Preparing federal and state returns to preparing payroll taxes for several small businesses

Just recently I reached out to a local CPA who had his own practice, and he allowed me to internand job shadow him. This experience was very valuable to me because it provided mereassurance that I want to pursue a career in tax and expand my knowledge by completing agraduate degree in taxation.As his intern, I completed various projects. These ranged from preparing federal and state returnsto preparing payroll taxes for several small businesses. I was instantly drawn to tax preparationbecause it was very challenging and rewarding at the same time. Challenging, because it testedmy ability to decipher data and my ability to take that data and make well supported decisions.Rewarding, because I saw how the decisions I made quickly turned into financial consequences.After completing each tax return, I felt a sense of gratification. I was also humbled at the sametime because I realized that I don’t know as much as I thought I did about tax laws and that I stillneed to improve my skills and overall tax knowledge. As frustrating as it was at first I found itvery alluring that tax is constantly changing and in order to be successful within the industry, onemust constantly have to learn new things and keep up to date with current tax laws. A career withsuch open prospects such as tax would give me an incentive to learn and grow, and a chance toexpand my knowledge. This is one of the main reasons why I chose to pursue a tax career. Myinterest was further strengthened when I realized the many ways in which taxes affect businesses,and it is clear to me now how companies will always need the help of tax specialists in order tomake sure that they are in compliance when it comes to tax season. Given the current economicsituation, it is necessary to consider job security when selecting a career path.During my time at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, I was heavily involved in managing myfather’s businesses and thus my grades and my involvement in outside activities were directlyaffected, especially for the first two years when my father was ill, and all of the pressures of thefamily finances were put on my shoulders. Although managing the family business taught memany valuable lessons in teamwork, determination, and business intelligence; I learnt theimportance of maintaining balance with my studies and work. Through all my responsibility’s, Ilost focus and in turn my grades suffered. Therefore, I do not view my undergraduateperformance for my first two years at IUP as an accurate represent ion of my academic abilities.However, I made sure that I did not make this mistake for my last two years by limiting my timemanaging my father’s businesses and paying more time to my school work. By balancing mypriorities it consequently had a huge effect, and I was able to make the dean’s list anddramatically increase my overall GPA.My goal is to obtain a master’s degree in taxation through Robert Morris University and to gainemployment as a tax consultant at a smaller size accounting firm, near Pittsburgh while I am inthe process of finishing my degree. Once I complete my degree my dream would be to work fora Big Four accounting firm. Then as I advance my career, I would like to further my educationand become a tax attorney with a focus in estate and gift tax planningAttending a graduate program would greatly smoothen my path towards these goals. I have takensteps in order to insure I can succeed in the graduate environment by; taking two tax courses at alocal community college so I could deepen my understanding of the basic tax principles, improvemy abilities to identify issues and get a general understanding in all the areas of tax. I have alsosaved up money so I can better prioritize my studies and have the time to be involved inextracurricular activities while at the same time, look for a part-time internship or volunteerposition, so I can gain valuable experience and network.The Master in Taxation program at RMU is ideal in completing my academic objectives. Beingnamed as one of the highest regarded Masters in Tax programs in the United States, it has someof the brightest professionals in the area, so I am eager to learn from the best and be part of aprestige school and program. I am also eager to join the program because it would give me achance to gain some exposure and enhance my knowledge of tax if I were to take the CPA examin the future. RMU’s small class size provides a comfortable setting where I could ask questionsand where I can actively participateI am looking forward to the opportunity to attend the business school at Robert MorrisUniversity. I believe that completing the Masters in Taxation program will provide me with allthe skills and knowledge I will need to have a successful career in the area of tax.