Number of employees you oversee: As a market leader in Eastern Washington, I oversee 150-175 professionals.
Tara Haight
Brief background of your business:
CLA exists to create opportunities for our clients, our people and our communities through industry-focused wealth advisory, digital, audit, tax, consulting and outsourcing services. With nearly 9,000 people, more than 130 U.S. locations and a global vision, we promise to know you and help you. CLA is an independent network member of CLA Global. Investment advisory services are offered through CliftonLarsonAllen Wealth Advisors LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor.
How did you land your current role? How long have you been in it?
I started with CLA in December 2010 with a focus in tax when my husband and I decided it was time to move with our children to the sunny side of the mountains. A few years ago I was given the opportunity to lead our central Washington manufacturing and distribution industry. Effective January 2025, our central Washington office will be combining with our Spokane office, and I will be moving into the market leader role for our new Eastern Washington office.
How has the accounting sector evolved since you first started working in it?
The accounting and professional services industry is even more important to our clients today than it has ever been. Between the advancement of artificial intelligence, digital technologies and demands from our clients to bring more value, our capabilities and our industry will continue to evolve. At CLA we envision eliminating data entry and leveraging our client data to provide more insight into their businesses. The CPA will continue to be a large part of the professional role, but I expect we’ll also continue to see firms invest in non-CPA roles like data scientists. I think we’ll also continue to increase our service offerings as clients look for more than just the traditional accounting or tax services. It is an exciting time to be in this field.
Can you share your best tax advice for small businesses?
Get organized and meet with your tax professional before year-end so you can plan ahead and make changes before the end of the year if necessary.
Are there any significant tax changes businesses should be aware of as we head into the end of the year?
Bonus depreciation is currently at 60% for 2024 and going down to 40% in 2025, meaning businesses will be able to deduct a smaller part of the cost of new equipment in the first year. Absent additional legislation, major tax changes, including higher tax rates and a reduced standard deduction, will be coming for individuals and business owners with the upcoming expiration of key provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act at the end of 2025.
What is one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess?
Leadership is about empowering and inspiring others. Leadership involves maintaining open communication and involving employees in the decision-making processes. This helps in building trust and ensuring that everyone feels valued and heard.
What is the biggest challenge facing business leaders today?
The biggest challenge facing business leaders today is navigating the complexities of digital transformation. This includes:
- Data management: Ensuring that data is accessible, accurate and available in real-time for decision-making.
- Technology integration: Integrating new technologies into existing systems without disrupting operations.
- Cybersecurity: Protecting sensitive information from increasing cyber threats.
- Adapting to change: Keeping up with rapid technological advancements and changing market conditions.
These challenges require leaders to be agile, forward-thinking, and well-versed in both technology and business strategy.
If you had a magic wand, what would you change about your industry?
Under current law, candidates for CPA licensure must complete 150 semester hours of college education. I support proposals to eliminate the 150-hour requirement for CPAs. We have to look at alternative ways to bring more people into the profession so we can continue to provide the exceptional value we provide clients.
What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time?
Plan for your succession, as when you do that you will be focused on building those around you. Leadership involves recognizing and rewarding employees for their hard work, providing opportunities for professional growth and fostering a positive work environment.
Who are your role models or mentors? And why.
Early on in my career I worked for a woman who helped me understand that I could be a professional with a career while raising a family.
How do you keep your employees motivated?
Keeping employees motivated involves a combination of strategies that address their professional and personal needs. Here are some effective methods:
- Recognition and rewards: Regularly acknowledge and reward employees for their hard work and achievements.
- Career development: Provide opportunities for professional growth through training, mentorship, and career advancement.
- Work-life balance: Encourage a healthy work-life balance by offering flexible working hours and hybrid work options.
- Engagement and communication: Foster open communication and involve employees in decision-making processes.
- Positive work environment: Create a supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
- Purpose and meaning: Help employees understand how their work contributes to the organization’s goals and mission.
These strategies can help maintain high levels of motivation and job satisfaction among employees.
How did you decide to pursue the career that you are working in today?
In high school I became interested in business classes and was involved with DECA. When I entered college, I took a brief detour into a medical-related degree but thank goodness I did an internship where I realized I don’t like to be in other people’s personal space, so I took an accounting class, and it just made sense and came easy to me. I knew I found my people!
How do you measure success in your workplace?
Helping people get to where they want to go, my goal is to surround myself with people far smarter than me and help them succeed.
What do you consider your leadership style to be?
Relatable and approachable.
How do you balance work and family life?
It’s a juggle some days, but my husband, kids and I work together as a team to figure out each week.
What do you like to do when you are not at work?
Spend time with my husband, kids and three dogs traveling, hiking, skiing, golfing and pretty much anything outside.
What’s your best time management strategy?
Plan your day:
- Start with the most important tasks.
- Allocate specific time blocks for each category.
- Avoid multitasking to maintain focus and efficiency.
Best tip to relieve stress?
Long walks outside.
What’s your favorite podcast? Most-used app? Or favorite website? Favorite book? (Feel free to choose one or all.)
Most used app – texting, with two kids in high school it’s how we keep the communication train on the tracks.
Favorite podcast – “The Doctor’s Farmacy with Mark Hyman, M.D.” (even though I switched to accounting I still have a thing with health and nutrition).
Most recent book – “The Women” by Kristin Hannah.
Do you have a personal mantra, phrase or quote you like to use?
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” Wayne Gretzky