Tax professionals, especially during tax season, are extremely busy, with long hours from early morning to late night, seven days a week. They often work in an office, and client communication is constant through phone calls, emails, and apps- making it a fast-paced job.
Exciting Parts of the Job
Helping clients navigate complex tax laws that can have a significant impact on their financial well-being
Building strong, personal relationships with clients and becoming a part of their lives
Getting to know your clients’ progress throughout the year and ensuring trust
Challenging Parts of the Job
Setting fees competitively is challenging, as many individuals are offering lower prices
Convincing clients of the value of professional services, which include various protections and adherence to ethical standards
Dealing with tight deadlines, especially during the tax season
Education requirements:
Becoming a tax professional typically requires basic training in individual tax returns, followed by advanced courses and certifications for handling more complex tax situations (see “How to Become a Tax Preparer” below).
This is perfect for you if:
You enjoy organizing information
You are good at advising others in business and legal contexts
You have a background in taxes or accounting
You have great attention to detail
If that sounds like you, definitely watch our interview with Sara Navarro to learn more about being a tax professional here!
Day in the Life
Schedule:
A tax professional’s work schedule is extremely demanding, with long hours from early morning to late night, seven days a week.
Setting:
Usually in office settings, whether it’s within a tax firm, corporate tax department, or their own private practice.
Tasks:
Utilize adjustments, deductions, and credits to minimize clients’ tax liabilities, complete tax filings using various software, fill out tax forms according to federal instructions, and interview clients to gather necessary information on income and deductible expenses.
Topics:
Customer service, economics and accounting, and law and government, mathematics, and administrative procedures.
Skills:
Proficient in tax preparation, have deep knowledge of tax laws, and demonstrate strong mathematical skills for calculations.
Tools:
Computer or laptop with software such as ProConnect to prepare and share tax returns, manage client documents, and conduct questionnaires; QuickBooks Online for bookkeeping; and CRM systems for client communication and appointment scheduling.
Common Characteristics
Natural Talents (strengths):
Tax professionals excel in close-range vision for detail, understanding spoken and written information, applying logic to solve problems, performing accurate calculations, and communicating tax concepts clearly both verbally and in writing.
Interests:
Organizing data adhering to regulations within business settings and engaging in management, negotiation, and advisory roles related to financial and legal contexts.
Personality:
Tax professionals typically have realistic, investigative, and conventional personality types. They are highly practical, detail-oriented, and analytical, and prefer working with structured systems and procedures.
Values:
Relationships, non-competitive environment, independence, autonomy, and creativity.
*Terms used to describe interests and personality are based on the Holland Framework.
How to Become a Tax Professional
Education requirements:
A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field is required. Additionally, obtaining certification as a CPA or EA, along with ongoing education to stay current with tax laws, is essential for career advancement and compliance.
Preferred majors:
Pursuing majors in accounting, business management, finance computer science, or specialized fields like auditing, financial forensics, fraud investigation, and taxation can be beneficial.
Specialties and Similar Career Paths
Accountants & Auditors
Bookkeeping, Accounting, & Auditing Clerks
Credit Counselors
Personal Financial Advisors
Tax Examiners & Collectors, & Revenue Agents
Advice from Sara
Job hunt tips to set yourself apart:
Focus on gaining practical experience through internships or entry-level positions at accounting firms or tax departments. Network actively within professional organizations, attend career fairs and stay updated on industry trends and regulations to enhance your job prospects.
Fastest way to get your foot in the door:
Start with a basic tax course, usually completed in about 6 months. Obtain a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and consider joining the IRS Annual Filing Season Program, which involves 15 hours of yearly education in tax law and ethics. These steps provide essential skills and official recognition and can lead to higher certifications like becoming an Enrolled Agent.
Recommended resources:
Sara recommends joining the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Annual Filing Season Program and becoming an Enrolled Agent. She also suggests utilizing the National Association of Tax Professionals for valuable information and exploring Internal Revenue Service (IRS) resources to find study opportunities nationwide.
