Rema Serafi Vice Chair – Tax, KPMG US
Rema Serafi
As the world changes, the tax profession needs to change with it. It’s a view that Rema Serafi has clearly embraced.
Rema, who oversees more than 10,000 tax professionals as Vice Chair of Tax at KPMG LLP, recently spearheaded the launch of KPMG Law US, the first Big Four U.S. law firm. KPMG Law US, a wholly owned subsidiary aligned to the firm’s tax practice, leverages KPMG’s global network of lawyers and investments in cutting-edge technologies to meet market demand for process-driven legal services at scale.
That’s not all. Rema helped develop new training programs and modernized the tax function’s approach to learning and development to equip KPMG tax professionals with the skills essential for success in a digital, innovation-driven environment. She is also a champion of alternative pathways to CPA licensure, advocating against the traditional “150-hour rule” as part of her commitment to building a strong pipeline of talent to advance the tax and accounting profession.
When she’s not revolutionizing the tax profession, you can find Rema enjoying the theatre or cheering on her son at his soccer and tennis matches.
Here’s what else Rema had to say.
Where are you now?
I’m in NYC, where I’ve spent three decades building my career at KPMG, raising my family, and staying rooted in a community that means a lot to me.
What’s your job title, and what does it mean?
I’m the Vice Chair of Tax at KPMG, where I lead a team of 10,000+ partners and professionals across all tax disciplines. I also sit on the U.S. Management Committee as well as the Global Tax Steering Committee. I’m responsible for driving sustained, profitable growth for the tax practice and firm as a whole. I do this by championing a client-first mindset, investing in leading artificial intelligence (AI) technology and talent, and helping our people thrive in the evolving and exciting world of tax and accounting.
Tax, law, and accounting are such broad topics. What’s your area of special interest?
I’m always thinking about the intersection of tax and technology. In particular, how we can leverage data and analytics, AI, and digital platforms to reimagine tax as a strategic driver of innovation and growth. I also believe building a future-ready workforce is key to unlocking the tax function’s full potential.
What’s the first thing you typically do while at work?
I spend the first part of my morning scanning the news for market developments and business announcements – anything that might impact our clients. Usually with an iced Americano in hand.
If you had an extra couple of hours open up in your day—outside of work—what would you do?
I love taking advantage of everything happening in NYC with friends and family, whether we’re attending a Broadway show, hearing live music, or seeing a new exhibit in town. Depending on the season, I try to get to as many of my son’s soccer games and tennis matches as possible.
What’s one tool or resource that you couldn’t live without at work?
KPMG Digital Gateway. It’s our firm’s proprietary technology platform, embedded with generative AI. The platform’s AI-powered assistant allows me – and our clients – to “talk” to data in plain English, model and scenario plan for different outcomes, and run the business more efficiently. It’s changed how I work, how I lead, and how I help our teams and clients navigate disruption with clarity and speed.
If you weren’t working in the tax profession, what would your dream job be?
I caught the theater bug at a young age, thanks to parents who often took us to shows both on and off-Broadway. I’ve been hooked on live theater ever since. If I had a sliver of talent (spoiler: I don’t), I would be on stage in a heartbeat.
What’s the best tax or financial advice that anyone ever gave you?
Don’t spend it all at once! Save for a rainy day.
What books or magazines are on your nightstand?
There’s always a stack of New Yorkers sitting on my nightstand, plus the latest book my sister recommended. And when I’m not reading, I’m listening to business podcasts and anything comedy or music related.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career?
My mom has been a huge influence on my career. Balancing motherhood and a demanding career as a pediatrician, she exemplified dedication, purpose and grace. Her work ethic, positive attitude, and passion about her profession – even during difficult moments – inspired everyone around her. And she matched that kindness with a very high standard of care for her patients and staff.
What would I be surprised to know about you?
I’m a first-generation American. My parents immigrated from Syria, and Arabic was my first language. Watching them build a new life while preserving their values taught me adaptability and a deep sense of empathy for cultural differences. That perspective has been invaluable in leading diverse teams and serving clients globally.
If you had the opportunity to make one change in the tax code tomorrow—an extra credit, a disallowed deduction, whatever—what would it be and why?
If I could wave a magic wand, I’d simplify the tax code across the board. But if I had to choose one change, I’d start with demystifying the notoriously complex corporate alternative minimum tax (CAMT) regulations.
What was the best tax conference, continuing education (CE), or continuing legal education (CLE) event that you ever attended?
I’m biased, but KPMG’s U.S. Cross-Border Tax Conference stands out. It brings together hundreds of C-suite clients to discuss the real opportunities and challenges they’re facing. The candid conversations I have with these leaders each year offer invaluable insights you can’t get anywhere else.
What has been the biggest change that you’ve seen in the tax profession in the last five years?
The rise of generative AI and the growing importance of technology-related skillsets. Since 2021, there has been a 12-point increase in the preference for hiring individuals with strong technology skills, over traditional tax specialists (source: Tax Reimagined 2024). This trend shows that the C-suite increasingly values tech fluency. While tax expertise is still paramount, it’s also important to build foundational literacy in AI and data.
What are you most concerned about or excited about with respect to the profession moving forward?
I’m excited because we’re living through the reinvention of the profession. Tax professionals today are doing more than compliance – they’re helping businesses turn data into smarter decisions. Our entry-level colleagues are also digital natives, ready to embrace these changes. It’s not about replacing expertise but amplifying it in ways we never imagined.
If Uncle Sam handed you a huge refund check right now, what would you do with it?
I’d give it to the St. Jude’s Foundation. They do excellent work supporting children and families navigating a lot of health-related hardships, and my husband and I are deeply passionate about their mission.
You can find Rema at KPMG. She can also be found on LinkedIn.
This article is part of our Getting To Know You Tuesday series—a chance to get to know all kinds of tax professionals and understand that the field of tax is bigger than April 15. If you’d like to nominate tax professional to be featured, send your suggestion to kerb@forbes.com with the subject: Getting To Know You Tuesday.
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