Tax Preparers
CPA (Certified Public Accountant), Enrolled Agent, Tax Advisor, Tax Preparer
What they do:
Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
On the job, you would:
- Compute taxes owed or overpaid, using adding machines or personal computers, and complete entries on forms, following tax form instructions and tax tables.
- Use all appropriate adjustments, deductions, and credits to keep clients' taxes to a minimum.
- Furnish taxpayers with sufficient information and advice to ensure correct tax form completion.
Knowledge
Business
- accounting and economics
- customer service
Arts and Humanities
- English language
Math and Science
- arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Safety and Government
- law and government
Skills
Basic Skills
- reading work related information
- listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
Problem Solving
- noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Abilities
Verbal
- listen and understand what people say
- communicate by speaking
Ideas and Logic
- use rules to solve problems
- make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
Math
- add, subtract, multiply, or divide
- choose the right type of math to solve a problem
Personality
People interested in this work like activities that include data, detail, and regular routines.
They do well at jobs that need:
- Integrity
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Stress Tolerance
- Achievement/Effort
- Persistence
Technology
You might use software like this on the job:
Accounting software
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Tax software
Tax preparation software
- Intuit TurboTax
- Petz Enterprises V-Tax
Financial analysis software
- Sungard Relius
- Sync Essentials Trade Accountant
Education
Education: (rated 3 of 5)
high school diploma/GED or
certificate after high school
usually needed
certificate after high school
usually needed
Job Outlook
Bright
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
Explore More
- Accountants & Auditors
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, & Auditing Clerks
- Credit Counselors
- Personal Financial Advisors
- Tax Examiners & Collectors, & Revenue Agents
You might like a career in one of these industries:
See more details at O*NET OnLine about Tax Preparers.