John D. Klisch

CPA

Audit Partner, Emerging Enterprises and Technology 

An Audit Partner in Blackman Kallick’s Emerging Enterprises and Technology practice, John serves the audit and assurance needs of public and private companies in the technology and technology-enabled service sector as well as with media, manufacturing and distribution concerns.

Drawing on extensive experience in the technology industry, John helps his clients plan for and navigate their growth by:

• Managing financial statement audits and SEC reporting requirements
• Advising and guiding companies through growth and financing initiatives such as mergers and acquisitions, domestic and overseas expansion, initial public offerings (IPOs), secondary offerings, and private equity and debt financings.
• Advising organizations on regulatory, operational, and cultural complexities of growing internationally
• Communicating with boards of directors and audit committees to clearly convey audit and business risks observed during the audit
• Connecting clients with business advisors who can address their operational, tax, legal, financing, and other needs related to their chosen growth strategy

Whether public or private, global or domestic, small-cap or mid-market, technology companies are entrepreneurial in spirit and fast growing. John has the versatility to move as quickly as his clients do to guide them around potential roadblocks and toward opportunities. Experienced in the accounting and regulatory requirements of IPOs, secondary offerings, and mergers and acquisitions, John positions his clients to achieve their growth aspirations by helping them plan for what’s down the road to better prepare them for the next stage of growth. 

John draws on his deep understanding of the complex operational and accounting needs of tech companies — from continually evolving revenue-recognition standards to the complications of awarding stock-based compensation to employees — to keep them ahead of the reporting requirements and expectations that accompany high growth companies. By planning for these events well ahead of the expected deadlines, John’s clients are able to meet these requirements on time and with minimal disruptions to their business operations.

During his 20-plus year career, John has seen the technology industry evolve into a robust sector with a key role in the American economy. He was attracted to Blackman and Chicago for the opportunity to be part of a dominant local firm with deep roots in a technology-based market. Previously, John was an assurance partner with BDO, where he helped expand that firm’s technology practice. Most recently, he served as partner-in-charge of BDO’s Atlanta audit and assurance practice. 

Credentials and Professional Involvement

John shares his insights into the IPO market, as well as his thoughts on operational issues and accounting and reporting standards for technology-based companies during presentations to trade groups, client user conferences, various CPE forums, law firms, and technology companies. He has been published on topics such as the outlook for the Southeast technology market in TechJournal and interviewed by the Atlanta Business Chronicle commenting on merger-and-acquisition-deal activity and the IPO market for the technology sector. John is a member of the Illinois Technology Association and Built in Chicago of which Blackman is the Exclusive Accounting Partner. 

John is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and Georgia Society of CPAs. He received a BS in Accounting from Florida State University. 

News about John D. Klisch

• Blackman Kallick Expands Emerging Enterprises and Technology Team