Business Details
12 Years
experience
Certified Public Accountants in Pittsburgh | Expert Financial Solutions
Goff Backa Alfera, established in 2014, is a full-service Pittsburgh-based CPA firm dedicated to delivering high-quality accounting, audit, and consulting services. Our firm ranks among the top nationally in peer review standards, reflecting our commitment to excellence. We are members of prestigious organizations including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Employee Benefit Plan Audit Quality Center (EBPAQC), and Governmental Audit Quality Center (GAQC), which enhance our technical expertise and service quality.Our client-centric approach combines personalized service with advanced technical knowledge, supported by a team actively engaged in professional and community leadership. We prioritize employee development and maintain rigorous quality control processes to ensure our clients receive reliable, forward-thinking financial solutions tailored to their unique needs.
Services
Tax Compliance
Audit & Assurance
Business Consulting
Controllership Services
ERISA Audit
Nonprofit Financial Services
HUD Audit
Business Valuation
Bookkeeping
Peer Review Services
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- We offer 15+ years of expertise in ERISA plan audits.
- Our team holds advanced certifications in defined contribution plans.
- We guarantee peer-reviewed audit quality through rigorous third-party reviews.
- We provide tailored tax planning for closely held and family businesses.
- Our professionals maintain continuous education to meet evolving industry standards.
Associations and certifications
- AICPA
- EBPAQC
- CPCAF
- GAQC
What people say
Very professional
Timely and accurate help
Knowledgeable and helpful
Expeditious handling
Superior quality workmanship
Services
Tax Compliance
Our tax compliance services include planning, research, and preparation for individuals and businesses. We focus on minimizing taxation while maximizing after-tax cash flow through strategic structuring and advocacy with tax authorities. Our expertise extends to international tax consulting, multi-state taxation, and litigation support, ensuring comprehensive solutions for diverse client needs.
ERISA Audit
We specialize in ERISA plan audits with 15+ years of experience and annual audits of 6+ plans. Our services cover defined contribution, benefit, 403(b), and ESOP plans, adhering to strict quality standards through AICPAs EBPAQC. Our team includes certified specialists in defined contribution plans, ensuring accurate compliance and reporting.
Audit & Assurance
Our audit and assurance services provide transparency for businesses and decision-makers. We perform audits for ERISA, HUD, nonprofit organizations, and government entities, ensuring compliance with federal regulations. Our peer-reviewed quality process and membership in national audit centers guarantee reliable, actionable insights for stakeholders.
Business Consulting
Our business consulting services offer strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions support, and operational management for diverse industries. We help clients optimize profitability, develop business plans, and navigate complex financial challenges with data-driven insights and industry-specific expertise.
Controllership Services
We provide outsourced controllership services including accounting, financial reporting, and compliance management. Our solutions ensure accurate budgeting, tax planning, and internal control analysis, supporting organizations in maintaining financial health and operational efficiency through personalized guidance.
People
Richard J. Alfera
President and Managing Partner
Richard J. Alfera leads daily operations and specializes in tax planning for diverse industries. With prior experience at a Big Four firm and Rockwell International, he focuses on mergers, acquisitions, and business consulting, advocating for closely held businesses.
Jennifer A. Varley
Partner
Jennifer A. Varley oversees nonprofit financial services and tax compliance. With over 30 years of experience, she provides auditing and strategic planning for nonprofits and governmental entities, ensuring adherence to complex regulatory requirements.
Matthew B. Sarver
Partner
Matthew B. Sarver specializes in ERISA plan and HUD audits, holding an Advanced Defined Contribution Plans Audit Certificate. He contributes to quality control and audit process improvements, ensuring high standards in employee benefit plan examinations.
James R. Baird, III
Partner
James R. Baird provides tax and accounting services to public and closely held businesses. Certified in business valuation, he focuses on profit enhancement and strategic planning for clients in healthcare, real estate, and nonprofit sectors.
Stephen J. Spitz
Partner
Stephen J. Spitz leads audit services and peer review initiatives. With expertise in nonprofit and governmental audits, he ensures adherence to GAQC standards and contributes to continuous improvement in audit quality and client reporting.
Questions
What core services does Goff Backa Alfera & Company offer?
We specialize in accounting, tax compliance, ERISA audits, nonprofit financial services, business consulting, and HUD audit services for clients nationally and internationally.
How does your firm handle ERISA plan audits?
With 15+ years of experience, we perform audits for defined contribution, benefit, and 403(b) plans, adhering to AICPA’s EBPAQC standards and receiving unmodified peer review reports.
What sets your tax services apart?
Our tax team minimizes taxation through strategic planning, international consulting, and advocacy with tax authorities, tailored to individuals and businesses across industries.
Do you serve nonprofit organizations?
Yes, we assist nonprofits with compliance, grant reporting, and tax exemption requirements, addressing complex financial operations and regulatory scrutiny.
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