About Tara

Tara Leja is a partner in RSM US LLP’s financial consulting practice, based in Chicago, Illinois. She is one of the national leaders within the finance as a service practice, guiding client service teams that serve as outsourced accounting departments and drive automation, technology optimization and process improvements for organizations. Tara is the national nonprofit sector leader, collaborating across assurance, tax and consulting to deliver comprehensive solutions to nonprofit clients.

Experience

With over 18 years in RSM’s audit practice before joining consulting in 2016, Tara has deep experience serving nonprofit organizations and government entities. Her experience spans budget and forecasting support, enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementations, financial education for nonprofit boards, auditor selection, audit readiness, and advisory work. Tara’s focus on automation, technology optimization and process improvement is central to her approach, and she is recognized for her leadership in the nonprofit sector and her ability to foster strong, long-term client relationships. She is also a mentor and “super collaborator,” passionate about talent development and stewardship within the firm.

Professional affiliations and designations

• American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Illinois CPA Society

Education

• Bachelor of Science, accountancy, Northern Illinois University