The very definition of the word steadfast is “dependable, reliable, committed,” and those adjectives epitomize our mission to give each client the peace of mind they deserve so they can run their organizations more effectively. Led by Founder and CEO Bernadette Peterson, The Steadfast Group has assembled a team that is comprised of diverse skillsets, exceptional credentials, and an unwavering commitment to providing you with the best, most comprehensive financial and accounting services available.
Given our experience working with clients across numerous industries, The Steadfast Group has the foundation to provide you with superior accounting services all while stressing the importance of integrity, value, and trust. No matter what your accounting needs are, at The Steadfast Group, we will always deliver on our promise of being your trusted partner.
Bernadette A. Peterson, CPA, CFA, CFE formed The Steadfast Group to help small businesses streamline their accounting while providing pertinent financial information so that they can run their businesses more effectively. Using her decades of accounting experience working with thousands of companies across all industries, Bernadette formulated the “best practices” into an accounting infrastructure for companies and individuals to seamlessly “plug” into so that they can focus on their core business.
Prior to forming The Steadfast Group, Bernadette spent several years as a senior auditor in the Assurance and Advisory Business Services group at Ernst & Young where she was selected nationally to serve on Beta Alpha Psi’s Board of Directors.
Bernadette graduated Summa Cum Laude from California State University, Fullerton, where she earned BAs in both business administration as well as accounting and finance. During her college career, Bernadette received several prestigious awards, including the CSUF’s Alumni Association Undergraduate Student of the Year Award, the CSUF’s Business Department’s Student of the Year Award, the CSUF’s Overall Most Outstanding Senior Award, the CSUF’s Overall Outstanding Role Model Award, and Woman of the Year.
Bernadette holds Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) designations. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the CFA Institute, and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. She has also been a featured speaker at top colleges across the United States and has taught numerous accounting and financial seminars. In 2022, Bernadette was nominated for the Orange County Business Journal’s Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award.
