Melissa G. Dunham
CPA, MTax, MBA
About
Expertise
Articles
Testimonials
Melissa serves a variety of clients in diverse industries, including manufacturing and distribution, service and investment companies. She works closely with her clients to develop tax planning strategies, help identify areas of improvement and perform research projects. She is a proactive business advisor to her clients, bringing value to the relationship beyond just compliance services, working side by side in achieving their goals.
Focusing on the firm’s core tax practice, Melissa specializes in corporate tax returns including C corporations, S corporations, partnerships and LLCs. In addition to corporate tax planning, she provides tax compliance and planning services for closely-held businesses and their owners.
Melissa participates in a variety of firm committees, charitable campaigns and community activities. As a member of the firm’s tax committee and BMF University (the committee responsible for the ongoing education and development of its professional staff), Melissa acts and as an internal advocate for staff and clients on education, advisory and best practices.
Melissa’s primary responsibilities include coordinating all aspects of the tax engagements with the client and partners. She works closely with staff in the planning, executing, supervising and reviewing engagements. In 2019, Melissa was recognized as a Woman of Professional Excellence and received the coveted 30 For the Future Award, presented by the Greater Akron Chamber Young Professionals Network.
Specializations
- Business Tax Compliance
- Family-Owned Businesses
- Individual & Wealth Preservation
- Manufacturing & Distribution
- Retail & Consumer Products
- State & Local Tax Services
Education
- Bachelor of Science in accounting and business administration, Westminster College
- Master of Business Administration, Kent State University
- Master of Tax, The University of Akron
Certifications
- Certified Public Accountant
Professional and Civic Memberships and Activities
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), member
- Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants (OSCPA), member
- Community Support Services, board treasurer and finance committee chair
- Lake Girl Scouts Service Unit, treasurer
- Akron Tax Club, member
- Leadership Akron/Women’s Network Community Leadership Institute, Class 3
Awards and Accolades
- 2019 Woman of Professional Excellence, Women’s Network
- 2019 30 For the Future Award Recipient, Greater Akron Chamber/Young Professionals Network
CliftonStrengths
- Arranger
- Positivity
- Includer
- Activator
- Adaptability
Navigating IRS Notices
With tax season now over, the IRS has begun sending out notices for recently filed returns. There is no need to panic as these notices are sent for a variety of reasons that do not always involve owing more. Read More >>
Remote Working: Tax Friend or Foe?
COVID-19 has certainly accelerated many shifts for businesses and employees, most notably remote working. Since many employees were forced to work from home due to government mandates or CDC recommendations, employees were able to show that they could work. Read More >>
Advanced Child Tax Credit: Planning for Your 2021 Tax Filing
The child tax credit has been getting a lot of attention in the press lately. An updated version of the ChildTaxCredit.gov website was released Monday with new features to assist taxpayers with obtaining the information they need to file. Read More >>
We really enjoy working with Melissa, we have yet to ask a question she can’t answer! Proactive in reaching out and supporting us through any issues we have and graciously answering all our questions and supporting our future plans.”
April, 21
We have been working with BMF from the last several years and are extremely happy working with Melissa. She is very professional in every aspect of the service as well as her communication. She is able to solve our critical issues in a timely manner.
April, 21