Salvatore Zerilli, CPA, CAMS is a principal in Mercadien, P.C., CPAs and a managing director of The Mercadien Group.  A seasoned public accounting professional, Sal specializes in performing risk management services for banks, credit unions, and United States branches of foreign banking institutions.  These services are inclusive of outsourced internal audit services, regulatory compliance reviews, enterprise risk management and

consulting services.  Specific areas of expertise include the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA)/USA PATRIOT Act, allowance for loan and lease losses, asset/liability management, liquidity management, information technology, and regulatory compliance, among others. 

The government instituted the USA PATRIOT Act in 2001 which placed further regulatory guidelines on the banking industry. Soon thereafter, Mr. Zerilli became a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) by successfully completing a rigorous examination designed by financial services industry leaders and an independent testing firm.  The examination provides an objective measure of a professional’s knowledge of industry best practices, anti-money laundering standards, and other areas that are crucial in the field.  Sal works with financial institutions to ensure that they have properly implemented compliance programs that meet the scrutiny of federal and state regulators.  Well-versed in the various software applications for BSA compliance, Sal is a sought-after expert in this area. 

Armed with more than a decade of banking industry experience and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Albany (magna cum laude), Sal formerly served as an auditor for Ernst & Young in the company’s financial services industry, performing external audits of community and commercial banks.  He then served in positions for various New York City banks including vice president and controller. Mr. Zerilli’s duties included supervising the financial accounting, deposit and loan operations, information technology, and human resources departments.  He then served as a director in an accounting and consulting firm where he was responsible for overseeing the outsourced internal audit engagement for financial institutions.  This experience in the industry gives Sal insight and hands-on knowledge relating to the internal operations of a bank. 

Sal is a member of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.  He is also an active member of the Financial Managers Society (New York/New Jersey and Philadelphia Chapters) as well as an active member of the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists.  Sal resides in Old Bridge with his wife and two children.