Meaden & Moore Firm News

Michelle H. Buckley, Forbes Best-In-State CPAs Award | Meaden & Moore

Written by Meaden & Moore | May 13, 2025 2:45:00 PM

Meaden & Moore is proud to announce that Michelle H. Buckley, CPA, AIFA®, Vice President and Practice Leader of the firm’s Benefit Plan Group, has been named to the prestigious 2025 Forbes Best-In-State CPAs list. This honor highlights Michelle’s outstanding contributions to the accounting profession and her leadership in delivering exceptional client service.

The Forbes Best-In-State CPAs list is an inaugural ranking produced by Forbes editorial staff to spotlight outstanding CPAs in public practice across the country. Those recognized were selected through a process of independent nominations and evaluated on weighted criteria such as expertise, innovation, thought leadership, experience, and service to both their communities and the profession. The result is a curated list of trusted advisors who serve businesses of all sizes, nonprofits, municipalities, and individuals with excellence and integrity.

With over 30 years of experience in public accounting, Michelle has built a career defined by expertise, integrity, and client-centered results. She works with middle-market privately held companies and leads Meaden & Moore’s Benefit Plan Group, where she specializes in employee benefit plan audits, fiduciary consulting, ESOP’s and compliance strategies for middle-market companies. As an Accredited Investment Fiduciary Analyst™ (AIFA®), Michelle advises retirement plan sponsors and investment advisors on fiduciary best practices and prudent investment processes.

In addition to her client work, Michelle plays a significant role in advancing audit quality and professional standards. She is our firm’s Designated Audit Partner for the Employee Benefit Plan Audit Quality Center, is an active member of the AICPA Employee Benefit Plan Audit Quality Center Executive Committee, and contributes to the planning of the AICPA Employee Benefit Conference as the Assurance Chair.

“I’m incredibly honored to be recognized by Forbes alongside so many accomplished peers,” said Michelle. “This award reflects the commitment I’ve made to helping clients achieve their goals with confidence and care—and the strong team I’m privileged to lead at Meaden & Moore.”

Jim Rollins, CEO of Meaden & Moore, shared: “Michelle exemplifies the values and excellence that define our firm. Her strategic mindset, technical expertise, and passion for client success continue to inspire those around her. We’re thrilled to see her recognized with this well-earned national distinction.”

Meaden & Moore provides client focused accounting, tax, forensic and business advisory services to businesses and individuals in a wide array of industries including, manufacturing, distribution, construction, energy, business services, real estate, private equity, and employee benefits. With over 250 professionals across 18 offices in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., the team has the knowledge, passion, and expertise to help clients thrive. Visit www.meadenmoore.com for more information.