James F Bell

Managing Director, Tax, BTS - AMCS

KPMG in the U.S.

James is a Managing Director in KPMG’s Accounting Methods and Credit Services (“AMCS”) practice with approximately 15 years of experience. He has worked 4 of those years in KPMG’s Audit practice. James leads the Pacific Northwest Tax Accounting Services group.

Professional and industry experience

James has substantial experience identifying tax accounting method planning opportunities and exposures, and leading and coordinating tax accounting methods engagements. He has served as engagement managing director with responsibility for planning, budgeting, execution and delivery of deliverables (including technical memorandums, procedure memorandums and tax forms). He also has experience examining and analyzing records to assure effectiveness of accounting and managerial controls, accuracy of transactions, compliance with applicable laws, and has established GAAP policies and procedures.

Tax Accounting Method Services

Assisted numerous corporations and partnerships in changing their method of accounting for volume discounts, prepaid expenses, property taxes, payroll taxes, smallwares, developed software, UNICAP, accrued bonuses, depreciation, depletion, professional fees, revenue recognition (including deferred revenue), and repairs and maintenance.  Additional, James has successfully led engagements in the following areas:

  • Domestic Production Activities Deduction (§199) engagements for companies in the consumer products industries, software industries and retail industries.
  • Lobbying Expense Analysis (§162(e)) engagements for companies in various industries.
  • Meals & Entertainment engagement for companies in various industries.
  • Assisted with responding to IRS Information Document Requests relating to the Domestic Production Activities Deduction, Uniform Capitalization costs and Research & Development tax credit.

Speaking engagements

  • Instructor, KPMG Tax Skills Seminar and Tax Management Seminar
  • Instructor, KPMG West Area Local Office Trainings
  • Instructor, Various TEI and Revenue Recognition Events/Trainings
  • Guest Professor, University of Arizona

  • BS, Longwood University

  • Masters of Taxation, Florida Atlantic University

  • Licensed Certified Public Accountant, WA, VA, AZ, HI

  • Member of AICPA

  • Alaska Air Group Inc.

  • Constellation Software Inc.

  • Costco Wholesale Corporation

  • Countrymark Transportation Group Inc

  • Hawaiian Airlines Inc.