Her Story
About Sandra
Sandra Hansen, JD, is a Senior Manager in the State and Local Tax (SALT) practice at BDO USA, bringing more than 25 years of experience in public accounting and tax advisory services. She specializes in state and local taxation with expertise spanning tax consulting, compliance, provision, income and franchise taxation, mergers and acquisitions due diligence, ASC 740, tax controversy, nexus studies, and entity structuring. Throughout her career, she has served clients across numerous industries, including financial services, private equity, manufacturing, real estate, retail, oil and gas, consumer products, banking, and distribution.
Hansen earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from The University of Texas at Austin and a Juris Doctor from William Mitchell College of Law. She is licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia, combining legal knowledge with extensive tax expertise to deliver practical, value-driven solutions for complex state and local tax matters. In addition to her leadership role at BDO, she serves as Chief of Professional Programs for the ALPFA Dallas Chapter, where she supports the professional growth and advancement of Hispanic and Latino business professionals.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Hansen is committed to giving back through her support of animal rescue organizations and higher education opportunities for inner-city minority students. She attributes her success to the strong work ethic instilled by her mother and takes pride in being the first member of her family to graduate from college. Guided by integrity, compassion, and a commitment to delivering exceptional client value, she continues to mentor emerging professionals while helping organizations navigate an evolving tax landscape.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sandra
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the strong work ethic my mother instilled in me from an early age. Coming from humble beginnings and becoming the first person in my family to graduate from college taught me the value of perseverance, dedication, and continually striving to achieve meaningful goals.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the most valuable pieces of advice I have received is to "flex my style." I have learned the importance of understanding both my own personality and the personalities of those around me, adapting my communication and expectations to meet others halfway. This approach fosters stronger relationships, more effective teamwork, and better professional outcomes.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to remain curious, stay flexible, and embrace lifelong learning. The accounting profession is constantly evolving, particularly with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, so adaptability is essential. By welcoming change and continuously developing your skills, you will position yourself for long-term success.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The public accounting profession is experiencing significant change due to private equity investments, organizational restructuring, and shifts across the marketplace. While these developments have created uncertainty and workforce transitions, they have also opened new career opportunities. I believe professionals who embrace change, remain adaptable, and continue expanding their expertise will be well-positioned to succeed in this evolving environment.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Professionally, I believe in delivering meaningful value to my clients by providing exceptional service, building trusted relationships, and distinguishing our work through quality and professionalism. Personally, I strive to always do the right thing by leading with honesty, integrity, and compassion in every aspect of my life.
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