Chuck O’Toole – 2014 40 Under 40 Honoree

In what ways have you contributed to your firm/company to make it a better place?

Tax Analysts was already a pretty great place when I got here, and I feel lucky to work with such a talented and dedicated team. As an editor, I’ve tried to bridge the gap of understanding between our reporters who come from law and accounting backgrounds and those who have journalistic experience. The strength of our product comes from combining technical expertise with news judgment and clear writing, and that depends on getting people with very different perspectives to work well together.

How do you see yourself participating in shaping the future of the accounting profession?

I plan to help Tax Analysts keep doing what we always strive to do, which is to bring the accounting world the most comprehensive, in-depth coverage of tax news developments available anywhere. Tax reform may sometimes seem like a far-off pipe dream, but it’s coming. When it does, CPAs will need accurate reporting to help them navigate the changes. Our mission is to provide that

What is your career philosophy?

Cover the news with integrity and honesty; look for the best in and from the people you work with.

Describe one person who has been an important mentor to you and how that person helped change your life.

Stephan Garnett, my first journalism professor at Northwestern. Steve’s had a broad and varied career, and he gave me the first inkling of the many paths I could follow as a reporter. He also encouraged me to push outside my comfort zone, which is certainly where tax fell when I first took it on. Overall, his enthusiasm for good, careful reporting has given me a model I try to live up to in my work.

 

Read more about this year’s 40 Under 40.