A native of Cameroon, Pouga Tinhaga’s first trip to the United States was in 2009. Speaking little English, he immediately began language studies at Wayne State University’s English Language Institute and went on to earn his LL.M. in corporate and finance law in 2010 from Wayne State University Law School.
Pouga Tinhaga started his career in the New York City office of Ernst & Young in 2013 and joined Gide Loyrette Nouel in 2016. He recently returned to Ernst & Young as a partner in its national tax group, where he specializes in the U.S. tax aspects of cross-border transactions. Pouga Tinhaga is a published author and often speaks internationally on issues of law, development and tax policy.
A native of Cameroon, Pouga Tinhaga’s first trip to the United States was in 2009. Speaking little English, he immediately began language studies at Wayne State University’s English Language Institute and went on to earn his LL.M. in corporate and finance law in 2010 from Wayne State University Law School.
Pouga Tinhaga started his career in the New York City office of Ernst & Young in 2013 and joined Gide Loyrette Nouel in 2016. He recently returned to Ernst & Young as a partner in its national tax group, where he specializes in the U.S. tax aspects of cross-border transactions. Pouga Tinhaga is a published author and often speaks internationally on issues of law, development and tax policy.
He’s on the clock 24/7, with a schedule that demands frequent international travel to assist his clients. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has upended Pouga Tinhaga’s normal activity; these days, he is virtually advising clients.
In addition to his LL.M. from Wayne Law, Pouga Tinhaga holds a doctorate (S.J.D.) and an LL.M. in international tax from the University of Michigan Law School, and an LL.B. and master’s from the University of Douala in Cameroon. He’s fluent in English, French, Spanish and various African dialects, which is extremely useful in his line of work.
Pouga Tinhaga believes the best part of his job is the intellectual stimulation it provides.
“Tax laws are generally complicated enough in one country,” he said. “The idea of dealing with several taxing jurisdictions requires unique capacities, which I find very exciting. Collaborating with fellow lawyers around the globe to solve some of the most complex issues for our clients provides for an opportunity to always be learning — not only from a technical standpoint, but also from a cultural and interrelation perspective.”
Last year, Pouga Tinhaga’s dedication, achievements and ambitions as an attorney were recognized with two prestigious national awards. He was honored as one of the American Bar Association’s “On the Rise – Top 40 Young Lawyers,” and was ranked in the “40 Under 40: Nation’s Best Advocates” by the National Bar Association.
Pouga Tinhaga’s practice and commitment to the field also transcends overseas. In 2018, he began working with the African Union (AU) as an international tax expert. In this role, he works with the New Partnership for Africa’s Development to build capacity on international tax issues across the continent. Pouga Tinhaga’s main goal is to equip African governments with necessary expertise and to update country-specific tax policies as a means for attracting investments.
“Practicing international tax law has taught me the value of flexibility and to think outside the box,” he said.
Pouga Tinhaga is reminded daily that awareness and respect of different cultures can go a long way in building strong transnational professional relationships. And as a lifelong learner, he understands the value of education and the power it holds in today’s world.
In 2011, Pouga Tinhaga and his wife Katie Pouga Tinhaga founded Excellence Plus Foundation, an organization supporting impoverished African children in their dreams to transform themselves and their communities through education. The foundation was formally established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2017.
“About five years ago, one of the main schools the foundation supported had a total of 14 students and an abysmal 31% passing rate,” he said. “With the foundation’s involvement and support, the school ended 2020 with about 60 students and an astonishing 94% passing rate.”
To date, Excellence Plus Foundation has extended over 500 student scholarships and sponsored more than five teachers. It’s also built a library, which it fully supports with librarians and a community reading center to help the community at large with basic reading and writing skills.
“Looking ahead, the foundation hopes to continue providing the life-changing gift of education to many more, while also helping with clean water for health and solar panels for energy,” Pouga Tinhaga said.
Through all of his endeavors, one thing is constant: He gives the world his best, and he’s always willing to put in the extra effort — especially if it means helping someone in the process.
“One thing I always say is, ‘There are no shortcuts,’” said Pouga Tinhaga. “Don’t look for shortcuts; be willing to do the work, and get ready to put in the work.”
