James E. Merklin
CPA/CFF, CFE, CGMA, MAcc
About James
Industry & Service 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 Plans Audit Conferences Planning Committees (2014-2016), member and past chair
- AICPA and OSCPA Employee Benefit Plan Conferences, frequent speaker
- Allinial Global, Accounting & Auditing Committee, chair
- International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, member
- Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, member
- Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Community Health Committee, chair
- Leadership Akron, committee member
- Rotary Club of Akron, treasurer
- Summit County ADM Board, member
- Leadership Akron, Class 2003, graduate and class vice president
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
- Allinial Global, Employee Benefit Plans Committee, chair
- Allinial Global, Manufacturing/Distribution Committee, chair
- Boy Scouts of America, Great Trail Council, past campaign chair
- Leadership Akron, Executive Committee, chair, Development Committee, chair, board member
- Northeast Ohio Medical University Foundation, board of directors, chair
- United Way of Summit County, chair
- Tocqueville Society, United Way of Summit County, chair
- Community Support Services, Inc., chair
- Goodwill Industries of Akron, chair
- ADM Board Levy Support Committee, honorary treasurer
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
SBA & Treasury Announce Full Reopening of PPP Applications
Earlier this week we posted that the revamped Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) application portals had reopened for select borrowers and would be open to all other businesses shortly thereafter. Application forms for first and second-draw loans were made available.. Read More >>
Revamped Paycheck Protection Program Opens, Application Forms Released
As we mentioned last week, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Treasury released the loan application forms for the revamped Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The application portals, which launch today, are open for small community financial institutions to. Read More >>
SBA & Treasury Issue Guidance for Second Draw PPP Funding
*UPDATE* The SBA and Treasury announced that the revamped Paycheck Protection Program will open Monday 1/11/21 for select lenders and borrowers. Read post >> The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Treasury issued regulatory guidance Wednesday evening for the. Read More >>