Discovering satisfying work, and work-life balance, as a Tax and Financial Expert at Intuit

I’m in my mid-50s, and I’ve had a wonderful career – starting out as a CPA, where I spent 18 years as a director of financial reporting. Because of the pandemic and immense hours I had to put into that job, I decided to make a change. I began going to interviews but was feeling

Holly Sikora at her computer
Holly Sikora at her computer

I’m in my mid-50s, and I’ve had a wonderful career – starting out as a CPA, where I spent 18 years as a director of financial reporting. Because of the pandemic and immense hours I had to put into that job, I decided to make a change. I began going to interviews but was feeling anxious. My body was telling me, “You don’t want to do this again” – but I knew I wasn’t ready to stop working. l still wanted a substantial career that would keep me challenged. Want to know what happened next? Keep reading and I’ll tell you how I made the fantastic transition to Intuit, the company behind TurboTax, QuickBooksCredit Karma and Mailchimp. Now I help provide financial guidance to millions of people on my own schedule.

When your body tells you “I’m done with the rat race”

After I left full-time work, I came to Intuit to support their TurboTax customers during tax season  while getting my separate bookkeeping business up and running. During that time, I realized that I really enjoyed the experience on the TurboTax Live team. It wasn’t just the top-notch training and flexible schedule, it was also the more surprising things like regular meetings with my team where even though we’re all remote We were able to connect with each other multiple times a week. It didn’t feel like I was always on my own, and I loved having that extra support.

The advantages of being a year-round employee

I started with a season-long contract to help TurboTax customers and absolutely loved the job. I was thrilled when I was offered an opportunity as a Select-time employee. I work 20 hours a week, all year round, with health benefits. This gives me the stability I craved, while giving me the flexibility I am looking for in order to also focus time on my own separate bookkeeping business.

From coast to coast, I talk to everyone

Our customers are from all 50 states. So when I’m working, I have to be a multi-state expert. I have to know those states’ tax rules and think fast on my feet. I never know what kind of call I’ll get. I live in South Jersey, and my boss lives in Fairbanks, Alaska! It’s awesome. I never thought I’d be working with someone in Alaska.

As a tax and bookkeeping expert, I work on TurboTax Live and QuickBooks Online, with more potential opportunities on the horizon. I love the variety and being able to use my different skills in different situations.

Why I enjoy the work

I love the financial challenges our customers bring to us – and I know I won’t face any situation by myself. I have a lot of resources supporting me, from team leads to other experts when I need answers right away. And all of these resources? They help me constantly expand my expertise.

What matters at Intuit

Well, let me start off by telling you what doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter what you look like. It doesn’t matter how old you are. It doesn’t matter where you come from. It’s an inclusive environment. As long as you have the experience and expertise (or, if you’re getting started, are willing to learn), you can thrive at Intuit — and you are rewarded for your work. It’s all about achievement.

There’s a place for you on our team

Maybe you have your own side practice like me. Or you’re semi-retired. Or you’re just getting started in tax, accounting, and finance. Wherever you are in life, and no matter where you live, you can be part of Intuit. See all of our career opportunities.

Holly Sikora's headshot
Holly Sikora's headshot

Written by Holly Sikora

Holly Sikora, a tax and accounting expert working remotely for Intuit, helps provide financial guidance to millions of people on her own schedule. After spending 18 years as a CPA and director of financial reporting, she realized she still wanted to maintain a substantial career – but without the limitations of being a full-time employee. At Intuit, Holly works 20 hours a week, all year round. This flexibility, which she says is “second to none,” allows her to maintain her own personal pursuits while thriving as a member of Intuit’s TurboTax Live team.

She loves educating customers on a variety of financial challenges. Now in her 50s, she wants all tax, accounting and financial professionals to know that Intuit has created an inclusive, flexible environment where you can have a fulfilling career, no matter what stage of life you’re in