The Gaithersburg, MD-based CPA and advisory firm of DeLeon & Stang recently announced that Brett Friedman, financial services associate, obtained his Certified Financial Planner (CFP) Certification by the CFP Board.

"Brett has stepped up as a leader since joining our firm," says Allen DeLeon, CPA, PFS, partner. "His new designation will allow him to extend his knowledge and skills in addition to providing our clients with exceptional client service."

Friedman began working at DeLeon and Stang in 2006. He holds a securities license and is a licensed insurance agent in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. In addition, Friedman has joined DeLeon & Stang's affiliation with Northwest Financial Group, LLC and Linsco/Private Ledger (LPL). He is a graduate of Towson University.

To obtain a CFP designation, a person must pass the comprehensive CFP Certification Examination, pass the CFP Board's Candidate Fitness Standards, agree to abide by CFP Board's Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility which puts clients' interests first, and comply with the Financial Planning Practice Standards which spell out what clients should be able to reasonably expect from the financial planning engagement. Prior to being able to sit for the CFP Certification Examination, a person must complete a one year CFP Board approved Financial Planning Program. Friedman completed the Program through Georgetown University. His professional accomplishments enables him to develop and implement financial plans for individuals, businesses, and organizations by utilizing his knowledge of income and estate tax, investments, risk management analysis, and retirement planning.

Founded in 1984, DeLeon & Stang, Certified Public Accountants and Advisors, provides accounting, tax, audit, advisory, financial, business, and professional services to both individuals and organizations. DeLeon & Stang has a staff of over 20 professionals dedicated to providing business services, individual services and advisory services. The firm also sustains industry expertise in a number of areas such as credit unions, common interest realty associations (CIRA's), not-for-profits, hospitality organizations, individuals, and small to medium-sized businesses.