Santo Chiarelli, an accomplished professional with over 30 years of experience in public accounting, has been a trusted resource for audit, accounting, advisory, and tax services across diverse industries. His expertise extends to mortgage banking, private lending, asset-based lending, real estate, and construction contracting.

Before becoming partner and co-founder at Cathedral, Santo was a founding partner at Acquavella, Chiarelli, Shuster, LLP, a full-service firm established in 1986 in New York City. His career began as an audit member at NYC CPA firms Yohalem, Gillman & Company LLP (now part of Anchin Block & Anchin) and Berenson, Berenson, Adler LLP (now part of CohnReznick).

Santo’s thought leadership is evident through his published articles in the Scotsman Guide. He is a sought-after speaker on accounting and tax topics, having presented at the Mortgage Bankers Association Financial Accounting and Management Conference, The Mortgage Collaborative, and the Loan Vision User Conference. Additionally, Santo has contributed as an adjunct accounting professor at Wagner College in New York and Fairleigh Dickinson Graduate School in New Jersey. 

Santo holds a B.B.A. in Accounting from Bernard Baruch College and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in New Jersey, New York, and California. He actively participates in professional associations, including the American Institute of CPAs, New York Society of CPAs, New York State Society of Banking and Finance, New Jersey Society of CPAs, California Society of CPAs, Mortgage Bankers Association, Mortgage Bankers Association of New Jersey, Community Home Lenders Association, and The Mortgage Collaborative.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Santo enjoys quality time with family and friends, staying active through exercise and golf, and exploring new destinations.