Our Credentials
You care about credentials. So do we. Learn why we have the right expertise and experience to be your trusted firm.
Our advisors have gone through some of the most rigorous and selective processes to bring experience, knowledge, and a competitive advantage to our clients. Here are the credentials we’re most proud of:
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, or CFP®, is a financial professional that has developed their theoretical and practical knowledge by completing a comprehensive course of study at a college or university offering a financial planning curriculum approved by the CFP Board.
The curriculum focuses on the “four Es”: education, examination, experience, and ethics. In order to earn the designations, advisors must pass two three-hour exams covering these topics. After receiving their designation, CFPs® are obliged to uphold the principles of integrity, objectivity, competence, fairness, confidentiality, professionalism and diligence as outlined by the Board.
Chartered Financial Analyst®
A Chartered Financial Analyst®, or CFA®, is a globally recognized professional designation given by the CFA Institute that certifies the competence and integrity of financial analysts. Candidates are required to pass three levels of exams covering accounting, economics, ethics, money management, and security analysis.
The CFA® charter is one of the most respected designations in finance and is widely considered to be the gold standard in the field of investment analysis.
Chartered Financial Consultant®
The Chartered Financial Consultant® designation is granted by the American College of Financial Services. The organization is driven by the goal of “advanced planning for every person and every need.” Comprised of eight courses that address all aspects of financial planning, with a focus on the practical applications of those principles based on real-life case studies, the goal of the ChFC® curriculum is to help advisors gain a significant advantage and help their clients meet their goals.
Education is a key focus at our firm, both in educating our clients and educating ourselves. We always stay up to date on market trends, investment performance, and advancement opportunities.
Retirement Income Certified Professional®
The Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®) designation signifies a financial advisor has advanced education and specialized knowledge in retirement income planning, and is committed to professional and ethical best practices.
Typically, financial advisors are trained to help clients accumulate wealth. But what happens in retirement? Clients need to ensure that the wealth they’ve spent decades building will last through retirement, and maybe even beyond.
If you are already retired, preparing to retire, or plan to retire in the future, you may need to select a well-trained, educated, and qualified financial professional to help develop a retirement income plan that can meet your needs.
Enrolled Agent (EA)
An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a federally licensed tax professional authorized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in all tax matters. This is the highest credential the IRS awards and reflects rigorous standards of tax expertise and ethical conduct.
EAs are recognized as tax specialists with in-depth knowledge of both individual and business tax law. They hold unlimited representation rights, meaning they can represent any taxpayer—individuals, businesses, or other entities—before any IRS office, including in audits, collections, and appeals.
To earn the EA designation, professionals must either pass a comprehensive three-part examination administered by the IRS or qualify through relevant experience as a former IRS employee. While a specific degree isn’t required, many EAs have backgrounds in accounting, tax, or finance. To maintain their credential, EAs must complete 72 hours of continuing education every three years, including coursework in ethics.
Enrolled Agents serve in a range of roles across private practice, accounting firms, corporations, and government. At Ironwood, the EA designation reflects our commitment to providing knowledgeable, trusted tax representation as part of a broader wealth management strategy.
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