[ 1 Degree, 10 Careers ]
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4 Patricia A. Shlonsky ’84
Partner/Chair Tax Practice Group and Employee Benefits Group Ulmer & Berne LLP
Jeffrey Endress ’04 International Tax Partner PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
How I got this job: I was recruited to work at PwC by another fellow Ohio State undergraduate and Moritz College of Law alumnus, Michael Urse ’84. Mike is the co-leader of PwC’s international tax practice in the U.S. If I were in Congress and could reform one area of the tax code: Editor’s note: PwC does not permit its professionals to comment on policy matters. Where I see tax practice headed in the next 10 years: As we look into the future, there will be a shift in the global economic balance from the developed to developing countries, impacting where U.S.-based multinational companies will pursue future growth and investment. Investments in these countries will bring numerous complex issues and a significant need for trusted tax advisors.
How I got this job: I was working in the tax department of an accounting firm when a friend told me that Ulmer & Berne was looking to hire an ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act) associate. I had no idea what ERISA was, but I interviewed and got the job. If I were in Congress and could reform one area of the tax code: I would reform the Section 416 “Top Heavy” rules applicable to qualified retirement plans. Qualified plans are subject to a wide range of Internal Revenue Code rules and restrictions, which ensure that nonhighly compensated employees (NHCEs) receive nondiscriminatory benefits. The top-heavy rules are no longer necessary to protect NHCEs and add an unnecessary layer of complexity to the already complex administration of retirement plans. The rules also stifle small businesses from establishing and maintaining qualified plans.
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Where I see tax practice headed in the next 10 years: The tax practice will continue to grow in the employee benefits field due to the tax-favored treatment of employee benefits, which consume a lot of potential tax revenue. There will be much activity related to the Affordable Care Act, which has many evolving tax provisions affecting virtually every taxpayer.
Wayne F. Miller ’07 Tax Associate Ernst & Young LLP
How I got this job: I practiced finance and restructuring at a bank, and in 2012, got an LL.M. in tax from New York University. I landed at EY after that. If I were in Congress and could reform one area of the tax code: Moving the U.S. from a worldwide taxation system to a territorial taxation system. There would be winners and losers – as there usually is! – but it does put the U.S. in greater harmony with other developed nations. It will still be important to have effective transfer pricing rules, so that area will not be going anywhere. Where I see tax practice headed in the next 10 years: I personally just started as a tax practitioner from another field, but there are some parallels. One ongoing trend is having trained attorneys, such as myself, practice tax in accounting firms versus tax departments at law firms. How governments and tax authorities choose to address their budget deficits also will drive certain types of deal structures. Moritz College of Law | W I N T E R 2 0 1 4
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