- ShindelRock - https://www.shindelrock.com -

Meet the SR team: Amy Bassi, Tax Accountant, Enrolled Agent & Certified Specialist in Estate Planning

[1]You’re a Tax Accountant at ShindelRock–tell us about what you do for clients.

I am an Enrolled Agent with a certification in estate planning.  I work with our clients to prepare and review tax returns for individuals and their related trusts and small businesses.  My focus is on individual tax, which can involve a very wide variety of tax issues and planning and of course has the dreaded April 15 deadline.  My goal is to maintain contact that brings that stress level down by explaining issues and acting as a liaison between clients and the IRS whenever needed.  I enjoy getting to know our clients and assist them in retirement strategy and planning.  When a client or family member passes away I often explain what needs to be done as a follow up on their tax work.

What do you like about your job and the work you get to do? 

I enjoy working with people and have that opportunity with our clients and staff.  Finding ways to achieve the least possible tax or identifying areas where future planning is needed are some of the challenges I enjoy.  Having been in this field for over twenty five years has exposed me to a many unique tax situations and this experience benefits clients and other staff. There is great variety here, so I get involved in unique tax projects that come along and keep the job fresh.

How long have you been with ShindelRock?  What do you like about the firm and its culture?

I have been with this firm for almost eleven years.  There is an amazing array of talented people here. They are helpful and friendly, cooperating as a team to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients.  The atmosphere is professional but relaxed, allowing me to be myself.  We are encouraged to excel and broaden our professional knowledge, so that we have a unique set of collective skills.  This specialization makes us ready to meet new challenges in this changing economy and makes me proud to be part of this group.

What is your background, educational and professional? 

I spent over eleven years in the air freight industry in customer service and sales then returned to school to study medical electronics and accounting at Schoolcraft College and Cleary University.  I worked as a Biomedical Equipment Technician but found I needed more flexibility for my growing family.  A friend who was an accountant asked me to work for him during his busy season.  I found the work interesting and combined on the job exposure with classes and seminars, working into a new career.  Because I specialized in tax and not accounting, I elected to take the test offered by the IRS which acknowledged proficiency in taxation, a four part test leading to my Enrolled Agent designation.  I have worked in public accounting over twenty five years and seen many changes in tax law over that time.  I still enjoy the challenge and the satisfaction that comes with this pursuit.

What do you like to do outside of work? 

I do enjoy gardening but my granddaughter (3 years old) has taken much of my time lately.  I use my flexible schedule to travel to Boston frequently to visit.  I teach Sunday School (kindergarten) but I get more from it than the kids!  I also volunteer with the Accounting Aid Society during filing season, preparing returns for low to middle income filers.  This is a free program that benefits those who shouldn’t have to pay for tax preparation and we now have at least two other volunteers from our group, and it gets better every year!