About Coastal Pine Advisory

Coastal Pine Advisory is a boutique tax and advisory firm working with individuals and families. It was formed around a conviction that is simple to state and harder to practice: that tax work is better when the person doing it knows your situation, and when the relationship continues past the filing deadline.

Most tax relationships are seasonal. A return arrives, it gets prepared, and the conversation stops until the following year. We think the more valuable work happens in the months in between, when a decision is still open and its tax consequences can still be shaped.

How We Work

Every engagement follows the same shape. We start by understanding your circumstances, prepare your returns carefully, look ahead to what is coming, and stay reachable in between. It is not a complicated model, but it does require keeping the practice small enough to do it properly.

Who Is Behind the Firm

Brian McCool, CPA, CFP®

Brian McCool, CPA, CFP® is the founder of Coastal Pine Advisory. He is a tax and financial planning professional with experience helping individuals and families navigate tax compliance, proactive tax planning, and complex financial decisions. His approach emphasizes thoughtful planning, clear communication, and helping clients understand how tax decisions fit into their broader financial lives.

Brian holds both the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certifications. He works closely with clients throughout the year rather than viewing tax preparation as a once-a-year transaction.

Licensure: Brian is licensed as a CPA in Connecticut.

Emily McCool

Bookkeeping & Client Operations

Emily McCool helps manage the day-to-day operations of Coastal Pine Advisory and supports the firm’s bookkeeping and client-service work. She works behind the scenes to keep client information organized, maintain efficient workflows, and help ensure clients receive responsive, personal service.

Emily is also expanding her tax knowledge and is currently studying to become an IRS Enrolled Agent. As Coastal Pine grows, her role is focused on creating the organized, hands-on client experience that is central to the firm.