From Administrative Assistant to In-Charge Staff Accountant

Hannah Gunter, a Leesburg, VA, native, has spent the last eight years growing her career at DeLeon & Stang. She started in the Leesburg office as an Administrative Assistant and has worked her way through various roles, including Tax Intern and Staff Accountant. Today, she’s an In-Charge Staff Accountant for individuals but is expanding into business services. 

In her current role, Hannah manages individual tax clients, serving as the primary point of contact for many of them. She also plays a key role in mentoring interns and newer team members. Over the years, her responsibilities have broadened, reflecting her professional development and the firm’s commitment to nurturing internal talent.  

“D&S has always been proactive in supporting my career goals,” Hannah shares. They’ve always asked what my goals are and worked with me to create a plan to achieve them.” 

Earning an Enrolled Agent (EA) License with Firm Support

Among her career milestones are earning her Enrolled Agent (EA) license, taking over clients as their main contact, and expanding her expertise in both individual and business tax services. Hannah credits the firm for providing such support along the way:  

“D&S was very supportive while I studied for my EA license – they gave me materials, time to study, and encouragement every step of the way.”  

Building a Long-Term Career at DeLeon & Stang

Looking ahead, Hannah is focused on strengthening her client relationships, growing her skills, and taking on additional responsibilities. 

“The firm really promotes from within,” she says. “They provide training, support, and opportunities to learn new skills or earn new certifications. I feel confident that as long as I continue to push myself, the firm will help me get to the next level.” 

FAQs

What does an In-Charge Staff Accountant do? 
An In-Charge Staff Accountant manages client relationships, supports tax preparation and review, coordinates communication, and helps guide interns or newer team members. 

What is an Enrolled Agent (EA) License?  

An EA license allows a tax professional to represent taxpayers before the IRS.  

What’s the difference between an Enrolled Agent (EA) and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)?  

An Enrolled Agent (EA) and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) are both licensed tax professionals, but they differ in focus, licensing authority, and scope of work. 

• An EA is federally licensed by the U.S. Treasury to represent taxpayers before the IRS in audits, collections, and appeals. An EA’s expertise is specifically centered around tax matters.  

• A CPA is state-licensed and has broader accounting knowledge. CPAs can do tax work, but they also handle auditing, financial reporting, bookkeeping, and consulting. Some CPAs also represent clients before the IRS, but their license covers a wider range of accounting services beyond tax. 

Does DeLeon & Stang promote from within? 

Yes. DeLeon & Stang supports internal growth and professional development through mentorship, hands-on training, certification support, and career planning.  

How long does it take to become an In-Charge Staff Accountant? 

The timeline to become an In-Charge Staff Accountant can vary based on experience, training, certifications, and opportunities for growth.