Job Responsibilities
The responsibilities of an individual working in the Accounting
field specializing in Taxes require the majority of their time in
completing federal, state, and local income tax compliance. For
approximately 4 months out of the year expect long hours during
the tax reporting periods. The remaining 8 months of the year is
spent on preparation of client accounts for the upcoming tax
season. The preparation includes learning new tax laws,
preparing quarterly reports and estimated payments. In the
corporate realm this time is for provisional tax work and making
adjustments to the books based on the tax filing information.
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Job Requirements
Educational requirements include a Bachelor Degree in Accounting,
Finance or related fields. Experience is preferred but not
always required. CPA certifications or a Masters in Taxation is
always a plus.
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Uppers
In the public arena, meeting various clients is always a plus. Assisting them
in understanding about their tax circumstancesis a plus.
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Downers
Long hours and weekend work during the tax seasons.
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Lifestyle
As a Tax Accountant, the lifestyle varies from place to place. Some companies
have relaxed dress codes while others continue with the standard business dress
code. Working hours are usually the normal 8 hour day except for the tax
reporting period which usually lasts 4 months. During this time, one will work
long hours up to 10 to 12 hours per day and weekends. This is determined by the
number of returns to be completed. Usual caseloads can be any where from 50 to
100 clients or company returns to complete. Travel is minimal and is usually for
training.
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Compensation
Base salaries may range from 30,000 for entry level up to 100,000
or more for managers and partners of Public firms.
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Advice to Jobseekers
Newcomers into the field of taxation should understand that this
type of career requires constant learning of new tax laws and
accounting procedures.
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