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Makenzie Zuern
Tax Director at Paymentus
Professional Background
Makenzie Zuern is a distinguished Tax Director with over 15 years of extensive experience in tax management and compliance across various sectors, including large multi-national public companies, private industries, and public accounting. Her rich professional journey has allowed her to build a robust expertise in analyzing and communicating tax objectives, particularly with prominent Corporate Executive Leadership teams and Board of Directors, illustrating her ability to adeptly navigate complex tax landscapes and regulatory frameworks.
Makenzie's career is marked by her ability to establish and lead tax departments effectively, leveraging her comprehensive knowledge of Income Tax accounting (ASC 740) to facilitate sound financial practices. She is well-versed in SEC reporting, including S-1 filings, showcasing her expertise in compliance and reporting requirements essential for public companies. Her vast experience in mergers and acquisitions encompasses crucial areas such as due diligence, purchase agreements, purchase accounting, transaction cost analysis, and successful integrations, making her a valuable asset during corporate transitions.
Additionally, Makenzie has a proven track record in ensuring tax function internal controls and SOX compliance, further fortifying the financial integrity of the organizations she has been associated with. Her ability to handle legal entity restructuring and manage federal and state income tax compliance showcases her detailed understanding of the tax implications that come with strategic business decisions. Her skills also include adeptly managing IRS and State audit examinations and identifying tax implications of complex debt restructurings.
Beyond direct taxation, Makenzie has significant experience in indirect tax analysis and compliance, which entails navigating Voluntary Disclosure Agreements and conducting nexus studies. Her prowess in tax research and planning, combined with strong project management skills, allows her to develop innovative solutions that align with corporate financial goals.
Education and Achievements
Makenzie Zuern is an alumna of the University of Oregon, where she earned both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Accounting. Her educational background has laid a strong foundation for her career in tax management, equipping her with essential skills and knowledge for the demanding field of tax compliance and strategy. With a commitment to excellence in her work, Makenzie has continually sought to refine her skills and stay abreast of the latest industry trends, ensuring her contributions are impactful and relevant.
Throughout her career, Makenzie has held pivotal roles in various esteemed organizations. Currently, she serves as the Tax Director at Paymentus, where she leverages her extensive experience to guide tax strategy and compliance efforts. Her previous positions include being a Seattle Chapter Officer at Tax Executives Institute, Inc., where she contributed her insights to the professional community of tax executives. Prior to this role, she held the position of Tax Director at UnitedHealth Group, where she managed intricate tax matters for a key player in the healthcare sector.
Her impressive tenure at Genoa Healthcare as the Director of Tax further reflects her adaptability to different industries, including healthcare, where tax implications can be particularly intricate. She also served as a Senior Manager in Domestic Tax at Univar, a leading player in the distribution field, and as a Federal Income Tax Manager at Weyerhaeuser Company, providing her with vast experience in forestry and related industries. Makenzie's career began at KPMG, where she honed her skills as a Senior Associate in Federal Tax, building the foundation for her exceptional career in tax strategy.
Achievements
Makenzie Zuern's achievements are a testament to her dedication and expertise in the field of taxation. She has successfully established and led tax departments at multiple organizations, showcasing her leadership capabilities and strategic vision. One of her notable contributions includes guiding complex mergers and acquisitions while ensuring compliance and seamless integration of tax functions. Her ability to conduct thorough due diligence and advise on tax implications during large corporate transactions has been pivotal in steering organizations towards informed decision-making.
Her experience with SEC reporting, particularly in S-1 filings, highlights her understanding of the nuances involved in public company compliance, further enhancing her reputation within the tax community. As a result, many organizations benefit from her ability to develop and implement robust tax strategies that align with long-term business objectives.
Moreover, her proficiency in navigating IRS and State audits has built a level of trust and credibility with both internal and external stakeholders. Through her meticulous
