Michael Savage’s Blueprint: Innovation, Integrity, and Impact

Michael Savage hails from New Canaan, Connecticut, and has emerged as a leading figure in the accounting world. As the founder, owner, and CEO of 1 800Accountant, he has revolutionised how small businesses access accounting services—embracing cutting-edge digital tools to transform complex financial tasks into streamlined, user-friendly solutions.

Mike Savage – Leadership in Virtual Accounting

Under Mike Savage’s visionary guidance, 1 800Accountant has grown into one of the nation’s most trusted virtual accounting firms, supporting more than 200,000 small and mid-sized businesses. Recognised for his leadership, he was awarded Glassdoor's Top CEOs in the U.S. SMB category in 2018. "Our goal is clear," Savage shares. "We aim to lighten the burden of bookkeeping and tax filing for small business owners. Every enterprise, no matter how small, deserves big-business financial expertise."

Thanks to Savage’s strategy, 1 800Accountant now provides affordable, accessible accounting services that allow entrepreneurs to focus on growth rather than compliance.

From PwC to Industry Trailblazer

A graduate of Brigham Young University's School of Accountancy, Michael Savage began his career in the fraud division at PricewaterhouseCoopers. There, he honed his skills in tax and financial oversight while handling high-profile audits for Fortune 50 firms. "My experience at PwC showed me the premium service big firms receive—but small businesses were often overlooked," he explains.

It was this realisation that prompted him to found 1 800Accountant, bringing high-level accounting advisement within reach for smaller enterprises.

Compassionate Innovation

Mike Savage, New Canaan is not only driven by financial acumen; he is guided by a philosophy of respect and kindness. One of his guiding principles is, “Being nice matters far more than being important.” This ethos resonates throughout his company and personal life.

Together with his wife Rivera, Savage co-founded the Savage Rivera Foundation, a charitable organisation that supports education, healthcare, and economic development in underserved regions, particularly in Central America.

An Influential Voice

As CEO, Savage is frequently featured in major publications like Fox & Friends and Money magazine. His expertise in tax, small business accounting, and technological innovation positions him as a trusted voice for entrepreneurs navigating modern financial challenges.

Life in New Canaan

Beyond his professional role, Savage is deeply rooted in his New Canaan community. He shares his life with his wife and children and indulges in personal hobbies that reflect his precise and creative nature: collecting koi fish, restoring classic muscle cars, and building detailed LEGO® models.

The Road Ahead

Looking forward, Savage is committed to expanding 1 800Accountant’s reach while growing the impact of the Savage Rivera Foundation. “The future is full of possibilities,” he reflects. “I’m eager to continue driving innovation in accounting and making a real difference in communities through our foundation.”

In combining business savvy with a philanthropic spirit, Michael Savage remains an inspiring figure in finance and his own backyard of New Canaan. His vision is not just about scaling a successful company but about reshaping how small businesses view and interact with accounting. He believes in democratising access to expert financial services—removing the barriers that prevent smaller enterprises from thriving.

Savage also plans to invest in new technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, to further streamline accounting solutions. These innovations will allow 1-800Accountant to serve clients faster, more accurately, and with greater insight than ever before. At the same time, he is deeply committed to maintaining the human element—ensuring clients feel supported, not just serviced.

Whether it’s helping a first-time entrepreneur get started or mentoring future leaders, Savage’s forward-thinking mindset and compassionate leadership style continue to define his legacy. With one foot in the world of technology and the other rooted in community, Michael Savage is building a future that’s both smart and kind.