Kayleah Garner, CPA

Tax Resource Manager

  • What path led you to wealth management?

I always knew I was going to be an accountant but never knew what area or type of business I wanted to work in. I stumbled into the world of tax in 2014 and haven’t looked back. Working in a firm that focuses on wealth management allows me to work closely with people, real people, dealing with real problems, helping them find real solutions through better tax planning.

  • Why did you join TFO Phoenix?

When I moved back to Phoenix after living in Oregon for five years, I was looking for an organization that prioritized their clients and had a culture of passion. I enjoy the work I do, and want to be surrounded by people that love what they do as much as I do. I found that at TFO Phoenix.

  • What most excites you about your work?

I really enjoy solving problems and trying to think outside the box. Tax code can seem pretty cut and dried to most, the rules are the rules. Learning to apply those rules and put them into context allows us to strategize and plan with our clients in order to maximize the potential benefits of each transaction. This is the interesting part of tax work, and also why having a tax advisor as part of the financial team can be extremely valuable.

  • What do you enjoy most about your role at TFO Phoenix?

I enjoy learning new things, and expanding my knowledge. In my previous firms, I only saw transactions after the fact. Clients would only consult me during tax time, often times missing opportunities that they weren’t aware of. At TFO I am part of a financial planning team, allowing me to see a transaction from start to finish giving me the opportunity to dig deeper and potentially deliver better tax solutions to our clients.

  • Education and accreditations

Certified Public Accountant
IRS Enrolled Agent
Masters in Accounting and Financial Management: Keller Graduate School of Management

  • What do you like to do outside of work? What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend?

I enjoy going on adventures and experiencing as much as I can in life. My husband and I have recently taken up rock climbing and are working towards our skydiving A-licenses. In addition, we enjoy traveling and look forward to someday being able to say we’ve seen the world.

  • What are some of your biggest influences?

My biggest influences are my parents and husband. They are always pushing me to be better, believe in myself and work hard to reach my goals.

  • What are the most important lessons you’ve learned in life?

Take risks, believe in yourself, and always be striving to move forward.