
James E. Merklin
CPA/CFF, CFE, CGMA, MAcc
About
Expertise
Articles
Jim Merklin serves middle-market and high-growth clients in a variety of industries. He has extensive experience in employee benefit plans, business planning, financial forecasting, attestation services, fraud/forensic investigations, feasibility studies, cash flow analyses, due diligence on business acquisitions, profitability studies and internal control operations reviews. Jim was with Ernst & Whinney from 1986 to 1989 and with Hausser & Taylor from 1989 until he joined Bober Markey Fedorovich in 1997. He was elected a partner in 2003.
Specializations
- Employee Benefit Plans/ESOP/403(b) plans
- SEC Accounting and Advisory
- International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
- Manufacturing/Distribution
- Minor League Baseball
- Retail & Consumer Products
- Revenue Recognition Standards
Education
- Bachelor of Science in accounting, Case Western Reserve University
- Master of Accountancy, Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University
- Recipient, Dean’s Award for high scholastic achievement
Certifications
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF)
- Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
- Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)
Professional and Civic Memberships and Activities – Current
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), member
- Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants (OSCPA), member
- AICPA and OSCPA Employee Benefit Plan Conferences, frequent speaker
- Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, member
- Greater Akron Chamber, board member
- Leadership Akron, Nominating Committee member; Class 2003 graduate and vice president
- Summit County ADM Board, member; Chair, Fiscal Oversight Committee
Professional and Civic Memberships and Activities – Past
- AICPA Employee Benefit Plan Audit Quality Center Executive Committee, member
- AICPA Employee Benefit Plans Expert Panel, 403(b) Plans, Risk Alert and Audit Guide Task Forces, member
- AICPA and OSCPA Employee Benefit Plans Audit Conferences Planning Committees (2014-2016), member and past chair
- Allinial Global, Employee Benefit Plans Committee, past chair
- Allinial Global, Manufacturing/Distribution Committee, past chair
- Boy Scouts of America, Great Trail Council, past campaign chair
- Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Community Health Committee, chair
- Community Support Services, Inc., chair
- Goodwill Industries of Akron, chair
- International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, member
- Leadership Akron, Executive Committee, chair, Development Committee, chair, board member
- Northeast Ohio Medical University Foundation, board of directors, chair
- Rotary Club of Akron, treasurer
- Summit County ADM Board Levy Support Committee, honorary treasurer
- Tocqueville Society, United Way of Summit County, chair
- United Way of Summit County, chair
Awards and Accolades
- Goodwill Industries of Akron, Taste of Vintage Honoree, 2015
- Leadership Akron, Distinguished Leader Award 2014
- FirstMerit Nonprofit Board Executive of the Year, Pillar Award 2011
CliftonStrengths
- Significance
- Relator
- Achiever
- Consistency
- Responsibility
Industry Experience
Family Owned Business
Financial Institutions
Manufacturing & Distribution
Minor League Baseball
Retail & Consumer Products
Service Experience
Advisory
Agreed Upon Procedures
Audit & Accounting
Audit Reviews & Compilations
Business Performance & Strategy
Corporate Governance
Employee Benefit Plans
Employee Stock Option Plans
Fraud & Forensics
Internal Audit
International Financial Reporting Standards
Revenue Recognition Standards
Reviews & Compilations
SOC Reporting
SECURE Act 2.0 Makes Sweeping Changes to Retirement Plans
In December 2022, Congress passed an omnibus spending bill that included a significant portion dedicated to the Secure 2.0 Act of 2022, which makes significant changes and enhancements to retirement planning laws in the United States. We’ve included a. Read More >>
Designing a 401(k) Matching Program to Meet Your Objectives
We’ve found over the years that it can be challenging to get employees to set aside money for their retirement. By providing a matching contribution to your employees, you are helping to incentivize them to put their own money. Read More >>
SBA Speeds Up PPP Loan Forgiveness Process
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has published new guidance to simplify and speed up the forgiveness process for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans of $150,000 or less. In their 29-page interim final rule (IFR), the SBA is introducing. Read More >>