Our Story
“Py4 was inspired by my time at BlackRock as a data science researcher. In addition to my research at BlackRock, I would also provide support on audits. I audited thousands of lines of Python code. The majority of which was written and used by individuals who had the same undergraduate business background that I had (aka no formal programming knowledge). Yet the code was saving thousands of hours of work every year and supported hundreds of processes and decisions while costing BlackRock almost nothing because it was all open-sourced and written in-house.
BlackRock taught me that open source code by citizen developers, programmers without computer science degrees, could have a large impact on a firm. And that the bar for valuable code in business is far lower than I had ever expected.
Py4 was founded to spread that knowledge to the accounting and finance professions. To help individuals automate the boring and repetitive as cheaply as possible. ” – Dr. Snow
Our Team
Neal M. Snow Ph.D
Founder Python/ML Expert
I’m a self taught programmer. I’ve been teaching accounting, taxation and data science with Python for over a decade. I’ve taught Python at undergraduate and graduate programs at Lehigh University and Wright State University and executive education programs for BlackRock.
I use Python daily to process millions of SEC filings, log files and parsing XBRL, to collecting new data via webscraping. Programming underlies much of my research that has been published in Review of Finance, Journal of Information Systems, Journal of Accounting, Auditing and Finance and Accounting & Taxation.
Course Reviewers
Anthony D. Clemente, CPA CIA
Tony Taxes / MAC Solutions
Anthony D. Clemente is a seasoned Certified Internal Auditor and Certified Public Accountant with nearly 25 years of global experience delivering strategic assurance, tax planning, and risk mitigation for Fortune 500 companies. As a thought leader in the financial industry, Anthony has consistently provided targeted insights that enhance control environments and drive operational excellence.
In his most recent role as Director of Internal Audit at BlackRock, Anthony led global audit teams to transform and optimize scalable processes. By seamlessly integrating data analytics and emerging digital technologies, he elevated the standard of risk management and continuous monitoring. During his tenure, he not only honed his expertise in audit, tax, and risk management but also championed diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives-establishing networks and mentoring high-performing teams across continents.
Prior to BlackRock Anthony’s career journey included roles in both private and public institutions including Goldman Sachs, Grant Thornton LLP, and a number of mid-sized accounting firms. Throughout these roles tax and accounting roles, he has been at the forefront of transforming legacy processes, implementing new methodologies, and presenting complex matters to senior management and governance forums.
In pursuit of new challenges, Anthony transitioned from his role at BlackRock last year to launch two new companies: Tony Taxes and MAC Solutions. Tony Taxes provides businesses and individuals AI-driven tax and accounting advisory services that optimize planning, ensure compliance, and mitigate risks. MAC Solutions is focused on consulting with small and mid-sized companies to provide transformative insights at a price they can afford.
A proud graduate of CUNY Bernard Baruch, where he earned his B.B.A. in Accountancy magna cum laude, Anthony earned his Certified Public Accountant in 2015 and a Certified Internal Auditor in 2018.