Rodney Metzger is a highly accomplished and results-driven tax executive whose career spans more than four decades of leadership in tax compliance, planning, and process improvement across a diverse range of industries. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Rodney has consistently helped organizations strengthen their tax functions, reduce liabilities, and implement sustainable strategies for growth and efficiency. Now retired from full-time corporate work, Rodney offers his exceptional expertise on a part-time or seasonal basis, bringing invaluable knowledge and leadership to companies in need of an experienced tax strategist.
Rodney’s professional journey reflects an exceptional breadth of experience, beginning with early roles at prestigious CPA firms like Ernst & Whinney and Broder, Feinberg & Sukenic, and advancing to senior leadership positions at Fortune 500 companies. His career highlights include serving as Tax Director at leading organizations such as La-Z-Boy Incorporated, Tower International, Tecumseh Products Company, and Libbey Glass Inc., where he not only oversaw complex domestic and international tax matters but also trained and developed teams, improved systems, and championed corporate governance and compliance initiatives. At Libbey Glass, Rodney supervised all domestic tax matters while spearheading improvements in deferred tax balance computations, greatly enhancing audit transparency and accuracy.
A natural problem-solver and innovator, Rodney has a proven record of analyzing operations to drive impactful change. His ability to streamline processes led to a strategic staff reduction early in his tenure at one company, decreasing headcount without the need for overtime, and boosting departmental efficiency. He also orchestrated a major tax-free cash transfer of over $10 million from a foreign subsidiary to address urgent liquidity needs—demonstrating not only technical tax expertise but also keen business acumen. Rodney’s leadership further shines in his successful efforts to select and implement tax preparation software across decentralized operations, significantly cutting both preparation time and external consulting fees.
Rodney’s expertise extends across multiple technical domains, including financial reporting, acquisitions and dispositions, cash management, government relations, and information technology applications within tax environments. His knowledge is not just technical; he excels in oral and written communications, empowering him to bridge complex tax concepts with broader business strategies in an accessible and actionable manner. As a mentor and trainer, Rodney has cultivated the capabilities of accounting professionals worldwide, improving interdepartmental collaboration and ensuring the delivery of error-free tax compliance packages.
Educationally grounded with a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Michigan and a Master of Science in Taxation from Walsh College, Rodney’s academic achievements underpin his practical success. His professional affiliations with the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and his leadership as a former President and National Representative of the Detroit Chapter of the Tax Executives Institute reflect his deep commitment to the advancement of the profession.
Today, Rodney continues to seek opportunities where he can lend his seasoned insight to organizations requiring temporary or part-time tax leadership. With a passion for solving complex problems, a history of delivering measurable results, and a personal dedication to mentoring others, Rodney Metzger remains a distinguished and invaluable resource in the world of tax management.
Character
Rodney Metzger is a trusted and results-driven tax executive known for his unwavering integrity, commitment to excellence, and ability to lead teams through change with professionalism and care, consistently delivering impactful solutions across a wide range of industries.
Knowledge
With over four decades of experience and advanced academic training in taxation and business administration, Rodney Metzger possesses deep technical expertise in domestic and international tax matters, financial reporting, compliance, and process improvement.
Strategic
Rodney Metzger has demonstrated exceptional strategic leadership by streamlining tax operations, optimizing corporate structures for significant tax savings, and implementing transformative technologies that enhanced operational efficiency and reduced costs.
Communication
An articulate and collaborative professional, Rodney Metzger bridges complex tax concepts and business objectives with clarity and effectiveness, empowering cross-functional teams and fostering strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external auditors.
