CPA Firm in NY - Our Partners and Professional Team

	Allan L. Ratafia, CPA, MS - Partner Graduate of New York University, BS Accounting. Bernard M. Baruch College - Masters in Taxation Allan has been practicing as a tax accountant and financial advisor since 1988. Allan concentrates in personalized financial and tax planning services for individuals and corporations. In addition, Allan specializes in the employee stock option arena for many notable publicly held clients. In order to more completely service his clients and remain on top of the changing dynamics of the profession, he has several financial services licenses including the FINRA series 6, 7, 63 and 65 securities licenses and the State of New York insurance license. Allan is also a Registered Representative of and offers securities through National Planning Corporation, member FINRA/SIPC. Allan began his career with Price Waterhouse & Co. In 1993, Allan formed Ratafia & Company, CPA's, PC using his experience and contacts to grow a practice that concentrates in highly personalized tax and financial planning services. Allan's diverse background affords him the unique opportunity of utilizing the angles of both tax and investment strategies when working with clients. Allan routinely conducts financial seminars and workshops with his clients and the public. In addition, he is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants and the National Association of Accountants.

	Margo D. Ratafia, CPA - Partner Graduate of SUNY-Albany, BS Accounting Margo has been practicing as an accountant and tax advisor since 1989. Margo focuses on corporate and individual tax planning for clients in a wide range of industries. She has extensive experience with compliance issues related to entities, individuals and estates. Margo began her career with David Berdon & Company International, CPAs working as both an audit and tax accountant. Margo's exposure working closely with clients led her to assume a controllership position with a major clothing manufacturer. Her broad knowledge of business operations and tax issues makes her a natural complement to the firm. Amongst Margo's broad responsibilities, she oversees the business development and enhancement division. Margo is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, New York State Society of Public Accountants and the National Society of Accountants.
	Raymond J. Passero, CPA - Senior Tax Manager Bernard M. Baruch College - BBA Accounting, Minor Law Raymond has been a practicing as a CPA since 1988. Raymond's extensive experience affords him the ability to work with both business owners and individuals in complex transactions. He concentrates in the area of maximizing tax benefits, and minimizing clients’ tax obligations. Raymond works closely with individual clients of the firm as well as focusing on corporations, partnerships, LLC, estates, trusts and gift taxes. In addition, Raymond assists clients with issues concerning the operations of their business from a tax and economic viewpoint, as well as with estate and trust planning and personal financial planning. His service to clients includes acting as part of a “think tank” in dealing with economic, business, and family issues. He lives with his wife and 2 daughters and loves playing and watching sports along with collecting sports memorabilia. Raymond is very active in his local church and community as a whole. Dawn Oathout - Tax Manager Graduate of SUNY New Paltz - BA, Magna Cum Laude Dawn has been practicing as an accountant for over 20 years in a variety of capacities both in public and private accounting and has worked with Ratafia & Company since 2003. Dawn is a results oriented professional who looks to deliver completed work with efficiency and clarity, no matter how complex the issue is. She has extensive experience with Quickbooks and managing related files for both new and existing clients. Dawn is also an specialist with training clients on how to manage their own books and interface with our office. Dawn works with both business and individual clients to assure taxes are kept to a minimum and that they are in compliance with their taxes. She is a big Yankee and football Giant's fan and enjoys gardening and outdoor activities. Debbie G. Katz, MBA - Senior Staff Accountant Graduate of Queens College - CUNY, BA Accounting St. John's University - MBA in Controllership Debbie has been a practicing accountant since 1981. She enjoys the diversity of accommodating a vast variety of businesses and their related tax and financial issues. She has a great expertise with client books and general accounting functions in addition to preparing both corporate and personal income tax returns. She derives great satisfaction from helping her clients keep their books in order and staying organized. Before working with Ratafia and Company in 2005, Debbie worked for large firms in the private sector. Debbie is very active in the High School PTA where she is currently treasurer and was the former co-president of the Rosedale Residential Association. She lives with her husband and two grown children. Debbie is bi-lingual in Spanish, enjoys bowling, doing jigsaw puzzles and playing Mah Jongg. Gary Miller, CPA/PFS - Director: Financial Planning & Investments Graduate of CCNY, BS MBA in Accounting, Pace University Gary has been practicing as a financial planner and investment advisor since 1984. He works both with individuals and businesses and deals closely with clients of the firm to deliver a personal and professional experience. Gary adds an additional dimension to the accounting and tax practice by affording clients easy access to financial and investment services, all under one roof. He derives great satisfaction from helping clients establish financial objectives and then implementing strategies to meet those objectives. Gary focuses on Retirement Planning, Investment Analysis, Estate Planning, Business Succession and Insurance Analysis. Gary maintains multiple security licenses and is an Office of Supervisory Jurisdiction. Gary is a tennis buff, loves to travel and is a car enthusiast.