Bates, Barksdale, Ickert & Company specializes in serving the needs of individuals and closely held companies. In addition to their accounting and tax expertise, this unique full service firm serves as a business consultant providing meaningful recommendations relative to a variety of business and financial matters.

The firm, founded in 1979, is a member of the Peer Review Section of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. As a member of the section, the firm must submit to an independent quality review of its accounting and auditing practice every three years to assess compliance with professional standards. The firm has received the highest rating on its peer reviews.

We believe in the value of relationships. We view every client relationship like a partnership, and truly believe that our success is a result of your success.

We are committed to providing close, personal attention to our clients. We take pride in giving you the assurance that the personal assistance you receive comes from years of advanced training, technical experience and financial acumen. Our ongoing investment of time and resources in professional education, state-of-the-art computer technology and extensive business relationships is indicative of our commitment to excellence.

The wide variety of clients we serve has given our firm vast experience in the following industries:

*Contracting *Real Estate *Food Services *Health Care *Transportation *Professional Practices *Retailing *Not-For-Profit *Wholesaling *Service Providers *Manufacturing *Insurance *Metallurgical Industry *Developmental Companies

Profile of Firm Members:

E. Alan Bates, CPA- An original founder of the firm, Alan began his career with Touche Ross & Company in 1970 upon graduation from Point Park College. Alan serves as a consultant to his clients in a variety of business and financial matters, including strategic and technical planning, acquisitions, mergers, sales and dissolutions.

Jeffrey A. Barksdale, CPA- A 1972 graduate of the University of Virginia, Jeff began his career with Arthur Andersen & Company in the small business division and subsequently founded the firm in 1979. Jeff also has a Masters Degree in Taxation from Robert Morris College and is a Certified Financial Planner. Besides serving his clients in a variety of accounting, tax and financial planning matters, Jeff is also the firm's administrator.

Donald W. Ickert, CPA- Don joined the firm as a partner in 1981 after several years as a partner in the firm Gaus, Ickert & Company. Don has a Masters Degree in Taxation from Robert Morris College and is a Certified Financial Planner. He also is an accredited member with the ASA designation from the American Society of Appraisers, along with the Accreditation in Business Valuation (ABV) designation from the AICPA and specializes in business valuations.

John F. Marzo, CPA- John joined the firm in 1991 after working for Hill, Barth & King, CPAs for several years. John has both a Bachelors Degree in Accounting and a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Duquesne University. John has also earned the professional designation of Certified Specialist in Estate Planning (CSEP), as awarded by the National Institute for Excellence in Professional Education, LLC. John is the firm's Quality Control Director.

Richard A. Stewart, CPA- Rich joined the firm in 1989 after graduation from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Rich services individuals and closely held businesses in the areas of accounting, auditing, tax planning and preparation. Rich also specializes in financial software applications, and is a QuickBooks Advisor.

Eileen L. Miller- Eileen joined the firm in December 2004 as secretary and general office manager. In addition to her office management skills, Eileen has vast experience in customer relations, sales contracts and computer support from prior experience in the commercial sales industry.

Douglas S. Dixon- Doug joined the firm in January 2007 as a staff accountant and has 10+ years experience in the profession. Doug services individuals and closely held businesses in the areas of accounting, auditing, tax planning and preparation.

Valerie Anderson- Valerie joined the firm in November 2010 as part of the accounting staff. Previously she worked as an accountant in the private sector. Valerie has a BA from Tufts University and an MBA from California State University.

Judith Arango- Judy started working for the firm at the beginning of January 2011 after previous employment at another accounting firm. Judy has a BA and MBA from New York University, and will work primarily in the attest and business valuation areas.

Kimberly Lynam- A recent graduate of Robert Morris University, Kim joined the firm in February 2011 as a staff accountant. She will assist in the accounting and tax preparation areas of the firm.

Leah Callahan- After working on a temporary basis for several months, Leah became a full time employee in May 2011 to assist in all support staff functions.