From Staff to Leader: How Tax Professionals Can Rise Through the Ranks

 

Mary, the descendant of Finnish immigrants, was born in 1961. She grew up in Michigan. At 18, she went to work for General Motors inspecting hoods and fenders on the carmaker's assembly line. She used her earnings to pay for college tuition. Today, Mary Barra is the CEO of General Motors, the first woman to lead a large U.S. automobile manufacturer.

Not every employee will rise to lead a global Fortune 500 company, but within every industry, including tax preparation, there are opportunities to rise in the organization and grow into a leadership role.

Many of the CEOs and owners of leading tax prep and accounting firms began their careers as seasonal staff, bookkeepers, or preparers. While these roles are essential, they can also serve as steppingstones toward greater opportunities. For those with ambition, strategic thinking, and a commitment to personal growth, the path from employee to leader—whether as a manager or business owner—is not only possible but increasingly accessible.

Building a Foundation

Start by mastering the fundamentals. You'll gain hands-on knowledge of how tax preparation, and tax business, work. Entry-level roles are where you'll learn the mechanics of tax preparation, client interaction, and regulatory compliance. Professionals who excel in these positions develop attention to detail, reliability, and a willingness to learn and take on added responsibilities, traits lay the groundwork for advancement.

To move beyond the preparer role, tax professionals should seek out continuing education opportunities. Certifications such as the Enrolled Agent (EA) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) not only enhance credibility but also expand the scope of services you can offer, increasing your income, your value to the firm, and your potential for growth.

Look into one of the many established tax schools, like Latino Tax Pro. See if your local community college has courses in business and leadership you can take at night or online. These are often very cost effective.

Developing Leadership Skills

Technical expertise alone isn’t enough to transition into leadership. Aspiring managers and business owners must cultivate soft skills—communication, delegation, conflict resolution, and strategic planning. Volunteering for team projects, mentoring new staff, or leading client meetings can provide valuable experience and visibility.

Networking also plays a vital role. Sign up for LinkedIn groups like Tax Professionals and the Tax Professionals Network. Join professional associations like the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) and attend industry conferences for mentorship and collaboration.

Read. Look at the top sellers in leadership books on Amazon, like Mel Robbins’ The Let Them Theory and Will Guidara’s Unreasonable Hospitality. Also check out leadership classics like Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People.

From Employee to Entrepreneur

For many, the ultimate goal is to own a tax practice. This leap requires not only tax expertise but also business sense and an entrepreneurial spirit. Understanding marketing, client retention, pricing strategies, and operational efficiency is key. Starting small—perhaps with a side practice during tax season—can help professionals test the waters before fully committing.

Technology has made entrepreneurship more accessible. Cloud-based tax software, virtual consulting, and social media/digital marketing allow solo practitioners to compete with larger firms. Ultimately, success still hinges on delivering exceptional client service and maintaining ethical standards.

Expanding Impact Through Community Outreach

As a tax professional, you can grow your “personal brand” and impact through education and community outreach. By teaching courses, hosting webinars, or leading internal training, you’ll reinforce your expertise while positioning yourself as a thought leader. Additionally, serving underserved populations—such as seniors, individuals with mobility challenges, and students—offers meaningful opportunities to give back. Mobile services, home visits, and partnerships with senior centers can help overcome access barriers, while financial literacy workshops in local schools empower youth with essential tax knowledge. These efforts not only elevate professional visibility but also foster leadership and social contribution.

Final Thoughts

The transition from staff to leader in the tax industry is a journey of continuous learning, strategic risk-taking, and personal growth. Whether you choose to manage a team, launch a business, or educate others, the key is to remain proactive and intentional. Today is a good day to start your journey to become tomorrow’s tax industry leader. Latino Tax Pro wishes you success!