James_Merklin

James E. Merklin CPA/CFF, CGMA, CFE

Partner, Bober Markey Fedorovich

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, and internal control and operations reviews. He has performed numerous special projects for clients, such as feasibility studies, cash flow analyses, due diligence on business acquisitions, and profitability studies. 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 and currently serves as partner-in-charge of assurance services for the firm. 

Jim is a frequent speaker at employee benefit plan conferences for the OSCPA, the AICPA and PKF North America.

Certifications 

  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA) 
  • Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF) 
  • Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) 
  • Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) 

Specializations 

  • Employee benefit plans/ESOP/403(b) plans 
  • SEC attestation and advisory services 
  • International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) 
  • Manufacturing/Distribution 
  • Retail Consumer Products and Services
  • Minor League Baseball
  • Revenue Recognition Standards

Awards and Accolades 

  • Goodwill Industries of Akron, Tast of Vintage Honoree, 2015
  • Leadership Akron, Distinguished Leader Award, 2014
  • First Merit NonProfit Board Executive of the Year, Pillar Award, 2011

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 

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 Conference Planning Committees member and past chair
  • AICPA and OSCPA Employee Benefit Plans Audit Conference, frequent speaker
  • Allinial Global, Employee Benefit Plans Committee, chair
  • International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, member
  • Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, member
  • United Way of Summit County, chair
  • Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, member
  • Cleveland Clinic Akron General. Community Health Committee, chair
  • Leadership Akron Development Committee and Member of the Executive Committee, chair
  • Boys Club of America, Great Trail Council, member, past campaign chair
  • Rotary Club of Akron, member and past treasurer
  • Leadership Akron, Class of 2003 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, Manufacturing/Distribution Committee, chair
  • Northeast Ohio Medical University Foundation, board of directors, chair
  • United Way of Summit County, chair
  • United Way of Summit County/Red Cross Campaign, 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

Appearances