
Michael Gerlach
Partner, Business and Professional Services Senior Analyst
Areas of focus: Business and Professional Services
ABOUT MICHAEL
In May 2019, Michael was selected as a senior analyst in RSM’s cutting-edge Industry Eminence Program, which positions its senior analysts to understand, forecast and communicate economic, business and technology trends shaping the industries RSM serves. These senior analysts advise clients on conditions influencing middle market leaders. Michael’s focus is on the business and professional services industry.
Summary of experience
Michael serves as RSM’s national law firm services practice lead and has over 18 years of experience serving business and professional service firms, including law firms, consulting firms and executive search firms. He has extensive experience in partnership audits and preparing financial reports in accordance with the income tax and modified cash basis of accounting. He is a frequent speaker on business and professional service firms accounting topics and is a facilitator for local and national training for the firm.
Michael assists clients and other organizations in the following areas:
- Consolidation and mergers
- Internal control system evaluations and reviews
- Implementation of internal risk assessment procedures
- Application of new accounting pronouncements
- Alternative investment fair value review and assessment
- Board governance
Professional affiliations and credentials
- Certified public accountant, Illinois and Oklahoma
- American Institute for Certified Public Accountants
- Oklahoma CPA society
Education
- Bachelor of Science, University of Tulsa
Recent Perspectives

INSIGHT ARTICLE
Business and professional services industry outlook
From law firms to government contractors, what’s impacting business and professional services businesses amid a time of uncertainty?

INSIGHT ARTICLE
Conditions Ripe For Services Firms To Make Strategic Investments
Services firms should capitalize on low interest rates to access low-cost capital and make long-term strategic investments in technology

INSIGHT ARTICLE
2020 business and professional services trends
Firms are under tremendous pressure to gain and maintain competitiveness amid new and evolving trends in 2020.
INSIGHT ARTICLE
Ready for changes to revenue recognition?
Business and professional services: Prepare for the new revenue recognition guidance. Understand certain accounting considerations.