For a second year in a row National Taxpayer Advocate Erin M. Collins has earned a spot in Accounting Today’s (AT) list if the 100 Most Influential People shaping the accounting profession. This year’s list specifically focused on leaders the magazine describes as “Pipeline Problem-Solvers,” thought-leaders, and agents of change who inspire optimism.

“I am grateful and proud that the work I get to do as the National Taxpayer Advocate is acknowledged amongst all of the amazing professionals recognized in the top 100 list,” Collins says. “What makes me even more proud is to be included on a list that defines the importance of bringing a solutions-oriented, advocacy mindset to the job. Anyone can point out problems, my goal is to be a problem-solver by listening to taxpayers and tax professionals, and then working with the IRS to advocate for common sense changes that will improve tax administration for everyone.”

Expanding on this idea, the AT article about the top 100 Influential People in Accounting offered this about Erin and her work as the National Taxpayer Advocate:

“Collins is a strong voice for the taxpayer inside the Internal Revenue Service, holding its feet to the fire over processing backlogs, inefficient processes, and the general misery of the past few tax seasons. But she’s also a strong voice for a better IRS, with an inside understanding of its burdens and its needs.”

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, and IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel also joined Collins on the most influential list, citing their roles in managing or preserving funding increases for the IRS.

You can read more about this year’s 100 Most Influential People in Accounting online at Accounting Today or in the December edition of Accounting Today Magazine.