2024 Trusted Advisers: Tammy Young

With almost three decades of tax planning experience across both public and private sectors, Tammy Young says she starts the client process with a deep dive of their needs in order to gain the best understanding.

“The more that I understand their business, the better solutions I will have for future years in consulting them,” she says.

Young, who has worked at Roberts, McKenzie, Mangan & Cummings CPAs since 2011, says by going through tax returns, accounting methods and even staff, she can help create a tailored plan based on deep understanding.

Part of her success, she says, is that she prioritizes clear, direct communication.

“My willingness to provide honest, sometimes challenging advice has strengthened client relationships rather than jeopardizing them,” Young says. “This approach ensures clients receive genuine assessments and actionable recommendations, even when the truth is difficult to hear.”

She says she has often had tough conversations where she didn’t know what the outcome would be after.

“I would rather be honest than to hide behind my desk without having some of the hard discussions,” she says.

Young also ensures that she stays ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving industry through being active in professional organizations like the American Institute of CPAs and the Missouri Society of CPAs, as well as keeping an eye on trends, particularly on the tech side. “Our industry is also experiencing a significant decline in college students majoring in accounting which is creating a shortage for firms and our clients so keeping up on technology and efficiency will be an area we must stay proactive in order to still serve our clients with the same consistent quality,” she says.

By keeping her focus on these trends, Young has implemented software both internally as well as for clients, and recently completed an extensive program through Wharton Business School for certification in Artificial Intelligence for Business.

In addition to her career, Young is involved at a community level, including an active member of Rotary Club Springfield Southeast, as well as an alumni of Leadership Springfield Class 29, and served as the treasurer for the Greene County Estate Planning Council. “These involvements underscore my belief that community engagement is crucial for maintaining a fulfilling work-life balance and contributing to the broader society we serve,” she says.