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JANELLE A. MERLO, CPA, CFP®

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[email protected]
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Janelle has over 20 years of public accounting experience, providing a wide variety of tax and consulting services to a broad range of clients. Janelle has extensive experience working with closely held businesses and their owners in the construction, manufacturing and natural resources industries. Additionally, she is a certified financial planner and has experience helping clients as a business advisor, applying tax technical and other knowledge to consult on a variety of areas including tax planning, business direction and sales of businesses.

Prior to joining Schneider Downs, Janelle served as a Tax Managing Director at a large global public accounting firm. She currently provides services to the firm’s clients that include coordination and review of corporate, partnership, and individual tax returns, including implementation of tax strategies.

Education

B.S.—Accounting, University of Pittsburgh, summa cum laude

Professional and Community Involvement

Member—The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Member— Construction Financial Management Association
Member— Schneider Downs Construction Industry Group
Member— Schneider Downs Manufacturing Industry Group
Past Board Member—HEARTH, North Hills Affordable Housing
Graduate of Leadership Development Initiative XIX (Leadership Pittsburgh, Inc.)
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERtm Practitioner

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Do you have a hobby/personal passion?   
The beach, traveling, music, coffee.

What was your childhood dream?
To be a doctor.

People would be surprised to know that I… 
lived in Australia for a period of time while attending college.

What is the best or most interesting thing about your career?
No two days are ever the same in public accounting. This profession is much more dynamic than most people think.

What was your first job?
A cashier/hostess at a Kings Family Restaurant.

Do you have a “motto”? (spoken or unspoken)
Treat others how you would like to be treated.

When you have an hour of free time, what do you like to do?  
Go outside with my daughters.

Do you have advice for young professionals? 
Pick up the phone and call someone instead of emailing/messaging them.

JANELLE A. MERLO, CPA, CFP®

Our Thoughts On

FEATURED

Big Problem: The Tax Implications Of Overseas Valuations.

Big Thinking: $1 Million In Tax Savings.

Shareholder MARY RICHTER has more than 20 years of public accounting experience since joining Schneider Downs in 2002. She has expertise with domestic and international tax planning, state tax nexus, tax credits, accounting for income taxes, and specific transaction planning and implementation.
One of Mary’s clients was reorganizing their overseas operating structure and wanted to move certain assets to different jurisdictions. The client had been purchased by a Private Equity group and called us about updating a valuation we had previously done for the business. In addition to working through the valuation questions, we were able to identify an opportunity to revise their restructuring plan to avoid taxation of a significant portion of the transactions. “By asking questions, having a strong understanding of their needs, and collaborating with the client, we were able to save them roughly $1 million in taxes,” Mary said. “Plus, our plan enabled them to generate future tax deductions overseas to offset the current cost of restructuring. We also saved them substantially on fees.” 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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