Michael J. Amato, President of Independent Tax & Financial Planners, P.C., was born in Philadelphia in 1957. Graduated Archbishop Ryan High School (1975) and went on to LaSalle University (1979), where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting (Magna Cum Laude). Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation was conferred by the Commonwealth of PA, Dept. of State, State Board of Accountancy in February of 1980. Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP® ) credential was conferred by the International Board of Standards and Practices for Certified Financial Planners in March of 1989. Life & Health Insurance license was conferred by PA Dept. of Insurance in July of 1991. Certified Fund Specialist (CFS) was conferred by the Institute of Business and Finance in December 2001. Certified College Funding Specialist (CCFS® ) was conferred by the Association of Certified College Funding Specialists in October 2005. Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) designation was conferred by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) in July 2006. He is also a Notary Public. He has passed his FINRA Series 6, 7, 24 and 63 exams.
Mr. Amato’s former experience includes senior positions with an internationally prominent big 4 CPA firm, where he was responsible for a full-range of tax and financial accounting services for his company’s clients, which included individuals and small to medium size businesses.
In addition, Mr. Amato has held key financial management positions for a national service company as a Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer.
He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Buxmont Chapter of Pennsylvania Society of Public Accountants.
He started ITFP in 1981.
Securities offered through Avantax Investment ServicesSM, Member FINRA, SIPC. Investment Advisory Services offered through Avantax Advisory ServicesSM, Insurance services offered through an Avantax affiliated insurance agency.
CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ marks are certification marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
The CPA/PFS designation was established for CPAs who specialize in personal financial planning. A CPA is granted this designation only after demonstrating experience in personal financial planning services and meeting other accreditation requirements established by the AICPA.
The CCFS® certification program is designed for financial advisors who actively assist families in preparing for the financial cost of sending children to college.
CFS (Certified Fund Specialist)
