26-year-old graduate student, Jonathan McCormick serves as a case supervisor for the Bookstein Tax Clinic. As a supervisor, McCormick oversees various clinicians as he offers input and advice. He is able to provide support due to his background in tax and accounting. McCormick has worked as an enrolled agent for an outside tax resolution company for more than four years.
“I’m really here to act as a backboard for the clinicians because the point is for them to learn and prepare for their own careers,” said McCormick.
After completing his bachelors degree in Kansas, McCormick began working for a tax resolution company in Calabasas, and then slowly worked his way up.
He cannot imagine himself doing anything else. Now, the graduate student runs a tax resolution office in Simi Valley. He is currently managing more than 500 cases, in addition to his cases at the Bookstein Tax Clinic.
For McCormick, there are a few cases from the Tax Clinic that stick out more than the rest as a result of the client feedback, as well as the clinician working on the case.
McCormick described a case in which he submitted an Offer In Compromise to settle a tax debt. He and the clinician he was supervising were able to save the client thousands of dollars.
“The offer was accepted, and the next day I had class with the clinician. When she saw me walk through the door, she jumped out of her chair with excitement.”
That is just one example of the many successful cases McCormick has been able to assist. Knowing he is able to help so many people with his advisement makes him just as happy as the clients he helps. McCormick feels he was born to help others, making this the perfect career for him.
“When I realized the clinicians, the people working under me, felt the same passion that I feel, I knew I was doing something right.”
Balancing CSUN’s Master’s program while working full-time is something that McCormick has done successfully. He strives on his work in tax and thoroughly enjoys assisting with the clinic.
McCormick joked about taking a work call before the interview, “I’ve put so much time into work and school, but I love my work. I sit at home and I can’t stop thinking about it, so I’d rather just be at work.”
Dedicated clinicians, like McCormick, with strong work ethic and passion for tax are part of what keeps the Bookstein Tax Clinic running effectively. McCormick says he always focuses on the best interest for his clients.
After completing the Master’s program, he is considering law school, but would like to focus on work as well. He said, “The company I’m with is putting a lot on my shoulders in a good way. I could potentially become owner of this company, and that is my primary goal.”
He would like to take the US Tax Court Exam. The test is for EAs and CPAs who would like to represent their own clients in court. He is confident that his experience in the Master’s program has given him the skills to pass this test.
Following graduate school, McCormick also wants to make sure he takes time to travel and be with his family. He offers some advice for any other students who are pursuing their degree.
“You will learn by doing, doing again, and lots of hard work. The little extra time you take to study will be worth it.”
By: Ginsberg, Romy