James Alex is the national go-to-market leader for RSM’s tax practice in the United States and Canada. He also leads U.S. tax policy out of the Washington, D.C., office.
James Alex is the national go-to-market leader for RSM’s tax practice in the United States and Canada. He also leads U.S. tax policy out of the Washington, D.C., office.
An attorney by background, with two master of laws degrees in taxation and financial regulation, James is responsible for developing and executing RSM’s go-to-market strategy for the tax practice. He uses his extensive education and experience to help clients navigate tax rules and regulations. By staying informed on public tax policy considerations, James is able to determine the best insights and services to bring to clients to help them evaluate and prepare for emerging laws and regulations. He has a deep understanding of SEC, Treasury and IRS processes and policy considerations that enables him to better advise professionals across the firm as RSM focuses on being the unquestioned first-choice advisor to the middle market globally.
James joined RSM in 2019 from the U.S. Department of Treasury where he worked on tax reform implementation alongside the assistant secretary of the United States for tax policy. In December 2019, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Award from the U.S. Treasury Department for his service and leadership during tax reform implementation.
Prior to joining the Treasury Department, he was a member and tax partner for twenty years with a Big Four firm. He joined public accounting from his role as Deputy Cabinet Secretary of the Department of Tax and Revenue for West Virginia, and former state assistant attorney general where he argued cases in front of the state supreme court and other courts and tribunals. As Deputy Cabinet Secretary he advised top policymakers including the governor on tax policy and legal matters. His knowledge and experience in the public sector help him understand current and future tax policy considerations as decisions are made.
A thoughtful leader, James has the goal of helping those in the RSM tax practice succeed in making a difference for clients. He helps facilitate the process of bringing insights and services to tax professionals as they understand and address client needs. Being a leader for James goes beyond his technical knowledge and is more about providing opportunities for the next generation of RSM talent to grow their professional skills.
James has held many distinguished roles within the government sector and public accounting arena. He enjoys sharing with people at cocktail parties that he once served as acting alcohol beverage control commissioner for the state of West Virginia. Married and the father of two, James appreciates the diversity of work and opportunity that RSM provides.
