Early Career Tax Pros Go Far If They Don’t Try to Go It Alone

When people think of a tax professional, they often picture someone immersed in numbers, diligently navigating an Excel spreadsheet to accurately prepare tax returns. This image usually invokes solitary tasks rather than networking or interpersonal connections.

Having entered public accounting a year ago, I’ve discovered a profound sense of friendship and community. Apart from family obligations, I spend most of my hours each week working closely with my engagement team.

The challenges faced during the ever-expanding busy season create a camaraderie with and appreciation for my colleagues. It’s within these engagements that I’m building relationships that are distinctive and invaluable on my professional journey.

The transition from learning tax concepts in school to applying them professionally was challenging at first. Overcoming said challenges demanded a proactive approach. I had to understand what I didn’t know and when to ask questions—especially in a deadline-heavy environment.

Asking questions became a strategy that allowed me to see my progress over time. This served to build my confidence, emphasizing the value of curiosity and continuing education that I hope will serve me well.

From my questions, I’ve learned that selling services is no longer confined to the responsibilities of senior managers or partners—it’s now something that anyone can pursue. The traditional boundaries that limited sales roles to higher-level positions have given way to a more inclusive approach.

Team members at all levels are encouraged to actively contribute to selling services, reflecting a shift toward a collaborative and dynamic model. This change redistributes responsibilities and empowers individuals at various career stages to actively promote and secure client services, further contributing to firm goals.

One thing that doesn’t seem to change in accounting—or probably most fields, for that matter—is balancing work and life, particularly during tax season. The prolonged hours, heightened stress, and the potential for burnout are palpable.

Juggling client responsibilities, meeting deadlines, and managing expectations while striving to maintain a personal life require prioritization and time-management skills. It’s very difficult to teach these proficiencies in an academic setting.

Thankfully, the support from my seniors and managers, coupled with a collaborative team environment, has helped mitigate any sense of isolation. This support has fostered a positive working atmosphere, easing the navigation of the demanding aspects of the tax busy season.

Despite the challenges, the reassuring silver lining in tax season is its often-predictable pattern. This allows for proactive planning, anticipating needs, better managing demands, and creating a sense of control.

I’ve also seen the transformative power of technology in our profession to save time. I’ve witnessed technology revolutionize our internal processes and staff skill development. Using tools such as ChatGPT, Bard, and Bing as learning partners has streamlined the acquisition of skills such as writing Excel formulas.

As we integrate future Microsoft tools, artificial intelligence assistance promises more efficient and productive workflows. Externally, AI-driven workflows have automated tasks such as ingesting tax data and generating client email drafts. The ongoing integration of technology at EisnerAmper reflects a commitment to efficiency, productivity, and delivering high-value services.

As I consider personal growth and development, I think about the challenges of transitioning into more senior roles. I hope to one day teach new associates and help foster a supportive environment for them.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Bloomberg Industry Group, Inc., the publisher of Bloomberg Law and Bloomberg Tax, or its owners.

Author Information

Angelina Chen is a member of the tax staff at EisnerAmper’s real estate services group in San Francisco.

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