Enrolled Agent
Controller Job Description
An EA (enrolled agent) is known as a tax expert. This position has the authority to represent taxpayers regarding matters dealing with the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). A licensed enrolled agent (EA) has many duties and responsibilities, both to their clients and to the Internal Revenue Service. When becoming an enrolled agent you will have several obligations and one of the first obligations is to the IRS. If the agency requests documentation from you, you must comply with the request or order for documents. When you receive such a request, you should scrutinize it and determine that it follows tax law and that the requested documents do not violate your client-EA confidentiality. After all, while it is important to be in compliance with the IRS, it’s also important to fulfill on any contractual agreements you have with your client. Not only are you required to submit any lawfully requested documentation, but you must also be available to testify before the IRS. As you work with a client, it is your duty to inform them of various statutes and rules. For instance, if you see that they may be omitting certain information from their paperwork when you file it, you must let them know that their action will carry consequences. Failure to properly inform your client may result in negative consequences for both you and your client. These types of due diligence are required throughout your practice. You will also need to perform rigorous diligence in the rest of your practice. Each and every fact and figure, whether delivered to you in oral or written form must be verified when you prepare a filing.
EAs are a sort of accountant, so you will need to be detail oriented, diligent, and highly analytical. You will need to be comfortable spending long hours analyzing spreadsheets and assessing financial documentation. On the other hand, if your practice focuses on individual tax filings, you will need to have good listening and interviewing skills. That is, you may need to elicit hard financial facts using indirect methods. Many of your clients will not be aware of your professional jargon so you will need to translate your needs so that they understand.
Enrolled agents have earned the highest credential given by the IRS. It’s necessary to meet specific requirements if you plan to become an EA. The first step will be to get a Preparer Tax Identification Number. You will also need to meet a suitability check. If you want to become an enrolled agent, you will also need to pass a three-part comprehensive test. This test is known as the Special Enrollment Examination. It will cover business and individual laws, along with representation issues. You may be able to skip the exam if you have five years of experience working for the IRS. You won’t need a college degree to become an enrolled agent. It’s also not necessary to have experience in accounting or math. However, it can be rather helpful to complete tax training. You can start with a tax professional certificate program. After completing a basic tax program, you can go on to a more advanced program to prepare you better. Becoming a tax professional is a big step to take if you want to become an enrolled agent.
Typical duties of a Controller
• Dealing with issues, such as tax appeals, collections, and audits
• Advise taxpayers
• Prepare tax returns
• Represent taxpayers
• Represent estates, trusts, corporations, and partnerships
Skills:
• Listen and Understand Client Perspective
• Develop Skills to Build a Good Rapport
• Visualize Tax Strategies
• Know Excel Tips and Tricks
• Learn to Manage Expectations
• Work in the Role for at Least 3 Years
• Improve Communication Skills
• Get Along With AI and Robotic
• Be a Mindful Thinker
Qualifications: The IRS does not require any specific educational background to become an enrolled agent. Applicants have to pass each section of the three-part exam and undergo a background check.