James (Jim) Ferrone is a Director at Grassi with more than 30 years of public accounting experience. He specializes in providing audit, compilation, review, tax planning, and management advisory services to nonprofit organizations and family-owned businesses in the manufacturing and professional services industries. Jim’s expertise also includes Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) audits and Yellow Book and nonprofit auditing.
Jim is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in New Jersey and New York and a licensed Public School Accountant (PSA) in New Jersey.
He is an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the New York State Society of CPAs (NYCPA) and the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJCPA). Jim previously served as President of the Essex County Chapter of the NJCPA and has participated in several of its committees. He is a frequent speaker and author on nonprofit and ERISA topics and regularly attends seminars and workshops focused on ERISA and OMB Uniform Guidance nonprofit auditing.
Jim earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting from St. Thomas Aquinas College and has completed additional professional studies through Upstream Academy. He is a member of the St. Thomas Aquinas College Hall of Fame. During his time at St. Thomas Aquinas, Jim was a member of the cross country team, helping lead the team to two district championships and a national championship appearance in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He also served as Class President during his senior year.
Outside of work, Jim enjoys spending time with his wife, Deborah, and their son, Jack. He is deeply committed to community service and volunteers with several organizations. Jim currently serves as Committee Chair for his son’s Scouts BSA troop and previously served as Cubmaster for Pack 76. He is also a member of the Board of the Scouting America Northern New Jersey Council, where he serves as Treasurer. In recognition of his dedication to Scouting, Jim received the Silver Beaver Award, the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) Outstanding Eagle Scout Award, and the Bronze Pelican Award for distinguished service to Catholic youth.
Jim is also active in his local community in Ringwood, New Jersey, volunteering with the Erskine Lakes Foundation and the New Weis Center.