Ernest M. Cohen, CPA

Ernie founded our firm back in 1940 after completing three years employment at a large Philadelphia CPA firm. Ernie's commitment to the accounting and tax profession is as strong today as it was almost 60 years ago. Even though this large CPA firm paid Ernie a weekly salary of $5.00 while it cost him $12.00 a week to take the train from Coatesville, his residence at the time, to Philadelphia, he persevered until he became a licensed Certified Public Accountant. This same commitment has been passed on to each member of our firm and is recognized by each of our clients. We take pride in the fact that some of Ernie's first clients remain with our firm today, and consider ourselves fortunate that Ernie still devotes two days a week to the firm.

Ernie is a graduate of the Wharton School of Business of the University of Pennsylvania Class of 1936 with a Bachelor of Science degree in economics while majoring in accounting. He continually attends courses and seminars through various educational, professional and industrial groups. A certificate of achievement was presented to Ernie as a result of his commitment to personal financial planning. Ernie was a founder and president of the Chester County Estate Planning Council.

During World War II, Ernie served as a Chief Warrant Officer in the Army during the period of 1943 through 1946. He specialized in contract terminations during his active duty assignments. The firm's clients were serviced by a friend during this period.

Over the years, Ernie has shown his commitment through involvement in various professional and civic organizations. Ernie is a lifetime member of both the American and Pennsylvania Institutes of Certified Public Accountants and was a member of the PICPA state wide committee for personal financial planning. Ernie has served as a member of the board of trustees and as president of the Men's Club of the Congregation of Keneseth Israel, as board member of the Association for Developmental Disabilities, and as a math tutor at the Jewish Family and Children's Agency. Also, Ernie has voluntarily served the Boy Scouts of America over the years as scoutmaster, troop committeman and district committeeman.

Ernie's interests include traveling with his wife Shirlye, spending time with his family, playing tennis, and going to the opera, theater, and orchestra.