SSB CPAs Year End Growth Report

Schroedel, Scullin & Bestic, CPAs and Strategic Advisors (SSB) realized growth in 2017 as a result of the demand for tax, business valuation and specialty consulting services. This trend is expected to continue in 2018 with the passage of the latest tax reform and a healthy economy.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 generated an increased demand from our clients for 2017 year-end tax planning in anticipation of the legislation, and it will continue to provide opportunities for us to meet with both individual and business clients to make strategic moves to take advantage of the new tax laws. On January 9, 2018, SSB presented a free seminar to over 100 clients and business partners covering tax provision changes and planning opportunities for individuals, businesses and estates. SSB continues to build bench strength in our tax department with highly knowledgeable and experienced professionals who specialize in helping to reduce our clients’ tax burden. The newest members of our tax team are Connie Augustine-Thompson, CPA, Samuel D. Fries, CPA, CFP, Kayla A. Emanuelson, CPA and Jeffrey S. Grace.

The new tax act reflects an increase in the estate and gift tax exemption. Despite the increase, we anticipate that planning remains necessary to protect assets and establish a solid framework for business succession. There has also been a rise in mergers and acquisitions by businesses looking to increase market share by acquiring their competition. These and similar business decisions present opportunities for SSB’s business valuation team to provide its services and has necessitated additional resources. Jessie C. Wright, CPA, CVA, has joined Thomas A. O’Neil, CPA, CVA, on our business valuation team.

SSB continues to diversify all of our specialty consulting services in a wide range of industries, including construction, manufacturing, health care, trucking and oil and gas. Responding to the boom in the craft brewing industry, we have added a brewery consulting team—Judy R. Sees, CPA and Kayla A. Emanuelson, CPA.   SSB also welcomed Brian E. Wages, CPA, as a supervisor on our accounting and business assurances team. To stay abreast of our constantly changing financial and regulatory environment, our accounting team diligently participates in continuing education in all specialty consulting areas that we offer.

SSB launched a new, responsive website in 2017 which includes access to our client portal through which we can easily exchange information with our clients. We have been active on our updated Facebook and LinkedIn pages with great feedback and plan to increase our social media presence in 2018.

SSB has invested in the education of YSU students pursuing a career in accounting through our involvement with the Williamson College of Business and the continued employment of interns as part of our professional team. SSB’s team members are faithful leaders, volunteers and supporters of our local schools, churches and community. Several team members currently serve on nonprofit boards throughout the region and readily support community events such as the Panerathon. We encourage personal growth through these activities.

SSB looks forward to the opportunities and challenges of 2018 to work proactively to provide solutions for our clients to transform and strengthen their businesses.