In the highly specialized world of tax recruiting, experience matters. Companies searching for top tax professionals often need more than a recruiter—they need an advisor who understands the complexities of tax departments, evolving regulations, and the unique skill sets required for today’s tax leaders.
Few professionals bring that level of expertise to the table like Robyn Steward, J.D., Founding Member and Partner at UNITY Executive Tax.
With nearly two decades dedicated exclusively to tax recruiting—and a background as a Big Four tax professional at Ernst & Young—Robyn has established herself as one of the most trusted names in executive tax recruiting.
Her unique blend of technical tax expertise, legal training, and recruiting success allows her to bridge the gap between organizations seeking top-tier tax talent and the professionals who can drive those teams forward.
From Big Four Tax Professional to Industry-Leading Recruiter
Robyn Steward’s career began in the world of public accounting at Ernst & Young, one of the Big Four accounting firms. As a Tax Manager in the Dallas Real Estate practice, she worked directly with complex tax matters and sophisticated client organizations.
This hands-on experience provided Robyn with a deep understanding of:
- Corporate tax structures
- Multi-tier Partnership taxation
- Tax Provision processes
- The strategic role tax departments play inside organizations
While working at Ernst & Young, Robyn was also actively involved in campus recruiting, including serving as the Tax Recruiting Coordinator for Baylor University. That experience sparked a passion for identifying talent and helping professionals navigate their careers.
Eventually, she transitioned from practicing tax to helping shape the future of the profession through recruiting.
A Proven Track Record in Tax Recruiting
After moving into the recruiting industry, Robyn quickly distinguished herself as one of the top performers in the country.
At a large recruiting firm, she achieved remarkable success:
- Rookie of the Year
- #1 Producer in the Nation — every year
Her rapid rise reflected not only strong business development skills but also her ability to connect deeply with both clients and candidates.
Unlike many recruiters, Robyn understands tax from the inside. She speaks the language of tax professionals and knows the difference between the many technical specialties that exist within the field.
That expertise allows her to identify the right match for organizations and candidates alike.
Founding Partner at UNITY Executive Tax
Today, Robyn serves as a Founding Member and Partner at UNITY Search and UNITY Executive Tax, where she oversees the firm’s Retained and Contingency Tax Recruiting teams.
Her role includes:
- Practice development
- Client relationship management
- Candidate recruiting and executive search
Through UNITY, Robyn works with companies across a wide range of industries—from emerging companies to Fortune 500 organizations—to help build world-class tax teams.
Her recruiting work spans numerous tax disciplines, including:
- Corporate tax
- Partnership tax
- Tax provision
- International tax
- High Net Worth Individual tax
- State income and franchise tax
This breadth of experience gives Robyn the ability to understand the nuances of each tax department and the unique technical backgrounds required for each role.
Why Tax Recruiting Requires Specialized Expertise
Tax recruiting is unlike most areas of professional hiring.
The technical complexity of tax work means companies must evaluate candidates not only for leadership ability and culture fit, but also for very specific technical experience.
For example, a candidate with deep expertise in tax provision may not have the same background needed for international tax planning or partnership taxation.
Robyn’s background as both a tax professional and recruiter enables her to evaluate these differences quickly and accurately.
That perspective allows her to serve as a strategic partner to organizations that need to hire tax professionals who can immediately contribute and lead.
Building Long-Term Relationships with Tax Leaders
Over the course of her career, Robyn has developed long-standing relationships with tax professionals across the country.
Many of the executives she works with today were once candidates she helped place earlier in their careers.
Those relationships are built on trust, industry knowledge, and a shared understanding of the evolving tax landscape.
For companies navigating growth, regulatory change, or leadership transitions, Robyn is often one of the first calls when it’s time to build or strengthen a tax team.
Academic Foundation in Accounting, Law, and Tax
Robyn’s professional expertise is supported by a strong academic background.
She earned her Accounting degree from The University of Texas at Austin, one of the nation’s leading accounting programs.
She later earned both a Juris Doctor (J.D.) and MBA with an emphasis in Tax from Texas Tech University, further deepening her understanding of the legal and business frameworks surrounding tax strategy.
This multidisciplinary education provides Robyn with a rare perspective on the intersection of law, accounting, and corporate tax leadership.
Life Outside the Office
Outside of her professional work, Robyn enjoys spending time with her family. She and her husband Jason have two children, Riley and Reese.
She’s also a dedicated Texas Longhorn football fan, enjoys family vacations, and loves spending time with their rescue dogs.
A Trusted Partner for Tax Talent
As the demand for experienced tax professionals continues to grow, organizations need recruiters who understand the technical and strategic importance of tax leadership.
With her combination of Big Four experience, legal training, and nearly two decades in tax recruiting, Robyn Steward has become a trusted partner for companies looking to build exceptional tax teams.
Through her work at UNITY Executive Tax, she continues to help shape the future of tax leadership by connecting organizations with the professionals who can help them thrive.
About UNITY Executive Tax
UNITY Executive Tax is a specialized executive recruiting firm focused on connecting organizations with high-level tax professionals across the U.S. Made up of former tax professionals, this boutique firm with national resources takes a unique consultative approach to searches. With deep industry expertise and a relationship-driven approach, UNITY Executive Tax partners with companies nationwide to build high-performing teams.
