Sona B Akmakjian, CPA

Enigma
DISC Type : Cdi

Global Head of Strategic Accounting Partnerships at Avalara

United States

Overview

As Avalaras Global Head of Strategic Accountant Partnerships, Sona Akmakjian is a CPA with over 35 years of expertise in transactional tax and automation. She is dedicated to driving industry innovation by developing strategic initiatives that empower accounting firms with scalable, globally relevant solutions. She is a graduate of the USC Marshall School of Business.

While her public profile is professionally focused, she actively shares industry news and company updates, demonstrating a commitment to keeping her network informed. Sona also publicly celebrates her professional connections, indicating she values building strong, collaborative relationships within her field.

A multi-year award winner, Sona was named a CRN Channel Chief for 2023 and has been recognized as one of CRNs Women of the Channel for 2023, 2024, and 2025.

Personality Overview

Persuasive & Assertive

Challenger

Friendly Yet Blunt

They are generally strong communicators and are not easy to convince.  They are likely to ask many questions and look heavily for supporting proof as well as information. They can sound friendly and charming but can quickly change gears to become inquisitive and probing

Topics They Care About

Accountant Partnerships
Leads global partnerships at Avalara, focusing on creating high-value, mutually beneficial relationships with accounting firms of all sizes to enhance their client service capabilities.
Tax Automation
Leverages over 35 years of expertise to advocate for digital transformation and the adoption of scalable tax automation solutions within the accounting profession.
Global Compliance
Focuses on helping partners navigate complex global compliance issues, including VAT updates, cross-border tax, and e-invoicing mandates.

Media Appearances

Avalara's Insights for Accountants with Sona Akmakjian. Featured in YouTube

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CRN Recognizes Five Avalara Leaders on 2023 Women of the Channel List. Featured in Avalara Newsroom

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GROW WITH AVALARA FOR ACCOUNTANTS. Featured in CPA Academy

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Work History

6-2020
Global Head of Strategic Accounting Partnerships at Avalara
9-2013 - 5-2020
Senior Director Strategic Business Development and Alliances at DMA - DuCharme, McMillen & Associates, Inc.
3-2012 - 4-2013
Vice President of Client Services at Sovos (Previously a division of ADP)
5-2007 - 3-2012
Senior Director of Partner Implementation at ADP (Taxware)
12-2005 - 5-2007
Director of Training and Education at ADP (Taxware)

Education

1988 - 1992
BS from USC Marshall School of Business

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 27 Location : United States Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Global Head of Strategic Accounting Partnerships at Avalara
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Insights For Selling To Sona B

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Help them realize that any personal risk in making this decision is far less compared to what the results could mean for them
  • Be prepared for a mix of questions and inquisitiveness, answer them in the tone in which they have been asked
  • Use a combination of data as well as stories for your pitch, a ppt might not be necessary

DONT's

  • Don’t be too objective but make sure to pad your storytelling with data points
  • Don’t try to rush them into a decision, provide all necessary information first
  • Avoid making offhand commitments, understand the root of their concerns first

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Sona B is

  • Proven value, strong objective evidence are important for them, rapport can impact decisions a little.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Sona B

  • They are practical and friendly, but can give a clear response with a little prodding

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Sona B move?

  • They like to be detailed, so unless they develop strong conviction, they can take their time to arrive at decisions
  • Can Sona B take some risk or not?

  • They evaluate their decisions systematically and do not take risks that often, unless you can get them to develop strong conviction

You And Sona B

Personality Compatibility


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