B2B CFO Partner Jim Merski Helps Erie, PA Businesses Grow

PHOENIX - Sept. 9, 2013 - PRLog -- (Erie, PA) --   It’s no secret that the regional economy is greatly influenced by the success of small and mid-size businesses.   In Erie, many business owners are attributing successful growth to the efforts of B2B CFO Partner Jim Merski.   Jim Merski joined B2B CFO because of his passion for helping the small business community.  With 18 years of financial expertise and business leadership experience, Merski helps local business by coming in as Chief Financial Officer on as-needed basis.

“I am very passionate about helping business owners grow their companies, expand their workforce and build lasting financial stability,” said Merski.  “Managing cash flow projections, gaining access to capital, and planning for growth are among key issues that keep Erie business owners awake at night.  Many of these businesses do not need or cannot afford a full time CFO, with our business model I am able to help them on an as-needed basis.”

Merski is an accomplished CFO and Financial Administrator (MBA/CPA/CFE: Certified Fraud Examiner) with a 30 year track record of enhancing the financial stability of companies. His focus is to improve financial and operating process and procedures while adhering to sound financial accounting principles.  He leverages his expertise in managing financial affairs of complex entities to guide growth-orientated companies to adapt to the ever-changing business environments.

Prior to joining B2B CFO, Merski worked in public accounting and has served as Controller and CFO in a variety of private businesses. The industries he served include: non-profit/human services, transportation and logistics, real estate, and healthcare insurance.

As a B2B CFO Partner, Merski can work with several businesses at the same time, offering them the opportunity to have an affordable trusted business advisor. Unlike a contract controller or interim CFO, a B2B CFO Partner works to create a long-term professional relationship to help the company grow its profitability and cash flow.

Chuck Peters, Managing Partner of Altair Holdings said: “I met with Jim shortly after he joined B2B CFO.  I knew Jim as a professional Chief Financial Officer and a CPA.  As he explained the B2B CFO business model, the Game Plan --  I thought there may be value for Altair.  At his presentation I was extremely impressed with the quality of information and the level of detail.  Jim presented both financial & operational analysis in a “current situation” versus “desired situation” gap model.  The analysis as well the interview process underscored both operating challenges I was aware of, but also brought to light issues that I had not seen.  As the result of the analysis, I have engaged Jim and he’s addressing specific initiatives for Altair.  I’ve seen an immediate added value from the B2B CFO process and I plan to continue to consult with Jim as Altair’s ‘1099 CFO’ on an on-going basis.”

Building relationships that last is a hallmark of B2B CFO, the nation’s largest CFO firm that provides services exclusively to emerging and mid-market companies. Nationwide, the firm has more than 200 Partners spanning 40 states.  Merski’s clients benefit not just from his individual experience but also from the depth of resources provided by the combined expertise of the firm.

The economic environment for small businesses in Erie has been challenging in the last few years.

“Over the past years small businesses have had to manage economic stress that in many cases was extreme.  Through B2B CFO, I am able to help multiple companies navigate through a diverse set of business and financial challenges with results that have impact,” added Merski.

Jim holds a BS from the University of Pittsburgh and an MBA from the University of Southern California. He is a California Certified Public Accountant and recently has been accredited as a Certified Fraud Examiner.

He is very involved in the business community. He is a member of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership and takes active part in several community organizations including SCORE.  He regularly conducts workshops and presentations on variety of business growth issues.

On a personal level, Jim is an avid runner has trained for and completed seven marathons. He also enjoys cycling and swimming. Jim is married and has eight children.

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Direct Contact information:

Jim Merski
Erie, PA CFO
814.397.2645
jimmerski@b2bcfo.com

ABOUT B2B CFO^®

B2B CFO helps business owners successfully grow and sell their companies. The company has published a book, The Exit Strategy Handbook, and has developed proprietary software, B2B Exit, which is the first-in-the-market digital platform for exit strategies. B2B CFO accomplishes the exit strategy process with more than 200 experienced senior-level professionals who each average 25 years of experience. The company, headquartered in Mesa, Ariz., was founded in 1987 by Jerry L. Mills who pioneered the “1099 CFO” concept. B2B CFO has been honored with multiple awards, including four times on the Inc. 5000 fastest growing companies in America. Visit www.b2bcfo.com to find out more about the company. To find out about careers visit http://careers.b2bcfo.com/

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