Change Management Organizational Development

Sonja B. Wilson, PhD, JD, MST, CPA, EA

**********@*******.*** 864-***-****

PROFILE SUMMARY

Leveraging over two decades of experience in accounting, taxation, and executive leadership, I excel at training and translating complex tax matters for cross-departmental, domestic, and international teams. My strengths lie in designing and revamping training curricula, ensuring compliance with tax and accounting regulations, and leading organizational development from legal, accounting, and change management perspectives. I coach business teams and graduate students, foster positive relationships, and utilize software platforms efficiently. My research interests encompass international taxation, comprehensive business curricula, nonprofit organizations, and various economic aspects of financial accounting. With my extensive skill set and dedication to continuous learning, I am well-suited for leadership roles as a Director of Training, Director of Tax, or Director of Accounting. CORE COMPETENCIES

• Over 20 years in Public Accounting Design and create effective training programs and curricula to meet organizational objectives.

• Develop engaging and interactive learning materials for diverse audiences.

• Deliver training in various formats, such as in-person, virtual, and blended learning.

• Assess training needs within the organization and develop tailored solutions.

• Develop and implement tax strategies to minimize the company's tax liabilities.

• Ensure full compliance with all applicable tax principles and protocols.

• Identify and manage tax-related risks, including legal and financial implications.

• Profound knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, and auditing standards.

• Oversee financial processes, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.

• Coordinate and manage financial audits and collaborate with external auditors.

• Develop financial strategies and long-term financial planning.

• Resolve complex accounting issues and discrepancies to maintain financial accuracy and integrity. EDUCATION

• PhD in Organizational Leadership (NorthCentral University; Minneapolis, MN)

• Juris Doctorate (University of South Carolina; Columbia, SC)

• Masters in Tax (Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA)

• Masters in Education (University of South Carolina; Columbia, SC)

• Master's in Economics (Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, MD)

• B.S. in Accounting (University of South Carolina Upstate; Spartanburg, SC)

• B.S. in Secondary Mathematics Education (University of South Carolina Upstate; Spartanburg, SC) PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

• Curriculum Development

• Strategic Tax Planning

• Tax Reporting

• Financial Management

• Audit Coordination

• Strategic Planning

• QuickBooks Certified

• Estate & Trust Income Taxation

• SC Author: Estate & Trust Income Taxation (CPE Credit)

• Project/Team Leader

• Tax Resolutions

• Team Management

• Leadership

• Problem-Solving

• Organizational Skills

• Analytical Skills

• Time Management

• Interpersonal Skills

• Communication Skills

• Decision-Making

• Multitasking

• Attention to Detail

• Adaptability

• Team Collaboration

• Critical Thinking

• Interpersonal Skills

PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE

Project Tax Manager CCK Strategies, Tulsa, OK

March 2024 - Present

• Lead client engagement teams and other stakeholders in the initiation, planning, design, execution, monitoring, controlling and closure of complex engagements

• Utilize and ensure project adherence to our practice’s standard project management processes and tools in CCH to manage project teams across the entire project life cycle, comply with all engagement reporting requirements; serve as an advocate of project management principles and standards Tax Training Manager Platform Accounting Group, Salt Lake City, UT January 2021 - October 2023

• Spearhead the development and execution of comprehensive training programs for a workforce of 500+ employees, encompassing tax form planning and processing.

• Lead the deployment of training initiatives for the CPA Exam and EA Exam, collaborating with senior management to ensure effective program implementation and structural integrity. Estate and Gift Tax Senior Tax Advisor Abbot, Stringham & Lynch, Campbell, CA 2020

• Developed and executed intricate tax returns for clients possessing a personal wealth exceeding $5 million.

• Acted as a representative for clients in dealings with the IRS regarding various issues. Global Tax Director CPA Firm WILSON'S PROFESSIONAL TAX SERVICES, LLC, Duncan, SC January 1999 - January 2020

• Provided top-tier client support, simplifying complex legal matters, and promptly addressing client inquiries through effective negotiation skills.

• Educated students at various colleges and universities on a wide range of tax and accounting courses, shedding light on contemporary global tax issues.

• Devoted efforts to disseminate knowledge on topics such as controlled foreign corporations, the foreign tax credit versus the deduction for foreign taxes paid, the impact of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) on international tax law, and the practical application of filing related forms like 8992 and 8993.

• Collaborated closely with global and international clients to develop tax strategies aligning with expected tax outcomes.

• Authored South Carolina CPE tax courses focused on nonprofit accounting.

• Collaborated with companies boasting annual receipts exceeding $5 million.

• Worked alongside CFOs and COOs of LLCs and S Corps to establish organizations with robust internal control frameworks.

• Formulated and negotiated effective tax solutions for the resolution of IRS and state tax obligations for companies.

• Conducted training sessions for company management, covering relevant tax and accounting topics.

• Designed and led leadership training seminars for senior company managers. Adjunct Instructor WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY, Pulham, WA January 2015 - Present

• Conduct both online and in-class courses in alignment with the university's prescribed formatting standards.

• Foster active student engagement by initiating and actively participating in discussions, promoting the exchange of ideas, particularly within the context of environmental science.

• Evaluate student assignments and provide constructive feedback on a weekly basis.

• Fulfill all university requests and obligations in a facilitator role, with the primary goal of enhancing the students' learning experience.

Senior Tax Specialist TAX DEFENSE NETWORK, Jacksonville, Florida January 2018 - January 2019

• Led strategic projects aimed at aligning the company with evolving taxation standards, fostering its ongoing growth.

• Conducted thorough reviews of U.S. tax laws and regulations pertaining to domestic tax planning, and provided well- informed tax solutions for both individual and business clients.

• Achieved a 95% success rate in effectively implementing Offers-in-Compromises for eligible taxpayers.

• Attained a flawless 100% success rate in establishing federal and state repayment plans for clients with overdue tax obligations.

Visiting Accounting Professor WOFFORD COLLEGE, Spartanburg, SC January 2017 - January 2018

• Instructed accounting courses in accordance with the university's prescribed formatting standards.

• Evaluated student assignments and provided weekly feedback to enhance their learning experience.

• Fulfilled university requests in a facilitator role, contributing to the students' benefit by completing assigned tasks. Adjunct Instructor EMBRY-RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY, Daytona Beach, FL January 2007 - January 2015

• Facilitated online and in-class courses that had been formatted to the specific guidelines of the university.

• Posted and participated in discussion questions to encourage students to promote an exchange of ideas between one another on issues specific to environmental science.

• Graded assignments and posted weekly feedback to the students.

• Completed all tasks requested by the university for the benefit of the students in a facilitator-structured capacity. Instructor BECKER CPA REVIEW, Charlotte, NC

January 2007 - January 2009

• Instructed all components of the Becker Review CPA Review Course.

• Organized marketing luncheons focusing on Becker and the mastery of CPA simulations. Assistant Professor UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA UPSTATE, Spartanburg, SC January 2000 - January 2007

• Instructed courses in Business Law and Taxation.

• Courses included: "Legal Environment of Business," "Individual Income Taxation," "Corporate Taxation," and "Personal Finance."

• Demonstrated a consistent track record of receiving outstanding evaluations from students. October 2017

Adjunct Accounting Professor SPARTANBURG METHODIST COLLEGE, Spartanburg, SC Management Consultant Lockheed Martin US

• Instructed accounting courses following the university's specific formatting guidelines.

• Evaluated assignments and regularly provided feedback to students.

• Executed all university-assigned tasks in a facilitator role, prioritizing the students' benefit. CERTIFICATIONS

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

• IRS Enrolled Agent (EA)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Awarded as Embry-Riddle Teacher of the Year.

• Received the USCUPSTATE Bank of America Teaching Excellence Award.

• Honored with the Earl Gordon Medal for Most Outstanding Female Graduate.

• Elected as Miss Senior Class.

• Recognized with the Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Award.

• Granted the American Mensa Award.

• Named Miss Junior Class.

• Acknowledged for the Textile Writing Award

COMMUNITY SERVICE

January 2015 - Present

Volunteer Spartanburg Soup Kitchen, Spartanburg, SC

• Enhanced the capacity to work autonomously, successfully completing assigned tasks with minimal supervision.

• Adhered to the organization's rules and safety regulations when executing assigned duties.

• Cultivated effective communication skills through the provision of customer service to visitors at the volunteer center. January 2014 - Present

Treasurer Volunteer Spartanburg Civitan Club, Spartanburg, SC

• Kept meticulous records of all financial transactions, encompassing cash receipts, disbursements, investments, and transfers.

• Conducted monthly reconciliations of bank statements and investments.

• Scrutinized and managed expenses to optimize budget planning and outcomes.

• Monitored daily cash flow activity to ensure the availability of adequate funds for operational needs. January 2012 - Present

Curriculum Developer & Presenter WPTS, INC, Spartanburg, SC

• Offered complimentary SAT Workshops for community college prospects.

• Evaluated current curricula for quality assurance, implementing necessary enhancements as needed.

• Effectively oversaw concurrent management of multiple projects while adhering to stringent deadlines. AWARDS

• Miss USCUPSTATE Senior Class

• USCUPSTATE Bank of American Teaching Excellence Award

• Earl Gordon Medal for Most Outstanding Female Graduate

• Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Award

• American Mensa Award

• Miss USCUPSTATE Junior Class

• South Carolina Textile Writing Award

PUBLICATIONS

• Conducted research for Accounting Continuing Education Courses in 2007, with a focus on "Fund Accounting and Accounting for Other Nonprofit Organizations: The Federal Gift Tax Made Simple."

• Presented at The 2005 Society of Advanced Management Conference in Las Vegas, NV, addressing "Seven Practical Tax Tips for the Sole Proprietor" and "Five Business Practices that the Sole Proprietor Must Never Do."

• Delivered a presentation at the College Teaching and Learning Conference in Orlando, FL, in 2005, discussing "SAPP: An Affordable Solution to Academic Advisement."

• Participated in the Meeting of MidSouth Association of Business Disciplines in Jackson, MS, in 2004, with a presentation titled "How Ethical Are Your Ethics?" on February 6.

• Presented a paper at The National Association of African American Studies' 2001 National Conference, titled "African- Americans and Nonprofit Organizations: How Much is Too Much?" The article was published in the conference journal.

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