EDWARD R. FRIEL CPA

Edward has more than 30 years of public accounting experience. He joined the firm in October 1996 and has been a shareholder since 2005. Edward’s background includes serving a variety of clients in the dealerships, construction, mining, manufacturing, transportation, oil and gas, investment and professional service, retail industries and the nonprofit sector. He is a trusted business advisor, providing clients with proactive and timely advice on matters including accounting, finance, governance and general business guidance.

Edward is a member of the firm’s Dealerships, Private Equity Services and Energy and Natural Resources Industry Groups. These groups are responsible for developing specialized knowledge for these industry segments. He is also a member of the firm’s Audit Operating Group and oversees the firm’s independence compliance and monitoring program.

Professional and Community Involvement

Member—American and Pennsylvania Institutes of Certified Public Accountants

Finance Council—Diocese of Pittsburgh

Pastoral Finance Council—Saint Mark the Evangelist Parish

Leadership Pittsburgh XX

Association for Corporate Growth (ACG)

Former Member—AICPA Joint Trial Board and the Independence Subcommittee—Behavioral Standards

Former Member—PICPA—Professionals Ethics Committee and Pittsburgh Chapter Executive Committee and Scholarship Fund Trustee

Former Board of Director (former President, Vice President and Treasurer)—Catholic Charities—Diocese of Pittsburgh

Past President, Treasurer and Board Member Emeritus—Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh

Former Board of Director, Treasurer—Butler Country Club

Former Board of Director, Treasurer—Central Catholic High School

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Do you have a hobby or personal passion?
I love following Pittsburgh’s sports teams.

What was the best advice you’ve ever received?
Try to learn from every experience, whether it’s good or bad.

Who was your role model?
My father

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your college self?
Take more advantage of opportunities that are presented

People would be surprised to know that I…….
….am a history buff, specifically Revolutionary and Civil War history.

What is the best or most interesting thing about your career?
I think it’s fascinating that I learn every day. Often, it’s not about accounting…but rather about the industries of our clients.

What was your first job?
I was a paperboy.

Do you have a “motto?”
Winston Churchill’s line, “Never, never, never give up.”

Do you have advice for young professionals?
Find something you are passionate about and go do it.

Our Thoughts On

FEATURED

Big Problem: New Accounting Methods For Significant Refunds.


Big Thinking: Seven Figure Tax Savings.

A part of Schneider Downs since 1988, JAY MEGLICH provides auditing and consulting services to a variety of businesses and tax-exempt organizations.
While speaking with a client, the conversation turned to tax reporting for retainages held under contract. Jay suggested the client have a follow up meeting with the tax team to look into this issue in more detail and review the overall method of reporting that was being used for income tax reporting purposes. After changing their accounting methods, we filed amended returns for open tax years and were able to get the client a significant refund on prior year’s returns. Plus, this new favorable reporting method was implemented going forward. “It’s always satisfying to help clients find new and unexpected savings,” Meglich said. “This client was then able to leverage the cash flow into financing that assisted them in expanding their operations and eventually to the purchase of a larger facility to continue their growth.” Schneider Downs provides Big Thinking and Personal Focus in delivering a variety of services for large and small businesses, both publicly and privately held, as well as nonprofit organizations, government entities and more. Through our commitment to thought leadership and knowledge management, we deliver the solutions our clients need with a personal commitment to service.

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