Making it in Big Sky: Elevated Tax & Accounting

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by Lindsey Francy May 30, 2023 News
Making it in Big Sky: Elevated Tax & Accounting

Content production director.

Emilee Rutz and her family settled in Big Sky after a few back-and-forths in 2016 and have enjoyed the outdoor activities it has to offer. In order to have control over her work life balance, Rutz and her business partner started Elevated in 2016 to fill the need for tax and accounting services in Big Sky.

In this issue of Making it in Big Sky, Explore Big Sky sat down with Rutz to talk about Elevated, her family and the joy of building her life in Big Sky.

The series is part of a partnership. The answers have been changed.

When did you arrive in Big Sky and what brought you here?

Emilee Rutz is a person. In 2008 I attended Montana State University and met my husband, Adam. In 2012 I received a bachelor's degree in neuroscience. Adam and I married at Big Sky Resort in 2012 and then we moved back to Rapid City, where I graduated with a degree in Accounting. We relocated to Big Sky in 2016 after moving back to Bozeman. Since moving to Big Sky, we've had two amazing girls. We enjoy all of the outdoor adventures Big Sky has to offer.

Tell me about the history of elevated tax and accounting. It came to be when? There was a need in the community.

We wanted to change our work life balance so Elevated Tax and Accounting came to be. There was a chance to provide a higher level of client service and room for improvement in the typical accounting firm structure when we met at a firm in Bozeman. We stepped away from sitting in a desk from 8 to 5 every day and streamlined what we felt were outdated methods of client communication. We wanted to get our work done and then have a good time. In 2016 elevated tax and accounting was started. There was a need for accountants in the area. Big Sky is not the only place with a shortage of accountants.

The community has grown and changed over time.

Over the years, we have changed a lot. The majority of our clients are small businesses in the county.

Tell me about your services.

Tax planning and controller services are offered by ER.

What is your team's size?

There are three people in this picture. Susana works for us in Florida.

What is it about working in Big Sky that makes it great?

There is a small community in Big Sky. We built our life here and continue to work hard to give our girls the opportunity to grow up in Big Sky.

What is the best advice you have received?

You are replaceable at work but not at home. It's important to make sure you have a life outside of work.

Do you want anything else added?

ER would like to thank the Big Sky community businesses for making Elevated Tax and Accounting what it is today.