Baker Tilly

Loading...

Subscribe to newsletters
About Us
Careers
Client Portals
Pay Invoice
Locations
Industries
Services
Professionals
Legal & Privacy
CCPA Privacy
Contact Us
Request a Proposal

© 2024-2026 Baker Tilly US, LLP / Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP

Baker Tilly US, LLP and Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and its subsidiary entities provide professional services through an alternative practice structure in accordance with the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and applicable laws, regulations and professional standards. Baker Tilly US, LLP is a licensed independent CPA firm that provides attest services to clients. Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and its subsidiary entities provide tax and business advisory services to their clients. Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and its subsidiary entities are not licensed CPA firms.

Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and Baker Tilly US, LLP are independent members of Baker Tilly International. Baker Tilly International Limited is an English company. Baker Tilly International provides no professional services to clients. Each member firm is a separate and independent legal entity and each describes itself as such. Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and Baker Tilly US, LLP are not Baker Tilly International’s agent and do not have the authority to bind Baker Tilly International or act on Baker Tilly International’s behalf. None of Baker Tilly International, Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP, Baker Tilly US, LLP, nor any of the other member firms of Baker Tilly International has any liability for each other’s acts or omissions. The name Baker Tilly and its associated logo is used under license from Baker Tilly International Limited.

View of lake and mountains

Adventures of a CPA

Edwin Johnson's self-discipline and passion leads to an inspirational journey to working in international tax

Edwin Johnson's path to becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a tale of curiosity, challenge and the profound impact of mentorship and networking.

Embarking on a professional journey is as daunting as it is exhilarating. Edwin Johnson, a senior associate, knows this well. Growing up in central Texas, Edwin's curiosity about accounting sparked in his sophomore year of high school, leading him to a path of challenge and discovery.

What began as introductory accounting classes blossomed into a passion. Under the guidance of a mentor who unveiled the world of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), Edwin started his adventure into a profession that blends analytics with insight–leading him from the classroom to the complex landscape of international tax.

"Having a supportive mentor played an integral part in shaping my future," said Edwin. "I liked the overall subject of accounting and had the right skills, but having the support to put those skills to use was important."

Calculating a new direction

Edwin Johnson graduation

Edwin found the structured curriculum limiting as he entered college, as it primarily directed students toward traditional tax or assurance work. Edwin, a first-generation college student, initially followed the path of federal tax. During his first internship at another firm, it became clear where he did–and did not want to drive his career. But it was a serendipitous meeting through that internship that would shape his future.

"That internship is where I met Aida Tajahmadi," noted Edwin. "She was my internship buddy and would help open a new world for me."

Edwin shared with Aida that federal tax was not his long-term calling, but he wanted to become a CPA. Aida suggested he contact International Tax Services (ITS), where he ended up interviewing with Alyssa Sihelnik, senior manager of tax technology. Following his summer internship with Baker Tilly, Edwin's coach, principal Kevin Kao, approached him about working part-time while completing graduate school — giving him the chance to expand his skills while obtaining the hours needed to get his CPA license.

There is no substitute for hard work

Edwin's final semester of graduate school

Fast-forward to Edwin's final semester of graduate school at t he University of Texas at Arlington. He committed to prepping for the CPA exam. His approach was disciplined, methodical and thorough — a perfect scenario for his strengths. Leaning on the Becker benefits offered through Baker Tilly and intensive in-person study and review courses that ran 8 a.m. to midnight on weekends, Edwin's days transformed into study marathons.

"We would have class and review the next day, cram all the material in," said Edwin. "Then our teacher had us take the test the next week."

The rigor was worth it. Edwin passed all sections of the CPA exam on his first attempt, a significant milestone in his journey to become a full-time professional in international tax.

Unleashing inspiration

Edwin's Unleashing inspiration

With the CPA certification as his foundation, Edwin is poised to delve into professional and personal development. Transitioning to full-time in 2023, Edwin works on the international tax team. While his goals include exploring opportunities to work with Baker Tilly affiliates overseas, Edwin recognizes the importance of ensuring he grows outside of work.

"I want to balance personal and professional aspirations," said Edwin. "I had to devote so much to obtaining my CPA that I'm eager to reconnect with the things I love, like sports and community activities."

Edwin’s journey embodies the essence of unleashing and amplifying talent. Mentorship, networking, determination, curiosity and initiative are vital in shaping one's career. His adventure is a testament to the opportunities that unfold when you're willing to embrace new paths.