Marshall Hunt, Director of the Tax Assistance Program for the Accounting Aid Society

For more than 20 years, Marshall Hunt has been a leader in community service by assisting those in dire need. As a Certified Public Accountant since 1972, he has served the IRS in tax administration, but his true passion has always been tax volunteer work. In April 2001, he joined the Accounting Aid Society as director of the Tax Assistance Program. In this capacity, Marshall directs a vital program that serves almost 7,000 low-income clients by enlisting the tax skills of about 700 volunteers. An active member of MACPA for several years, he was the recipient of the MACPA Outstanding CPA in Government Award in 1998.

1. What made you decide to go into the accounting profession?
I was originally planning to be an engineer and had no real exposure to the accounting profession. At Henry Ford Community College, I took an accounting course as an elective and I knew that was what I really wanted to do. My experience illustrates the importance of our outreach activities in the schools.

2. What makes your job great?
I've worked in the tax field during my entire professional work life. Because of the changing tax law and the many issues that I deal with, I learn something new almost every day. Also, by working for a nonprofit organization that assists low-income families, there is a tremendous satisfaction knowing that my work is making a difference to people who need my services.
 
3. What advice would you have for those considering entering the CPA profession?
Look at all the options available. Being a CPA can provide many career path options.

4. Describe how you have made a difference by being a CPA?
At Accounting Aid Society, we work with hundreds of volunteers in preparing tax returns and credit forms. We have been able to provide clients with millions of dollars of refunds they either wouldn’t have received or would have had to pay to have received them. We also assist taxpayers who have controversies with the IRS and provide education to "English as a Second Language" clients about their tax rights and responsibilities. The tax skills that I have as a CPA, as well as the continuing education in the tax area, are critical to directing these programs. As a CPA, I’ve been a college-level instructor for 20 years, bringing practical experience to the classroom.

In my 34-year career at the IRS, I have dealt with many taxpayers and had the opportunity to improve tax compliance individually through audits, as well as through outreach to organizations.

5. What are your major professional accomplishments?
In 1995, while at IRS, I received Vice President Gore's National Performance Review Hammer Award for my work with what was then known as the Michigan Family Independence Agency. I established a wage reporting system to provide thousands of home help workers with social security coverage and income reporting. In 1998, I was the recipient of the MACPA Outstanding CPA in Government Award.

Upon retiring from the IRS, I joined the staff of the Accounting Aid Society. At that time, we were just beginning to think about filing our clients’ tax returns electronically. With a dedicated staff, many volunteers and support from contributors, we were able to convert from a hand-preparation process to full computer preparation and, in most cases, electronic filing. Last season, we e-filed taxes for about 6,200 clients.

6. What interests or activities are you involved in?
With my work at Accounting Aid Society and teaching, there isn’t a lot of extra time. I try to find time to work out at a local health club, but not as much as I should. Skiing has been a favorite sport, but there isn’t much time for that when tax season approaches. I’ve been a beginning clarinet player for over 20 years. I’m still not good, but I would be better if I practiced. I also dabble in fixing up a 1976 Lancia Scorpion, a car that proves that rarity and value are not always related.

7. Are there any other interesting things about yourself or your career that you would like to share with other members, potential members and students?
Just that government and the nonprofit sectors can be viable career options. The rewards are many, but are not always monetary.

8. What is your most meaningful volunteer experience?
That’s not a hard question for me. While I’ve done volunteer work for other organizations, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my work with Accounting Aid Society. In 1981, I decided to try it for couple of Saturdays and ended up working almost every Saturday during tax season as a volunteer for 20 years. Eventually, it led to me joining the staff (I’m still working on Saturdays). I’ve also enjoyed my experience with the MACPA as a task force member and working with Junior Achievement.

9. How do you balance your personal and professional life?
That’s not always easy during the tax season, but you need to make sure that your family is a priority. During tax season, I try to make sure that I relax a bit whenever possible.

10. What do CPAs need now to be successful in the future?
Continue to stress ethical decision-making and being flexible in a fast-changing environment.