When Bethany Mesko enrolled as an undergraduate at Wayne State University, her declared major was mechanical engineering. “I was strong in math and science, so my rationale was that engineering would be a good pick,” she says.
However, her experience in an introductory accounting class changed her trajectory. “I had a great professor with a passion for the subject,” Mesko says. “She explained concepts very well, and when I scored over 100 percent on the first test, she suggested that I think about an accounting major. Her encouragement, as well my friendships with others in the university’s business school, convinced me that accounting was the route for me.”
At the end of her undergraduate studies, Mesko accepted an internship in tax and thrived. “Generally, kids don’t say, ‘I want to be an accountant when I grow up,’ but early on, I might have had a bit of clue that this could be my path. As a working teenager, I liked doing my taxes—filling out the 1040EZ!” she says.
From Public to In-House Tax
Today, Mesko is the senior manager of indirect tax at Frontier Airlines. But the road to Frontier started with a years-long voyage through public and in-house accounting. “I started with Deloitte and was in another industry job for several years. The experience provided me with a broad-based understanding of federal, state, and local taxes—first in income and franchise taxes, and later sales and use taxes, as well. I feel it really set me up well,” she says.. I feel it really set me up well,” she says.
During this period, Mesko also completed her master’s degree in taxation at the University of Denver. She turned her sights on public accounting for the next few years and, prior to joining Frontier, worked for Angie’s List/HomeAdvisor (now Angi). “I made a major industry shift from tech to an airline. I’m on a big learning curve right now of a new industry and new tax types, but part of what was exciting to me was to stay in what I really enjoy, which is indirect tax, and yet have the opportunity to learn something new. The combination of having multiple industry jobs and public accounting jobs has been advantageous in understanding both sides and what each deals with in terms of their goals, their frustrations, and their challenges. When I’m talking to someone on the other side of the table, I know where they’re coming from,” she says.
Embracing TEI
Mesko became a member of TEI during her first industry job. “The tax director was heavily involved in the Denver Chapter and its leadership, and TEI provided continuing education for our department. But beyond that, I appreciated the camaraderie and networking opportunities, especially in Denver where the tax world is only so big,” she says.
She adds, “I was out of TEI for a couple of years when I took a job in public accounting, but as soon as I rejoined an in-house tax department, I was back.”
Shortly after rejoining TEI, Mesko volunteered to be an officer. “I benefited so much from TEI and decided I was ready to step up for the chapter,” she says. She just completed her term as president of the Denver Chapter. In the past she has served as chapter treasurer and vice president. She feels her leadership style is simple, flexible, and direct. “TEI officers and board members are all volunteer positions over and above people’s full-time jobs. I respect there is a sacrifice being made, and I try to keep everything as simple as possible while keeping the chapter running smoothly,” she says.
Mesko is excited about her role in getting the chapter back to hosting in-person events. “As everybody knows, those couple of years of COVID were hugely challenging. I’m grateful for the hard work of the officers and board members involved in the logistics, such as event planning, budgeting, and connecting with members, which enabled us to get together in person regularly again.”
She’s also looking for ways to recruit new and younger professionals from within the in-house tax community through initiatives such as offering a complimentary first-season pass to Denver Chapter events when someone becomes a TEI member “In the end, I’m trying to not only build membership but ensure that we can pass the leadership torch to the younger generation.”
Reflections on a Balanced Life
Working in both public and in-house tax has taught Mesko something about work-life balance. “I was working forty hours a week for the vast majority of my career as an in-house tax professional, whereas in my first public role, the workload required eighty hours a week for about four months out of the year. Of course, there are trade-offs and strengths and weaknesses on both sides, depending on one’s perspective,” she says.
For now, she’s found that working in-house allows her more time and energy for engagement outside of work, while still allowing her to embrace her job and its challenges. “In this season of my life, I’m caring for my mom, who has lived with me for several years,” she says. “I have a great church community, love to spend time with those close to me, and catch my favorite teams playing football and basketball. I’m also fortunate to live in Denver, surrounded by the beauty of the Rocky Mountain region.”
