Have dog, will travel

Adrienne Lindquist always knew she wanted to work abroad.

“When I started at Baker Tilly, I quickly became aware of some fellow auditors on assignment outside the U.S. on secondment. When I saw an opportunity at the U.S. Tax Desk in Munich, Germany, I reached out immediately because I knew it would be a great step in my career and a positive life-changing experience.

Adrienne’s dream came true, and, in May 2021, she and her husband, Ross, sold their house in Minneapolis and moved (with their black lab, Reggie) to Munich for a two-year assignment with Baker Tilly Germany’s U.S. Tax Desk.

The secondment experience

As a U.S. secondee in Munich, 50% of Adrienne’s work is with the German firm and 50% is with her U.S.-based office in Minneapolis. The role is unique in that the secondee is still able to connect with their home team and clients, while also learning about various international tax topics including extensive tax treaty analysis with the German team.

“I enjoy the variety of projects I have been working on,” Adrienne said. “Not only am I able to stay connected with my clients back home, but I’ve had many research, networking and presentation opportunities with the U.S. Tax Desk. In May, I am presenting at the U.S. Embassy in Berlin and meeting with potential clients in connection with international tax issues.”

“The secondment opportunity supports our purpose to unleash and amplify talent,” said Partner Robena Jafari, specialty tax practice leader. “I applaud how Adrienne took this chance to learn and gain international tax perspective.”

In her role as a secondee, Adrienne is a resource for both Baker Tilly US and our German firm and serves as a liaison of expertise for both teams.

Of course, there are challenges when working across different time zones. “I have been continuing to navigate best practices to be available for both my U.S. and German-based clients, while also finding time to disconnect. One thing that is always key is communication,” she said.