jhart@dentbaker.com
Jim Hart recently celebrated his 37th anniversary with Dent, Baker & Company, having joined the firm in 1973. While Mr. Hart has led the firm in a number of areas during his career, he has continuously served as the firm’s forensic accounting and litigation services partner for over 30 years. He currently serves as the firm’s Managing Partner and directs its Forensic Accounting and Valuation Services Division.
A native of Huntsville, Alabama, Jim graduated from Samford University with a B.S. degree in Accounting and Business Administration, after which he served in the U.S. Navy during the final months of the Vietnam War.
Mr. Hart has earned the American Institute of CPA’s (AICPA) Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV) designation, and Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF) designation; as well as the Institute of Business Appraisers (IBA) Certified Business Appraiser (CBA) designation. Each of these certifications represents, respectively, the very highest level of demonstrated accomplishment within the recognized field of specialization, and they add a unique dimension to Mr. Hart's forensic accounting practice.
In October 2009, Mr. Hart was appointed to the Alabama Securities Commission by Governor Bob Riley. He will serve a four-year term ending October 2013. Additionally, Mr. Hart will be only one of two Certified Public Accountants serving on the Commission. Through its Director and highly qualified professional staff, the Commission actively regulates the entire securities industry in Alabama, including all licensed broker/dealers, investment advisors, and financial planners.
Mr. Hart holds the unique distinction of being a past recipient of the Gold Medal Award, which recognizes the highest score in Alabama on the CPA exam.
Jim holds memberships in the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants (ASCPA), having served in a variety of offices and leadership positions, including terms on the CPA Society’s governing board, as well as a term as president of its Birmingham chapter.
He has served Dent, Baker’s PKF Network in various leadership positions, including a term on its governing board. Mr. Hart also holds memberships in the American Institute of CPA’s (AICPA), and the Institute of Business Appraisers (IBA).
He is a long-time member of the Samford University Brock School of Business Executive Advisory Council, and was the recipient of the School’s Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2006. Hart received a similar award from the Brock School's Accountancy Division in 2008. During 2007-2008, Hart was honored to be named to serve as a founding board member of the Mann Center on Ethics and Leadership.
Hart and his wife Dianna live in Vestavia Hills and have 4 adult children.
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