Staff Spotlight: Branden Elmendorf

Branden Elmendorf shares his path to accounting and his goals for growing Keiter’s Raleigh presence

Many accountants begin their careers in large firms but shifting cultures and changing priorities can lead them to seek a better fit. For Branden Elmendorf, that turning point became the start of a new chapter. Now a Tax Senior Manager and Raleigh Market Leader at Keiter, Branden reflects on his career journey, what drew him to the firm, and his vision for expanding Keiter’s presence in Raleigh.

Branden grew up in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, far removed from the bustling city that most people associate with the state. Surrounded by nature, he spent much of his childhood hiking, fishing, and exploring. His family also played a role in where he is today. His father’s knack for repairing engines taught Branden the value of persistence and problem solving, while his mother was the one to encourage him to pursue accounting.

Early Career

After high school, Branden attended Siena College in Albany to study economics. Following his mother’s advice, he ended up adding accounting courses to his curriculum and ultimately discovered a passion for the field. He then went on to earn an MBA from Syracuse University. Branden began his career in tax, working with clients across professional services industries including doctors, lawyers, architects, and engineers. By 2018 his career brought him to Raleigh where the region’s rapid growth created opportunities for him to expand his expertise into real estate and construction, as well as pass-through entities and private equity engagements.

Finding the right fit at Keiter

Before joining Keiter, Branden worked at Cherry Bekaert, where he managed a significant book of business. Following the Firm’s acquisition by private equity, cultural shifts led him to seek an environment where his growth and contributions would be valued. He was drawn to Keiter’s balance of resources and culture, noting that it offered the support of a larger firm while maintaining the camaraderie of a mid-sized one. The opportunity to build and grow Keiter’s Raleigh presence became an exciting next step in his career.

“What stood out to me about Keiter was the emphasis on feedback, both upward and downward, and the staff sentiment survey,” Branden shared. “It showed me that Keiter is intentional about how it approaches both clients and team members.”

Outside the office

When he’s not focused on clients or building the Raleigh practice, Branden enjoys spending time with his wife and finds relaxation in working on hands-on projects. Inspired by the skills he picked up from his father, he has a passion for tinkering with engines. Today, he enjoys working with golf carts, go-karts, and UTVs, recently completing his first fully electric go-kart build.

Looking ahead

Branden has a clear vision for the future of Keiter in Raleigh. He describes it in three phases: first, learning and building connections within Keiter; second, developing relationships in the Raleigh market and expanding business development efforts; and third, growing a dedicated local team to support clients in the region. His long-term goal is to help Keiter establish a strong presence in Raleigh that reflects the Firm’s culture and capabilities. 

“I’m excited to be here at Keiter and to help grow our presence in Raleigh,” Branden said. “The clarity in career path and camaraderie I’ve experienced so far make me confident we’re building something really strong together.” 

As Keiter expands its reach in North Carolina, Branden’s leadership will play a key role in shaping the Firm’s future in Raleigh.  

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