National Taxpayer Advocate Erin M. Collins Recognized as a Standout Leader in Accounting Today’s Top 100 

National Taxpayer Advocate Erin M. Collins has earned a place on Accounting Today’s 2025 list of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting for the fourth consecutive year. Erin made the list for serving as a pioneer who is leading the accounting industry during a time of tremendous change.

Erin’s independent voice as the National Taxpayer Advocate continues to stand out as a force in shaping the accounting industry and the American tax system. Reflecting on the recognition, she shared:

“It is an honor to be included on Accounting Today’s Top 100 list. At a time when the accounting and tax landscape is rapidly evolving, the need for integrity, transparency, and practical problem-solving has never been greater.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to advocate for taxpayers and to work alongside so many professionals committed to preserving public trust amid increasing complexity. This recognition strengthens my resolve to listen, collaborate, and champion common-sense improvements that make tax administration work better for everyone.”

Accounting Today spotlights the importance of her advocacy role during a time of great change at the IRS, noting:

“The ’voice of the taxpayer,’ Collins’ role of making sure that the Internal Revenue Service serves the needs and protects the rights of the average citizen is even more important now than ever before, as the agency faces massive staff cuts and major budgetary constraints.”

Accounting Today also includes Erin’s voice on current industry trends and major issues facing the accounting industry.

Addressing what the publication refers to as the “pipeline” problem of attracting young people into the profession, Erin emphasized the importance of preserving public trust “amid rapid transformation” and reaffirmed that integrity must remain a core principle of the profession.

When asked about the most important change she has experienced during her career, Erin provided a robust list of challenges, including:

“The increasing complexity of tax law and regulation; the challenges associated with the annual tax filing season; the growth of global issues (e.g., international tax, transfer pricing, treaties); the rise of digital record-keeping and expectations for automation; and greater public demands for transparency.”

Erin joins a distinguished group of honorees that includes President Donald Trump, and U.S. Treasury Secretary and Acting IRS Commissioner Scott Bessent. The new IRS Chief Executive Officer, Frank Bisignano, was also featured in the “Ones to Watch” section.

Read more about this year’s 100 Most Influential People in Accounting in the December edition of Accounting Today Magazine, online at Accounting Today, or review the list on the PDF version.