ERIC M. WRIGHT CPA, CITP

Eric has overseen Information Technology services at Schneider Downs since 1983. He specializes in and manages the design, setup, installation and implementation of automated accounting, distribution and manufacturing systems.

Eric has implemented a wide range of ERP software solutions for clients. Budgets associated with these solutions have ranged from $25,000 to $10 million. Many of these projects have entailed integrating the client supply chain with their manufacturing and distribution systems and, most recently, has focused on the development of data warehouses for business analytics and artificial intelligence solutions. In addition to his process automation responsibilities, Eric is also responsible for the firm’s IT compliance services. He has assisted a number of our clients with their compliance requirements, including PCI-DSS, SOX, ISO 27001, NIST security audits and is responsible for the delivery of more than 200 SOC reports a year.

Professional and Community Involvement

Member—Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants

Member—The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Information Management and Technology
Advisors Section (IMTA)

Member—Schneider Downs Manufacturing, Nonprofit and Transportation Services Industry Groups

Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP)

Department Chair—Schneider Downs Technology Advisors

Chair—PICPA IT Assurance Committee

Subject-Matter Expert—Carlow University Masters in Fraud and Forensics

Board of Directors and Audit Committee Chair—St. Clair Health System

Director—Peters Township Baseball Association

Fundraising Committee Member—Boy Scouts of America

Member—AICPA’s Sub-Committee on Data Privacy

Board of Directors—Schneider Downs

Member—AICPA’s SOC Review Enhanced Oversight Committee

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What was the best advice you’ve ever received?
You must take control of your own destiny.

What was your childhood dream?
I wanted to play Major League Baseball

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your college self?
Take more public speaking and technical writing courses

People would be surprised to know that I…….
am an Eagle Scout

What is the best or most interesting thing about your career?
I get to support a wide variety of clients in all types of industries

What was your first job?
Garbage collector

Do you have advice for young professionals?
Take control of your own destiny.

Our Thoughts On

FEATURED

Big Problem: High Tax Burden For Family-owned Franchisor.


Big Thinking: Comprehensive Planning For A 15% Tax Reduction.

A tax shareholder with more than 25 years of private and public accounting experience, CHRIS MCELROY joined Schneider Downs in 2017 and advises clients in diverse sectors, including consumer products and retail, healthcare, and manufacturing and distribution. Chris' team went to the aid of a family-owned retailer/franchisor that needed to reduce its tax burden to better align with the long-term vision for the business. Schneider Downs' shareholder-led service model positioned the team to have a sophisticated understanding of the client's objectives and leverage opportunities afforded by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. "We helped the client implement a structure to get requisite cash flows to the owners while taking advantage of favorable corporate tax rates, non-U.S. tax planning, and other tax provisions such as QBI and FDII,” said McElroy. “We were able to reduce their overall annual global tax burden by nearly 15% as a result." 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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