Senior Manager, RSM LLP
Mary Bojarczuk is a tax specialist managing the US Southeast region for Global Employer Services for RSM, LLP, a tax firm with nearly 10,000 employees and the fifth largest in the country.
She began down this career path after earning her MBA in 2005 and working for local accounting firms in Texas, then moving to Virginia in 2011 where she joined RSM.
In addition to being a global mobility tax expert, Mary skillfully manages and motivates people. For most this presents a challenge, one she describes so, “While there are many challenges with any leadership position, my top priority is my team and making sure I have everyone on track and rowing in the same direction. The energy and attention I spend on each individual person always bears fruit, and it comes together like a well-oiled machine with each member knowing and understanding his or her role and how they fit into the larger team.”
While managing others can be demanding, it also can be very satisfying. Mary explains, “Watching my team members mature and develop out of their current roles and into the next level is extremely satisfying. I love watching people blossom into their full potential and gain confidence in their ability to learn, grow and excel.”
International tax is a dynamic, always-changing discipline. Mary relies on her partners at RSM to help her keep current with a steady stream of research, advice, and tax-related guidance. Her clients’ needs continue to evolve as well. As she opines, “The International tax consulting role has changed in many ways, including how we advise our clients. Historically, companies would have a set assignment package and every expat would follow that arrangement. More and more, we are finding that companies are looking for alternatives to the typical three- to five-year long-term assignment, and that is where we can really bring value to their decision-making process – by advising on benefit options and taxability, host country expat perks and pitfalls, industry trends, income tax treaties, etc. Serving clients is much more gratifying when I can brainstorm with them, understand their objectives as well as the needs of the individual expats, and then take all this feedback and turn it around with a tailored solution.”
Beyond the day-to-day of managing a regional team in these most trying of times, Mary like so many of us is looking to the future, the one after COVID-19. There will inevitably be a return to some form of normal, but it will still demand a forward-looking posture. Here’s what Mary thinks will be part of that future, “Flexibility in our services and understanding our clients are key for global mobility practitioners. Assignments can vary between companies, duration, level of employees, host country perks, etc., and we need to not only adapt to how our clients need us, but also support them with more than just financial data as they determine what assignment package best suits their particular business scope and purpose.”
While looking ahead is a must, it also pays to reflect, to take stock in where we’ve come from and what we’ve accomplished and learned along the way. And to give back, sharing what we’ve learned with others embarking on a similar journey. For those new to our industry, Mary advises, “I would encourage people entering the profession to be prepared to learn something every day, and remember the human touch, along with the financial advice being given.”
Mary’s life and career involve relocation, including one particular assignment she enjoyed outside the United States. In the spirit of full disclosure, that was as a young girl enrolled at the Cobham, Surrey campus of the ACS International Schools.
Mary concludes by recalling that experience, “I attended ACS for three years – kindergarten through second grade. Even at that young age, I remember having so much more exposure to different areas of learning that I did not have in the public schools in the States. I remember learning about music, poetry, different cultures, etc., and it was a great opportunity for me. I wish I could have stayed longer!”
Mary as a second Grader at ACS Cobham