As an intern at JAK + CO, I had the privilege of learning from two highly skilled professionals who lead in their respective fields. Makenna, a senior in attest, works with financial statements and compliance, ensuring business accuracy. Jonathon is a senior in tax, helping individuals navigate the complexities of estates, trusts, and tax regulations. While their roles might seem quite distinct, there’s a surprising amount of overlap in their goals. In this article, I’ll share how their work shapes the client experience at JAK + CO
Starting the Day: Structured and To-Do Lists
Makenna and Jonathon demonstrate an impressive level of organization in their roles, underpinned by their reliance on detailed to-do lists.
- Makenna likes to plan ahead, “I always have a to-do list,” she said, emphasizing that planning for the day and the week helps her stay organized. Her first task is logging into the firm’s systems, specifically VPM, to get started.
- Jonathon is also an early riser, typically getting to the office between 7:00 and 7:30. “I check emails and create two to-do lists—one for the next four hours and another for longer projects,” he explained. This helps him stay focused on both immediate tasks and broader goals.
Despite different approaches, both rely on planning and structure to kickstart their days and ensure they are prepared to tackle their work.
Client Interaction: Meetings vs. Direct Communication
One of the biggest differences between Makenna and Jonathon’s roles is how they interact with clients.
- Makenna attends more meetings internally with staff, especially during the busy season. “It varies,” she said, “but meetings typically entail planning client work or checking in on the progress of ongoing projects. During the off-season, there are fewer meetings, usually about prospective clients.”
- Jonathon, however, doesn’t have as many formal meetings. “Typically, I have one or two meetings a week with clients,” he told me. “Some clients prefer face-to-face interaction, while others stick to phone calls or emails. It really depends on the client’s needs.” His work involves more direct communication, often answering specific tax questions or explaining complex issues like gift tax, estates, and trusts.
Despite the difference in their client and team interaction styles, both Makenna and Jonathon stressed how critical communication is to their work. They’re not just crunching numbers—they’re working closely with clients and their team to ensure everything is under control.
The most significant difference is how they interact with their clients. Makenna works with various businesses, while Jonathon’s clients are often individuals, such as executors or those looking to set up estates and trusts.
Choosing Their Paths: Attest vs. Tax
When I asked Makenna and Jonathon why they chose their respective career paths, their answers reflected their personalities, interests and strengths.
- Makenna enjoys the project-oriented nature of attest work. “I like being able to see a project through from start to finish,” she said. For her, each engagement has a clear beginning and end, and that sense of completion is rewarding.
- On the other hand, Jonathon finds tax work more aligned with his interests. “For me, tax felt more natural because it ties into legal frameworks,” he explained. “Laws change frequently, which means I’m always learning something new.”
While Makenna enjoys the project-oriented nature of attest, Jonathon is drawn to the dynamic and ever-evolving world of tax. Both found paths that align with their gifts and they’re thriving in their roles!
Final Thoughts
After speaking with Makenna and Jonathon, I realized that while tax and attest might seem like separate specialties, they share some common ground. Their day-to-day tasks and client bases may differ, but accountants are committed to organization, teamwork, and clear team and client communication.
Their experiences highlight how different career paths can intersect meaningfully and how JAK + CO supports both, regardless of your chosen path. Whether you’re drawn to the project-oriented world of attest or the ever-changing world of tax law, there’s a place for everyone’s skills at JAK + CO.