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James Metzler, CPA

Vice President, Small Firm Interests

James C. Metzler, CPA, is Vice President, Small Firm Interests for the AICPA. In that role, he leads AICPA initiatives aimed at serving the needs of practitioners, including the activities of the Private Companies Practice Section as well as the Institute's specialized communities and accreditations. He also serves as an advocate for small firms on standard-setting, legislative matters, practice issues and as liaison between the AICPA and its member firms. Jim reports directly to Barry Melancon and works with him on a multitude of professional issues.Jim's efforts on behalf of small firms and his activities prior to the AICPA have gained him recognition throughout the profession. He has frequently been named as one of the "The Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting," a national listing compiled annually by the editors of Accounting Today. In 2005 through 2010 those chosen for the list were asked to compile their own "most influential" list and Jim was one of nine luminaries in the profession selected for this distinction. Jim received the U.S. Small Business Administration's New York District Office 2007 Financial Services Champion of the Year Award. He was cited for his significant contributions in helping small businesses obtain the accounting services they need to succeed.Jim has spent more than 37 years working with small firms. Prior to joining the AICPA, he was a co-founder of ConvergenceCoaching, LLC, a national consulting firm dedicated to helping CPA prosper by assisting them to develop and implement success plans.Jim spent 32 years in public accounting, 24 of them as a partner with Gaines Metzler Kriner & Company, LLP, a local firm in Buffalo, New York. He was also founder GEMKO Information Group, Inc., a successful technology consulting organization.He is the author of How to Build a Million Dollar Technology Consulting Practice and of numerous articles on practice management issues. He is a frequent lecturer for the AICPA, State Societies and global CPA professional associations.