The Power of EA and CPA: A Dual Credentialed Tax Pro’s Journey with Jeremy Wells

In this episode, host Brandy Spears is joined by Jeremy Wells, an Enrolled Agent, Certified Public Accountant, and the newly appointed Editor-in-Chief of the EA Journal. Jeremy shares his journey from teaching political science to becoming a tax professional and how his unique path has shaped his approach to tax law, client service, and leadership in the profession.Jeremy talks about his decision to pursue the EA credential first, his transition to becoming a CPA, and why mentoring has been key to his growth. He also shares his experience as the new editor of the EA Journal, his vision for the journal, and how he plans to elevate the voices of EAs across the profession.Why ListenHear how Jeremy navigated his transition from academia to taxLearn why starting with the EA credential can be a game-changerDiscover how mentorship and networking played pivotal roles in his careerGet an insider’s look at the future of the EA Journal under Jeremy’s leadershipUnderstand how cross-platform content creation is shaping the future of tax practiceIn This Episode:[00:00:00] From Political Science to Tax — Jeremy’s unexpected career shift[00:06:00] How mentoring shaped Jeremy’s path to the EA credential[00:12:00] The value of starting with the EA before pursuing the CPA[00:14:00] How Jeremy uses mentorship and networking to enhance client service[00:20:00] Becoming the Editor-in-Chief of the EA Journal[00:24:00] The importance of authentic content creation for tax professionals[00:30:00] Vision for the EA Journal: Elevating EAs and supporting new talent[00:34:00] The next generation of EAs and why they need a different approach[00:40:00] Advice for new tax professionals: Don’t wait to start, just dive inNotable Quotes“The best thing I did was start with the EA credential. It gave me the power to help clients right away.” – Jeremy Wells“Mentorship is key — I wouldn’t have been able to make this leap without the right guidance.” – Jeremy Wells“We need to help new tax professionals find their voice, not just in tax law but in shaping their own businesses.” – Jeremy Wells“As the Editor-in-Chief, my goal is to give EAs the platform they deserve — and help them lead the conversation.” – Jeremy WellsOur GuestJeremy Wells is an Enrolled Agent (EA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and the newly appointed Editor-in-Chief of the EA Journal. He is the COO and Head of Tax at Steadfast Bookkeeping and the founder of J. Wells Tax, a platform that provides educational content for tax professionals. Jeremy earned his EA credential in 2018 and his CPA license in 2022, building his career by focusing on tax services for freelancers, small business owners, and individuals.A passionate mentor and advocate for innovation in the tax profession, Jeremy works to bridge the gap between traditional practices and modern approaches to tax law and business operations. He is an active member of several tax organizations, including NAEA and AICPA, and uses his position to raise awareness for the profession and foster education in the field.Resource & LinksThe Enrolled Agent Advocate PodcastThe Enrolled Agent AdvocateBrandy SpearsLinkedInWebsite - NAEA.orgJeremey WellsLinkedIn