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Our Affiliations
RSM McGladrey Network
In November of 2006, the RSM McGladrey Network chose Schaffner, Knight, Minnaugh & Company, P.C. to become a member of the network. The RSM McGladrey Network is the premier affiliation of independent accounting firms in the nation. Only 95 independent accounting firms across the United States have qualified to be members. The Network’s mission is to build and sustain high performing CPA firms as measured by financial performance, staff development and service quality.
As a member of the RSM McGladrey Network, our specialists can now draw upon national and international resources for your business needs, especially as your business expands. However, we maintain our name, autonomy and independence as a locally owned and responsive accounting firm responsible for our own client fee arrangements, our own delivery of services, and our own maintenance of client relationships.
The Alliantgroup
As another advantage to you, Schaffner, Knight, Minnaugh & Company, P.C. is affiliated with The Alliantgroup, a firm headquartered in Houston, Texas. Through this affiliation, we can provide research and development tax credit studies to both clients and non-clients in Northwestern Pennsylvania. A Research and Development (R&D) study evaluates the projects and processes of a business to determine the portion of these activities that qualify as R&D under the Internal Revenue Code.
The costs associated with these qualifying activities can generate tax credits. These tax credits can be used to offset tax liabilities for the business or its owners, in the case of a pass-through entity. Due to recent changes in the law, more businesses are able to take advantage of this credit. Amended returns can be filed to claim the credit for the three open tax years. The credits may be carried forward for up to twenty years.
Harry A. Anderson, CPA
By collaborating with experts in the field, Schaffner, Knight, Minnaugh & Company, P.C. has the best of the best on their team when working on civil and criminal matters. Experts such as Harry A. Anderson, CPA, and Jack R. Watson are experienced in conducting criminal investigations concerning alleged violations of the Internal Revenue laws and related offenses.
After earning his A.S. degree in Accounting from Robert Morris University and his B.S. degree in Accounting from Clarion University, Harry A. Anderson, CPA, began his career with the Internal Revenue Service in Washington, D.C. He was later reassigned to Pittsburgh where he examined various Fortune 500 companies. While employed with the IRS, Anderson pursued his M.S. degree in public administration from the University of Pittsburgh. He also earned the designation of Certified Public Accountant.
Throughout his career, Anderson held many positions within the IRS system including Revenue Agent, Exempt Organization Agent, Regional Analyst, Assistant to the Chief Examination and the Exam Manager in Erie, PA.
After retiring from the IRS in 1994, Anderson founded a private accounting practice where he provided tax consulting and return preparation services. He also focused on IRS issues needing resolution including offers in compromise. In addition, he worked with the District Attorney’s office and the state police performing forensic audits, and he has been an expert witness in both civil and criminal cases.
Jack R. Watson
For 29 years, Jack R. Watson worked as a special agent for the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division in Erie, Pennsylvania from 1973 to 2001. He was named a senior agent in 1981, and he obtained his Pennsylvania Private Investigator License in 2002. In 2001, Watson was recognized as “Agent of the Year” for the North Atlantic Area.
Watson earned his B.S. degree in business administration from Gannon University in 1971 and a B.A. in criminal justice from Mercyhurst College in 1977. Throughout his career, he conducted well over 100 investigations involving tax evasion, narcotics trafficking, money laundering and other crimes. He has extensive experience conducting net worth investigations. Numerous investigations, in which Watson was involved, resulted in criminal prosecutions, sometimes involving long and complex trials.
In 1980, Watson became a Certified Internal Revenue Service instructor. As an instructor, he taught two extended teaching assignments at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Georgia in 1981 and 1990. More recently, he has taught courses at Gannon University and Mercyhurst College.
The talents of these retired, but professionally active, IRS specialists in a multitude of cases, both civil and criminal, provide us with instant credibility in the courtroom. Together, we truly provide the most comprehensive litigation support group in the region.
Valtec Associates
To provide cost segregation benefits to clients and non-clients in the Northwestern, PA area, Schaffner, Knight, Minnaugh & Company, P.C. is affiliated with Valtec Associates in Crown Point, Indiana. Through this relationship, we have accelerated tax deductions and increased cash flow for a significant number of Erie-area business.
Information Strategies Plus
Information Strategies Plus is a computer consulting firm that works in tandem with Schaffner, Knight, Minnaugh & Company, P.C. We work with Information Strategies Plus on software search, system support, training, custom programming, hardware procurement, and network support.
Whatever your needs, Schaffner, Knight, Minnaugh & Company, P.C. is affiliated with the best of the best.




