Welcome back to our “A Day in the Life” blog series, where we are spotlighting what it’s like to be a team member in each of our client-facing Service Lines: Small Business Advisory (SBA), Tax, Assurance, and Advisory & Consulting.
At The Bonadio Group (TBG), our Tax Service Line is filled with passionate professionals who bring their unique expertise to a variety of clients and industries. From corporate tax planning to individual advisory, the team thrives on collaboration, problem-solving, and continuous learning. Here’s a closer look at the key themes that shape a typical day in the life of our Tax team members.
A Typical Day
The Tax team here at TBG provides expert guidance to help clients navigate complex tax regulations and optimize their financial strategies. Here’s a glimpse into what you might do in a typical day as a member of our Tax team:
- Tax Compliance and Planning: Prepare and review tax returns for corporations, partnerships, individuals, and trusts, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations while identifying tax-saving opportunities.
- Research and Advisory: Analyze complex tax issues, interpret changing tax laws, and provide strategic recommendations to help clients make informed financial decisions.
- Client Collaboration: Work closely with businesses and individuals across industries, providing insights on tax-efficient structures, credits, and deductions tailored to their unique needs.
Theresa Raponi, Tax Service Line Leader, sums it up best: “My days are anything but typical! Each day brings new challenges, requiring a mix of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and client interaction.”
Key Components of Working in Our Tax Service Line
Diverse Client Base and Industry Focus
Our Tax team works with a wide variety of clients, from manufacturing and distribution businesses to high-net-worth individuals. Theresa typically works with C Corporations, primarily in the financial services industry, and secondarily in manufacturing and distribution with inbound international clients.
Julio Ramirez, a Staff Accountant in NYC, adds, “I work on investment partnerships ranging from simple (few partners and/or low activity) to complex (unique situations, many partners, and/or high activity), high-net-worth individuals, and individuals with their own businesses in industries like entertainment and real estate. I also occasionally work with foreign entities, manufacturing entities, and trusts.”
The diversity in client industries allows our professionals to constantly learn and adapt, providing a dynamic work environment. Sabrina Ziegler, Senior Accountant in the Capital Region, enjoys the wide range of industries she works with, stating, “Since our Albany Tax team is pretty small, I get the unique opportunity to really work on just about everything. We see clients from a variety of industries, from construction to rental partnerships.”
Collaboration and Teamwork
Collaboration is central to the success of our Tax Service Line. No matter the size of the team, our professionals work closely together to meet client needs. Julio describes the culture as “united.” He emphasizes, “There is no scenario where you are expected to handle a situation or question all by yourself. There will always be someone available to assist you.”
“I enjoy the collaboration with other team members when working on a client,” he added. “Recently, two entities with similar structures came across my desk. My colleague and I worked together to solve each other’s issues and share tips to avoid mistakes.”
This strong sense of teamwork extends across locations and teams. Sabrina highlights the close collaboration within the Albany office, stating, “We work closely together in our smaller team, keeping track of workloads and helping each other out when someone gets overloaded.” She also notes the synergy between the Tax and SBA teams in Albany, which fosters cross-department knowledge sharing.
Problem Solving
Problem-solving is an integral part of the role. Each day presents new challenges that require critical thinking and innovative solutions. As Theresa shares, “I really enjoy problem-solving. It’s like an intricate puzzle, and overcoming these challenges is highly rewarding.”
Time Management
Time management is crucial in the Tax Service Line, especially during traditional busy seasons. Julio emphasizes the importance of planning ahead during these busy times: “The key to balancing client needs with internal responsibilities is time management. It’s difficult to manage time for work, collaboration, training, and other internal responsibilities during a tough time like busy season. Prepping your week beforehand will help you avoid a massive headache.”
Theresa echoes this sentiment, acknowledging that time management is an ongoing challenge: “I’m not going to claim to have mastered it by any stretch, so I simply remind myself that the value of a minute lies in how I choose to spend it and make great efforts to choose wisely.”
Learning and Growth Opportunities
The Tax Service Line at TBG offers extensive opportunities for growth and learning, whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out. Theresa, who started as an intern and recently became our Tax Service Line Leader, proves that career progression in the Tax Service Line at TBG is limitless. “I can confidently say the opportunities are endless,” she shares.
Sabrina also experienced personal growth during a recent transition in the Tax Service Line. “A new role was created in our tax return process, which opened the opportunity for seniors to step up and take charge of their engagements,” she added.
Work-Life Balance and Flexibility
We recognize the hard work and dedication our Tax team puts in during the more demanding months of the year. That’s why we’re committed to giving our people the opportunity to recharge whenever possible, with policies in place to support work-life balance.
We offer perks like Summer Fridays, allowing employees to wrap up their work early and enjoy extended weekends during the warmer months. “It’s a nice way to make the most of your weekend while the weather is nice,” adds Sabrina. Plus, with our unlimited PTO policy, we encourage our team to take the time they need to rest and recharge throughout the year.
Why a Career in Tax?
Working in the Tax Service Line at TBG offers an exciting blend of technical challenges, continuous learning, and collaboration. If you thrive in a dynamic environment where problem-solving and teamwork are at the forefront, the Tax team at TBG might be the perfect fit for you!
Stay tuned for “A Day in the Life” in our other Service Lines as well! In case you missed it, check out the first blog of the series here: A Day in the Life Series: Small Business Advisory
Ready to take the next step? Check out our current openings to find your next opportunity. Whether you’re a new college graduate or an experienced professional, we’d love to connect with you and support you in finding the right career path!
