Description of a Tax Accountant
A tax accountant prepares local, state and federal tax returns for his clients. He also maintains the tax records of his client. Though he typically reports into a senior accountant, he is afforded a degree of autonomy within his role.
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Job Responsibilities
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A tax accountant prepares both business and personal tax returns. She maintains client property records, monitoring and calculating its appreciation or depreciation. She also performs research within the areas of tax law, regulations and deregulation, keeping current of any governmental changes. She communicates with clients regarding all tax issues. She reviews and monitors the work of junior accountants and interns. She maintains a high standard of ethics.
Job Opportunities
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A tax accountant may find employment on the staff of an accounting firm where he will prepare the taxes of multiple individual and commercial clients. He may also choose to be an entrepreneur and open his own tax accounting practice. Alternatively, he may find employment as a staff member within a large corporation. Most large corporations, particularly within the financial services industry, employ a team of accountant who specifically focus on preparing and recording the firm's taxes.
Qualitative Requirements
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A tax accountant should enjoy and excel within mathematics. She should also have an interest in tax law, as she will need to consistently research and update changes in tax regulation. She needs to be able to meet deadlines, particularly during tax season which take place during the first quarter of the calendar year in the United States of America.
Educational Requirements
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A bachelor's degree in accounting, business or related field is typically required of those looking to enter this profession. A master's degree with a concentration in business management, accounting, tax law or similar focuses is strongly preferred. Employers generally desire candidates with prior professional experience. If a candidate is a recent college graduate, solid internships at known organizations with suffice. Additionally, she may to become a certified public accountant, which requires passing a test administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Average Compensation
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According to Salary.com, in 2009 the average tax accountant working in the United States of America earns an annual base salary of $47,821
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