During his undergraduate years at the University of Arizona (UA), Aaron Fathe’s focus wasn’t on tax accounting but on chemistry and computer science. “I was completing my bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies, with a plan of study that included quantitative analysis, computer programming, algorithm analysis, and best practices of software design,” he says.
Part of his experience included work as an undergraduate research assistant in molecular biology and physical chemistry—and as a master tutor helping students with business math. “I soon realized that I was interested in financial math, even as I was not ready to incorporate the coursework into my degree,” he recalls. “However, when I saw how financial analysts predicted the 2008 financial crisis, calling out the fraudulent balance sheets of banks, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac, I knew accounting was something that I needed to pursue.”
After graduation from UA, Fathe moved back to his hometown of Phoenix, enrolled in an accounting course at Maricopa Community Colleges, and eventually earned a master’s degree in taxation at Arizona State University.
Introduction to Tax and TEI
In 2015, Fathe joined RSM US as lead tax associate and, two years later, assumed the role of manager of tax for Sprouts Farmers Market, the national supermarket chain. “RSM definitely prepared me for an in-house position,” he says. “I was working on big consolidated returns and multistate partnerships.” He credits his in-house role with Sprouts for introducing him to TEI. “At Sprouts, I was working with seasoned professionals, including current Arizona Chapter leaders Rajat Wadhera and Linda Lambson, who took me to my first meeting in 2017—and I’ve been involved ever since,” he says.
Today, Fathe is the tax and compliance manager for Atlas Healthcare Partners—and president of the Arizona Chapter of TEI. As chapter president, Fathe explains that his job is to keep things moving and on track. “We have extraordinary people on our executive board who work hard toward our goal of high-quality and continuing professional education for our members,” he says. “I think we’re doing a fantastic job on that.”
His commitment to helping others learn is intrinsic to his experience as an educator. “I was a tutor for a while and was good with that. But what about teaching a group? One-on-one is one thing, but if you could do one-to-many, you can be more effective in disseminating your ideas,” he says.
For a number of years, Fathe was also an adjunct professor at Paradise Valley Community College in Phoenix. “Initially, I was just teaching a summer math group for high school students but went back to teaching financial accounting and fundamental financial analysis,” he says. “And that’s important, because teaching something helps you solidify the basic ‘blocking and tackling’ concepts. And now that community colleges are offering four-year degrees, it’s good to see students interested in accounting lining up, because we need them. And we know we have to help our members to stay up-to-date on their professional education so they can excel in their careers.”
Fathe adds that, beyond learning, it’s vital to offer opportunities for TEI members to get to know one other. “We’re really excited about our new membership chair, Tara Leipart from Circle K, and happy to have her on board,” he says. “We have a dinner for the chief tax officers in Arizona and, post-COVID, we’ve had a couple of mixers. But now, with Tara’s help, we want to explore affordable events that we know our members will appreciate, such as an outing at Topgolf.”
Life Beyond Work
Fathe emphasizes that his greatest commitment is to his children. “I’m a single dad with primary custody and spend a lot of time with my kids,” he says. “I love hanging out with them, taking them to play with their friends, going to birthday and holiday parties, and socializing with other parents.”
During his college years, Fathe was a member of the UA marching band, the Pride of Arizona. “That was a long time ago, but I learned some skills that I feel I can pass on,” he says. “For example, that experience helped me in getting my kids involved in the arts. My daughter experimented with playing the violin but realized that she truly enjoyed chorus and theater. And the discipline required for the arts has helped them channel into other activities, like tae kwon do.”
He also appreciates the chance to raise his children in the Phoenix area. “It’s where I grew up. My kids go to the same elementary school I went to,” he says. “I didn’t get an opportunity to grow up near my grandparents, so I’m happy that my kids do. And the region remains a great place to explore. Phoenix has good nightlife, but you can also head up north to Cave Creek or you can go to Old Town Scottsdale. It’s really nice and safe.”
Fathe also has recently taken up photography, sharing his work on Instagram. He also likes listening to audiobooks, especially those about ever-changing approaches to management and continuing education.
