Tayna Baber: Empowering Teams in Tax Accounting

In an industry that often equates success with long hours and burnout, Tanya Baber offers a compelling new model. As the founder of a tax-centric firm that prioritizes smart systems, empowered staff, and innovative tools, Tanya proves that it’s possible to thrive in tax without sacrificing your health—or your life.

In this episode of Canopy Practice Success, Tanya shares how she transformed her practice using AI in tax services, tax automation, and a commitment to balance. Her journey is a blueprint for modern firms looking to lead in an era of rapid accounting innovation.

Here are the main highlights you won't want to miss.

Rethinking Tax Season with Purpose

Tax season doesn’t have to mean chaos. Tanya learned this the hard way—putting in 80-hour weeks as her firm grew, until she realized the need for a different approach.

“We’re only going to do 40-hour workweeks because… productivity dive bombs when you push too hard.”

By implementing more efficient tax firm workflows and leveraging modern tax professional tools, Tanya built a sustainable business model that delivers peak performance during the most demanding times of year.

These practices have led to massive gains in tax efficiency, both internally and for clients. And they’re a big part of why her firm is recognized for offering some of the most effective tax season solutions in the profession.

Scaling with Strategy and Empowerment

One of Tanya’s most impactful changes was creating a standardized 10-step tax firm workflow, breaking down every return into manageable stages. This made it easier to delegate tasks and ensure consistency at scale.

“Even my receptionist and data entry staff know more about taxes than a lot of average accounting companies.”

Through mentorship and hands-on learning, her team has developed a deep understanding of tax compliance and tax planning. These aren’t just buzzwords—they’re everyday capabilities built into the firm’s DNA.

And with this knowledge, staff have flourished. Tanya emphasized the importance of giving her team the freedom to fail, grow, and lead. The result? A workforce that’s more confident, productive, and loyal.

Creating Work-Life Balance in Accounting

Perhaps the most radical idea in Tanya’s approach is the one that sounds the simplest: work-life balance in accounting. At her firm, no one is expected to work nights and weekends, even during tax season.

“You have to give permission to flourish—and to fail. That builds a cohesive team.”

This philosophy not only improves employee wellbeing, it enhances the client experience in tax services. A well-rested, empowered team delivers better communication, faster responses, and more personalized advisory support.

By placing value on mental health and autonomy, Tanya has redefined what it means to be a high-performing tax firm.

Embracing AI-Driven Tax Solutions

In a rapidly evolving industry, Tanya is also adapting to new technologies. While she cautions against over-relying on automation, she acknowledges that AI-driven tax solutions can reduce the time spent on research and admin-heavy tasks.

“AI is not a critical thinker. But speeding up the finding of information is still valuable. That’s how we get to 40 hours and away from 80.”

Whether it’s using AI and accounting tools to streamline operations or testing AI outputs for educational purposes, Tanya sees tech as a partner—not a replacement—for expert judgment.

Her balanced perspective reflects current tax industry trends, where firms are blending human insight with tax automation to increase efficiency and accuracy.

The Future of Tax Advisory Services

As tax regulations grow more complex, Tanya sees a growing demand for personalized, proactive tax advisory services. Clients aren’t just looking for compliance—they want clarity, strategy, and peace of mind.

That’s why her firm offers tailored solutions in tax planning, bookkeeping, and consulting. By customizing services based on each client’s unique needs, Tanya’s team becomes a trusted partner—not just a service provider.

Her advice to others in the industry?

“Be willing to change. Evaluate what worked, what didn’t. And be open to evolving your firm again and again.”

If you want to hear more about these topics give the episode a listen.

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