Huntsman Business School Alum Dreams Big

Tanya Scott believes no one makes it alone.  She attributes mentors who paved the way and generously shared knowledge and resources for inspiring her successful career of 36 years in accounting and consulting. It all started at Idaho Falls High School where Tanya, a self-described “daughter of a spud farmer,” represented her high school in a state-wide business competition. She won first place in accounting and says it was a foreshadowing of things to come. From that moment, she was hooked. 

Her journey to success was not always linear. In the 1980s, Tanya attended another university but found it too large and impersonal. Searching for a better fit, she took a break from school and worked for a CPA in Idaho Falls who became an important mentor. This experience reinforced her passion for accounting and led her to Utah State University (USU), where she found a close-knit academic environment and thrived as one of four women in the School of Accountancy. 

Tanya credits USU for giving her the foundation to succeed. She recalls rigorous classes and mentors such as Ralph Peck and Cliff Skousen, who went above and beyond to prepare students for their careers. She was also inspired by Larzette Hale, School of Accountancy department head and faculty member, who “made it clear that it didn’t matter what gender you were, you could do big things, and you could do good things.” 

The day of graduation, Tanya took a bold leap, moving to San Diego—without ever visiting before—to follow her dreams. She says she loaded everything she owned in her small car, drove there in a day, took and passed the CPA exam the following days, and started working as an accountant the day after. She joined Hutchinson & Bloodgood in 2001 and became Partner in 2006, becoming only the third female Partner in the firm’s history since its establishment in 1922. 

Tanya emphasizes that accounting is not just about tax preparation but a powerful tool for advising businesses on growth, financial health, and long-term success. For Tanya, accounting is more than just numbers; it’s the language of business. She values collaboration and mentoring colleagues to help them become confident in their abilities to benefit clients.  Hutchinson & Bloodgood has five offices and Tanya mentors 50 to 55 professionals in the San Diego office, which has doubled in size since the pandemic.  

In 2007, Tanya says she had a pivotal “light bulb moment” when she discovered exit planning—helping business owners transition their companies successfully. This consulting aspect allows her to apply decades of knowledge to guide clients in securing their legacies. And legacy is important to Tanya. 

“We all stand on the shoulders of those who lived before; it’s important we’re grateful for those who did the hard things and it’s part of our legacy to step up and do the hard things too so the people who come after us have a chance to stand on our shoulders,” Tanya said. “I think legacy is a really important aspect of what we do in any aspect of our life.” 

Tanya remains committed to USU and the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business. She is helping to carry on the legacy of Larzette Hale by financially supporting the Larzette G. Hale Scholarship. Like Tanya, today’s Huntsman School of Accountancy students can dream big, dare mighty things, and go places they’ve never been.