PROFILE
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I have retired as a practicing CPA and am now only providing consulting services. This website is now inactive, please visit:
My professional background:
I have been practicing as a CPA since graduation from college through 2019 at which time I began the process of retiring as a
practicing CPA which was completed in early 2020. I’m still active performing CPA services but only on a consulting basis or as a support professional for other CPAs and CPA firms.
I graduated from Cal State University, Long Beach in 1972 after serving in the military and began with a national CPA firm in Los Angeles on the audit staff as well as an assignment to the tax department as a part of the firm’s fast track-to-partner career program.
Many of the firm’s audits discovered financial statement fraud resulting in massive restatements. Other “traditional frauds” were discovered. So early in my career, I was exposed to many challenges that are the hot topics of today. Our small audit team within the office was labeled the fraud swat team and was called upon to assist other audit teams in “messy” accounting or suspected fraud situations. These experience also provided extensive experience in writing the resulting audit reports and disclosures.
A large part of the PC training was with Lotus 1-2-3 and then Excel. The solutions perspective mentioned above came from my CPA background which made all the training exercise directly related to the attendee’s work which created a large loyal following. This all evolved in several large Excel and technology consulting projects. The Excel end-user knowledge begin to grow gradually eating into my loyal customer bases the consulting projects were coming in a a slower pace.
A new opportunity came my way allowing me to joint a large and reputable CPA firm where I would have available to me the resources of the firm to greatly enhance the value of my services. This lead to two long-term assignments culminating with managing large litigation support and expert witness projects with CBIZ (formerly Nation Smith Hermes Diamond) and its affiliate Mayer Hoffman & McCann P.C. These projects required an extensive background in audit, tax and technology in which I was well prepared.
Upon the successful completion of these projects in 2006, I returned to the role of my own CPA practice. My vast background and experience ensured the best value for my clients and all those I serve.
A major part of successful CPA engagements such as audits and consulting projects is having a strong understanding of your business. This comes from my vast experience and my approach. This ensures that solutions are created, problems solved and your goals are met by the most efficient means available.
I have found, and I’m sure that you have experienced that, the larger the firm, the less interest in your needs and greater interest in increasing billings. A part of this approach is to have junior staff perform much of the work. When it comes to fraud and any other extremely challenging accounting or technology assignments, I don’t think that model works. Experience is what makes these assignments successful; lower fees, quicker completion of the task, client satisfaction, and the correction of the underlying problem. My philosophy for professional CPA services is to serve you in the best and most professional manner possible and to always exceed your expectations. This always results in more value received than fees incurred.
Many tools and techniques that I have developed in my career add tremendous value to my services. I share these with clients and the business community to help ensure the best solutions possible. I do this by making recommendations, teaching how to implement the recommendations as well as presenting training sessions and seminars to the public. Additionally, you will see much of this knowledge on this website.
I assist my clients directly, one-on-one. Most of the work is performed myself to ensure not to dilute the value of my services with inexperienced staff. Of course, when appropriate, junior or clerical assistance is used. Where I cannot effectively help with your needs, I will refer you to a colleague who can.
My enjoyment is to work directly with you and see your success and see problems corrected that allow you to get back to the core of your business. I’m looking forward to being of service to you and forming a long-lasting business relationship.
What do all these letters mean?
CPAs are licensed by the state and are subject to the rules and guidelines of the state as well as the standards set by the American Institute of Public Accountants (AICPA). These standards include an extensive Code of Ethics.
At the time of Jim’s passing the exam the certification requirements for California CPAs were to have a Bachelor’s Degree with the required number of accounting and business courses, two years experience in auditing, and passing the two and half-day, five-part CPA exam. At that time, the parts were auditing, accounting theory, accounting and taxes (two parts), and business law. Today the requirements have change, the 150 hour rule, two day exam which comprises four sections: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Business Environment and Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Regulation (REG).
To maintain certification, CPAs must complete 80 hours of Continuing Professional Education every two years in which 24 hours must be accounting and auditing, 4 hours of fraud, four hours of ethics, and more.
Jim’s California CPA license is in retired status and is a former long time member of AICPA, CalCPA and IMA.
Certification requirements are to have a Bachelor’s degree, two years of experience in the detection or deterrence of fraud, and passing a four-part exam: fraud prevention, financial, law, and fraud investigation. Applicants must also be a member in good standing in the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE).
To maintain certification, the CFE must, among other things, obtain 20 hours per year in continuing professional education in which at least 10 hours are specifically fraud courses in addition to ethics courses.
Jim has over 30 years of experience in fraud and fraud-related accounting, tax, and auditing issues, is a Certified Fraud Examiner, and is active in the San Diego Chapter of ACFE.
Jim Colville, CPA Retired, CFE Retired, is a 30+-year-old sole proprietor CPA firm located in San Diego, California. In my early days in San Diego, I was the audit manager for Coradino, Hickey & Hanson, CPAs (since merged with Robert R. Redwitz & Co, CPAs) and Levtiz, Zacks & Ciceric, CPAs (currently LevitSacks, CPAs). My national firm experience out of college was with Alexander Grant & Co (currently Grant Thornton) and I assisted CBIZ/MHM with ligation projects for two years in 2005-2006.
I no longer perform audits, reviews, and compilations or any service requiring a written report. My current services include consulting and advisory services to companies, nonprofit organizations, and churches. These services are typically assisting with special projects which may include contract review, performing due diligence on prospective contractors especially with upcoming solar installations.
Most of my clients are in San Diego, however, I have clients throughout Southern California and in other states.
Please browse through the website to learn more about my experiences.
Jim Colville, CPA Retired, CFE Retired is a sole proprietor CPA firm owned by James M. Colville, located in San Diego, California. I am based in San Diego, however, I have clients state-wide, nationally, and worldwide.
Please browse through the website to learn more about my experiences and other services.