Merklin of BMF to Be Featured at Statewide Employee Benefit Plan Audit Conference
AKRON, OHIO (March 10, 2009) - James Merklin, CPA, CFF, CFE, a partner in the regional public accounting firm of Bober Markey Fedorovich (BMF), will address investment valuation of benefit plans in today’s financial market as part of the Ohio Society of CPAs’ Employee Benefit Plan Audit Conference on Thursday, April 30, at the Crowne Plaza Columbus North in Columbus. Merklin, director of the firm’s Employee Benefit Plans Services Group and industry thought leader, will cover critical investment valuation issues, emphasizing the new valuation implications and disclosure requirements of FAS 157.
“The impact of alternative investments on audits will be explored, and attendees will learn whether the limited-scope audit can still be applied,” Merklin said. “This presentation will equip CPAs to reduce risk for misstatement in investment valuation, along with making them better prepared to advise clients on their responsibility for valuation of investments and whether they can rely on trustee/custodian certification alone.”
Merklin leads a dedicated benefit plan audit practice at BMF that audits and prepares the appropriate tax filing and summary plan descriptions for more than 100 different benefit, ESOPs and 403(b) plans. He has more than 20 years of experience in conducting plan audits. He is a Certified Fraud Examiner and also carries the Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF) credential. Merklin serves as the National Chairman for the PKF North American Network Employee Benefit Plans Task Force and is a member of the Executive Committee, American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) Employee Benefit Plans Audit Quality Center.
The conference carries eight CPE credits. Registration is available by calling 888-959-1212 or by obtaining the registration form at the society’s Web site, www.ohioscpa.com. Early registration discounts are available until April 16.
Founded in 1959, Bober Markey Fedorovich is one of the largest independent accounting and business advisory firms in Northeast Ohio serving greater Akron, Cleveland and surrounding regions. Our clients span a variety of industries, many with multi-state and global operations. We specialize in accounting, auditing, taxation, litigation support, business valuation and business advisory services, with focus on private equity, privately held business and SEC companies.
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For more information, contact:
Karyn Sullivan
Director of Business Development
330.762.9785