John Barnes is a highly accomplished professional boasting over 28 years of comprehensive experience in internal audit, Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance, specialized attestation reports, external audit, performance audits, and accounting consulting. His career trajectory includes significant roles in national accounting and internal audit consulting firms before he joined Grant Thornton in 2004. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, John Barnes currently spearheads Grant Thornton’s Cleveland Office and the risk advisory services group across Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, and Michigan, demonstrating his leadership and regional expertise.
Professional Qualifications and Memberships of John Barnes
John Barnes’s expertise is underscored by a robust set of professional qualifications and memberships. He is a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), a designation that signifies his proficiency in internal audit practices. Further enhancing his risk management capabilities, John Barnes is also a Certified Risk Management Assurance (CRMA) professional. His financial acumen is validated by his status as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in both Maryland and Ohio. Additionally, he holds the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation and maintains active memberships in esteemed organizations such as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), and the Ohio Society of CPAs. These qualifications and memberships highlight John Barnes’s commitment to professional excellence and adherence to the highest industry standards.
John Barnes’s Community Engagement
Beyond his professional achievements, John Barnes is deeply involved in community service. He currently serves on the board of directors for Junior Achievement of Greater Cleveland, contributing to youth education and financial literacy. His advisory roles extend to City Year Cleveland and Engage! Cleveland, further demonstrating his commitment to local community development. John Barnes also contributes his financial expertise as an audit committee member of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. A graduate of the Leadership Cleveland Class of 2019, John Barnes is also engaged with academia, serving on the accounting advisory board at Penn State and as a member of the Penn State Varsity S Club. His past community involvement includes advisory board roles with NACD Greater Washington Chapter, Greater Baltimore Committee, and Arts on The Block, along with a term as president of The Penn State Varsity S Club. John Barnes’s extensive community involvement showcases his dedication to making a positive impact beyond his professional sphere.
Education of John Barnes
John Barnes’s educational background provides a strong foundation for his professional success. He earned an MBA in Finance from the R.H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland, complementing his business acumen. Earlier in his academic career, John Barnes obtained a BS in Accounting and International Business from Pennsylvania State University, establishing his initial expertise in accounting and global business perspectives. His strong educational foundation coupled with practical experience positions John Barnes as a highly knowledgeable and capable leader in his field.
In summary, John Barnes is a seasoned and highly qualified professional in risk advisory and internal audit services, marked by extensive experience, significant professional certifications, active community involvement, and a strong educational background. His leadership in Grant Thornton and dedication to both his profession and community underscore his position as a respected figure in the industry.
