James Skakun is a Tax Partner at BMF with extensive expertise in business taxation and transaction advisory services. Since joining the firm in 2011, James has built a reputation as a trusted advisor to closely held businesses, private equity firms, and strategic buyers navigating complex tax and transactional matters.

James focuses primarily on business taxation, with a specialization in mergers and acquisitions. He leads BMF’s Transaction Tax Services practice and has authored more than 175 tax diligence reports while playing a critical role in transaction structuring, risk identification, and post-deal tax planning. Over the past six years, the practice has supported more than 20 sell-side transactions with an average equity value of $75 million and total transaction proceeds exceeding $2 billion.

Working closely with BMF’s Transaction Advisory Services group, James brings a collaborative, deal-oriented approach that aligns tax strategy with financial, operational, and commercial considerations. His experience spans acquisitions, dispositions, recapitalizations, and restructurings, helping clients anticipate tax exposures, optimize deal economics, and achieve successful outcomes. His hands-on approach and commitment to client service make him a key resource for clients navigating high-stakes transactions and long-term growth initiatives.

In addition, James has played a key role in BMF’s growth and success through his involvement in various firmwide initiatives and commitment to mentoring professionals across the firm. He is dedicated to developing the next generation of leaders while embodying the firm’s core values in all aspects of his work.

Specializations

• Mergers & Acquisitions
• Tax Due Diligence
• Partnership Taxation
• S Corporation Taxation
• Multi-State Taxation

Education

• Masters of Science in Accountancy, University of Notre Dame, cum laude
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Miami University

Certifications

• Certified Public Accountant

Professional and Civic Memberships

• American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
• Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants (OSCPA)
• First Tee of Greater Akron, past board member
• Rebuilding Together Northeast Ohio, past board member
• Torchbearers Akron, Class of 2016, past board member

Awards and Accolades

• Greater Akron Chamber 30 For the Future Award
• Leadership Stark County Spotlight Program

CliftonStrengths

• Achiever
• Competition
• Learner
• Analytical
• Focus