Featured
Jenna Sumikawa on Redefining a Career in Tax | Foster MS in Taxation Alum Spotlight
Jenna Sumikawa shares how the Foster School of Business MS in Taxation opened doors to unique career opportunities.
Written by: Suzanne Lee, contributing writer, Foster School of Business
Careers in taxation are often typecast as dry or overly technical. But people working in the field know it’s anything but one-dimensional. Beyond the annual rush of filing season (yes, it can be enjoyable), tax careers intersect with industries as diverse as sports, real estate, technology, entertainment, and hospitality. Taxation is a profession that offers flexibility, stability, and the chance to influence big-picture business decisions.
At the University of Washington Foster School of Business, graduates of the Master of Science in Taxation (MSTax) are redefining what it means to work in tax. Program alum Jenna Sumikawa (MS 2020) is a prime example of a Foster graduate who is finding rewarding opportunities in unexpected places.
Jenna’s career has taken her from public accounting to the wine industry, specifically at Jackson Family Wines. We caught up with her to hear why she finds tax both rewarding and surprising, as well as what advice she’d give to students considering a career in tax.
What drew you to the MS in Taxation at the University of Washington?
Jenna Sumikawa: I knew I wanted to pursue Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure, but I wasn’t going to reach the credit requirement from my undergraduate degree alone. I was also interested in a career in tax, but not many schools had courses beyond foundational corporate income tax or personal income tax. The University of Washington program was a perfect fit because it introduced me to a wide variety of tax disciplines and taught me skills specific to the tax industry.
The Master of Science in Taxation was relatively short compared to traditional two-year graduate programs, so I knew I could enter the workforce quickly. I wanted to move to the Pacific Northwest, and the University of Washington is such a prominent institution in the region. With so many established companies and vast alumni networks in the Seattle area, I thought a degree from the Foster School of Business would be a great start in planting my roots in a new city.
What’s the most rewarding part of your role?
Jenna Sumikawa: During my stint in public accounting, I saw how tax impacted transactions and ongoing business decisions in technology companies, real estate development, engineering firms, suppliers, buyers, and manufacturers. Even the smartest, most experienced businesspeople are not informed about the best options because they are unaware of the tax implications. Being able to show people new ways of thinking and, ultimately, saving them the heartache, time, and money later down the line, is rewarding.
Now, working in the wine industry, I am getting a first-hand look at how tariffs are impacting transfer pricing on barrels. Many people wouldn’t think a bottle of wine would have significant tax implications, but transfer pricing and international, federal, state, and local tax policies have an impact on operations and decision-making.
If you could go back, what would you tell your undergrad self about a career in taxation?
Jenna Sumikawa: I would reassure my past self that there is so much more to tax beyond the surface-level personal income tax. There are so many niches and specialties; you can really tailor your career in tax to what interests you.
My undergraduate degree included a minor in Business of Sports, so I was interested in the sports industry. Back in undergrad, I thought my only options to work in the sports industry were through data analytics, marketing, or sales. While working in public accounting, I talked with people about my background, and was staffed on the tax engagement team of an MLB (Major League Baseball) team. I never considered that tax accounting was a viable avenue.
What advice would you give to students considering a career in tax?
Jenna Sumikawa: I was very afraid that pursuing an MS in Taxation degree would pigeon-hole me into limited job options. However, there is always a need for tax accountants, both in public accounting and in industry. I currently work in the wine industry, and I never imagined doing tax work in this space five years ago.
There are also mentors in my company who started with tax backgrounds, but have since grown to hold high leadership positions. With the constant business need for technical tax knowledge and the ever-changing federal and state legislative landscape, I am reassured that I have job security in my tax career.
Do you have a favorite aspect of tax season?
Jenna Sumikawa: I really enjoy the team dinners! They’re a great way to informally talk with supervisors and co-workers (and best of all, it’s free food). I’ve been to new restaurants and tried new foods through our team dinners. Once, we went to a French restaurant and I had escargot for the first time. Even though it wasn’t my favorite dish, I never would have ordered it had I gone on my own. Watching my co-workers try escargot for the first time also made the experience that much better.
Jenna’s journey shows that tax is far from a one-track career; it’s a gateway to industries and opportunities you might never expect. And, who knew taxation and the wine industry are a perfect job pairing?
At the Foster School of Business, taxation graduates aren’t just preparing returns. They’re preparing to shape strategy, guide business decisions, and influence industries worldwide.
Learn more about the Master of Science in Taxation program here.
This Q&A series features graduates of the University of Washington Foster School of Business Master of Science in Taxation program who thrive in tax careers, with strong ROI, genuine job satisfaction, and long-term growth.
