How I Got Here

I received a bachelor's degree in administration of justice from Penn State University and a master's degree in human resource management from St. Francis College. I also earned the enrolled agent's license and Certified Financial Planner® designation.

My interest in taxes developed during an internship. My mentor was a retired IRS representative who had a small tax practice on the side. I took a tax course and then prepared taxes for 10 years on a seasonal basis at a tax-preparation firm. I always wanted to pursue a career in tax, but I did not believe, until I came to Ayco, that it could be more than a four-month-a-year job.

I knew from my first interview that Ayco was where I wanted to be. Everyone was very professional, and I could tell that this was a company that valued quality and ambition. Once I learned more about the client base, I set out to make my skills as good as they could be. In order to grow, change and excel, you have to be willing to try new things, be spontaneous and take on new challenges.

What I Do

Over the last five years, we have seen the level of complexity of our clients' returns increase significantly. I prepare tax returns for all states, so I need to stay current on regulatory changes. And, given the nature of clients' busy lives, it is often necessary to file annual returns in multiple states for each client.

Tax season begins in January with gift, trust, partnership and corporation returns. Naturally April 15 is a deadline for filing returns or extensions. I am steadily busy through the summer, with the most intense deadline in October. In November, many foundation returns are due. From October through January, I research tax issues, participate in training, reconcile accounts and prepare for the new tax year ahead.

A Typical Day

I have several roles within the National Tax Group, including preparing and reviewing client tax returns; training interns and new hires; providing support to associates on technical tax and e-filing issues; and troubleshooting our tax software.

At any given time during the year I am doing any combination of these during the day. Most interesting is that there is really no such thing as a routine for me. I always have a framework of what needs to be done and multiple to-do lists, but with each phone call, the direction of my day may change.

I really enjoy the diverse group of people I work with, including our local and regional associates. My days are filled with challenging questions from associates all over the company.

My Colleagues

The tax team at Ayco is top-notch. It is almost magical to see how a group of people can form such a cohesive supportive unit in the midst of a looming deadline. Our group is highly skilled, and everyone pulls together to make sure that we are providing our clients with the service they deserve. Everyone on the team helps with filing, collating, assisting others and preparing tax returns.

Building strong relationships is key to our success in business and in life. I work with the warmest, most caring group of people I could ever imagine. The people at Ayco manage to maintain a balance between performing their tasks with a high degree of intensity, while building relationships with their clients and their co-workers.

Commitment To Clients

Ayco clients are extremely diverse, busy and interesting people. Any type of cookie-cutter service cannot possibly be of benefit to such a population. In the National Tax Group, we know that every return for every client is unique, and we work with our account managers to understand the client's individual situation and whether any issues have arisen in the last year that need to receive additional attention.