Melisse Burstein is an experienced accounting professional who has participated in the vibrant growth and global sophistication changing South Florida’s economy through the representation of clients in the region’s most important industries, including real estate, hospitality, and construction.

For over 25 years, Ms. Burstein’s clients have relied on her as a trusted business advisor. She evaluates business opportunities, provides tax planning and compliance, conducts transfer price studies, provides business valuation services, and values damage claims which are the subject of litigation. Her broad experience, hands-on approach, and background as an auditor with Ernst & Young enable her to see the big picture with a laser-like focus on the details.

Ms. Burstein is a thought leader on key provisions of the 2018 Tax Reform Act including Opportunity Zones, which provide potential tax advantages for use of capital gains in unexpected geographical areas and Section 163J, which limits deductions for business interest. One of Ms. Burstein’s clients was among the first to take advantage of the Opportunity Zone program giving her first-hand experience with the regulations and requirements. She also lectures frequently on financial literacy and corporate finance to help small business owners and others better understand fiscal operations and personal economics.

Representative Matters
-Sale of physician practice proceeds deployed to Opportunity Zone fund for investment opportunity and capital gains deferral.
-Structuring corporate entities for tax efficiency and ensuring compliance with U.S. tax laws for international investors.
-U.S. income and estate tax planning and compliance and financial reporting for domestic entities and individuals.
-Qualified as an expert witness in the valuation of businesses, business and contract damage issues and marital forensics.

Articles, Seminars, & Presentations
-Facts and Advantages of the New Tax Reform Act – Sisterhood of Temple Beth Sholom
-Own Your Worth, A Conversation about Women, Wisdom and Wealth – UBS
-Lunch & Learn Lecture Series – Financial Fitness for Women – Miami Beach JCC
-Financial Statement Overview – The Commonwealth Institute
-Mock Trial & Deposition – University of Miami Law School
-Cash Flow Statements and Detecting Fraud – Berger Singerman Law Firm
-Expert Testimony from the Expert’s Perspective – Palm Beach County Bar Association

Professional & Civic Affiliations
-American and Florida Institutes of Certified Public Accountants
-Member of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants
-AICPA Designation “ABV” Accredited in Business Valuation
-AICPA Designation “CFF” Certified in Financial Forensics
-Miami Beach JCC Fitness and Finance Committee
-United Way Professional Advisors Committee

Awards & Recognition
-South Florida Legal Guide Top Litigation Support Professional
-South Florida Business Journal Up & Comers Awards Finalist

Education
Skidmore College, BA in Psychology with a minor in Business, 1989
Northeastern University, Graduate School of Professional Accounting,
MS in Accounting, 1990