after college.
What is your favorite sport to watch?

Hockey
What is the most inspiring part of your job?

Being an advocate for clients, supporting them in their business endeavors, and celebrating their successes

My Industry Specialties

Closely-Held Businesses

My Service Specialties

Payroll Processing
Business Accounting & Advisory
Tax & Compliance
QuickBooks Consulting
Outsourced CFO

Client Testimonials

Peter is always responsive and helpful. He has made our tax preparations much more enjoyable than our previous experience with another firm.
A Hagerstown Tax Client
I can always count on Peter to get back to me quickly with anything we need. He also helps us quickly solve issues for any new circumstance we encounter. Peter is a critical resource for our company and me personally. I pray I can retire before Peter does.
A Hagerstown Tax Client
The service has been excellent during my 7-8 years of being with the firm. I have received prompt attention to emails/phone calls when necessary. Peter has been very professional with me and gone above and beyond with helping me connect with local law firms for help. I am very pleased with our business relationship.
A Hagerstown Tax Client
I appreciate so much the prompt response to my calls. I have peace of mind when my tax forms are completed. Peter is very knowledgeable. I feel very comfortable asking him questions. He does make tax season a breeze for me.
A Hagerstown Tax Client
Peter handled our return quickly and professionally despite relatively short timeframes and my unfamiliarity with the documents needed to do so. He did a great job for new clients and I have already recommended him to several neighbors.
A Hagerstown Accounting Services Client
Peter is always professional yet pleasant. He never makes me feel rushed when I meet with him. If I ask questions, he is always very helpful. He is very punctual with his appointment times. Peter is very knowledgeable about tax laws, even in other states, which gives me peace of mind when my taxes are completed.
A Hagerstown Accounting Services Client
Peter is a terrific guy. Outstanding professional. I trust him completely and am certain that he always provides the best possible help. 11/10 always.
A Hagerstown Accounting Services Client
Peter has made himself available to us for our questions and concerns. He puts it in layman's language for us which is very helpful.
A Hagerstown Tax Client
Peter McDonald is always responsive to our needs and provides the expert advice that we need. I would absolutely recommend SEK and its services.
A Hagerstown Tax Client
Peter McDonald is by far one of the most professional and conscientious advisors I have on my personal and business financial team. He explains things in a way that is understandable to those of us non-accountants, and is extremely knowledgeable on both my individual financial/tax issues as well as my previous company.
A Hagerstown Tax Client
Peter has always gone above and beyond to answer my calls or return my message promptly. He is efficient and always pleasant to work with.
A Hagerstown Tax Client
On many occasions I have still received answers to questions from Peter when I have received his out of office messages. Him taking the time to make sure questions are answered even when he is on vacation is pretty amazing!
A Hagerstown Tax Client
I am not sure that Peter ever sleeps or takes a day off. He seems to always be there and answers emails, night, day, or weekend. His responses are professional, kind, and always on point. We are so happy we chose SEK and very happy we have Peter as our accountant. Thank you, Peter!
A Hagerstown Tax Client
Exceptional friendliness and professionalism from Peter McDonald and quick, accurate responses to my inquiries.
A Hagerstown Tax Client
Peter McDonald is always patient and answers my questions (even when they probably seem dumb to him). Most importantly, I trust Peter. I have been with SEK for over 20 years and have recommended it to many people.
A Hagerstown Tax and Accounting Services Client
Peter has been exemplary in his service and professionalism.
A Hagerstown Tax Client
No matter what concern I have when I call Peter, he is always very helpful and provides me with the correct answer.
A Hagerstown Tax Client
Peter has done so much for me over the years. There has never been a situation or problem that he has not helped me work through and gotten resolved.
A Hagerstown Tax and Accounting Services Client
He keeps the business relationship business-like and the personal relationship friendly and caring.
A Hagerstown Tax Client

Firm Leadership