Tax Attorney
Controller Job Description
A tax attorney is a finance professional who specializes in the policies of tax liability in relation to income, business transactions, intellectual and physical property acquisitions and estate transfers. Tax attorneys can work with law firms that provide tax services, clients who hire them on retainer, corporate and business entities, nonprofits and individuals. Some tax attorneys work as consultants, while others work in litigation, representing clients whose tax disputes need to be resolved in a courtroom. With a great understanding of the intricacies of tax law and highly sought after for their knowledge, tax attorneys help their clients to better understand tax laws and stay in compliance with taxation. They advise their clients on trusts, wills, inheritance, estates and personal wealth management. They are present at audit hearings to negotiate tax obligations, related fines and nullification of liens. Some tax attorneys choose to train in Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issues and help their clients with IRS settlements, audits and hearings, appeals in U.S. tax court or even the U.S. Supreme Court.
Tax attorneys must possess comprehensive knowledge of the federal tax code and other tax laws. They need a solid understanding of accounting and math. Despite the tax code’s complexities, attorneys must know how to explain it to their clients in plain, understandable language to help them make decisions. Attorneys must hone clear writing and articulate speaking skills. The tax code constantly changes, so attorneys need strong research skills to provide current advice to their clients.
To become a tax attorney, a person must usually, graduate from college and then law school, obtaining a Juris Doctor degree (also known as a J.D.) Many tax attorneys continue their education on tax law to earn a master of laws (LL.M.) degree in taxation.
To obtain a license to practice law in the Vietnam, a law school graduate must have a valid law practice certificate issued by a competent agency or organization.
Typical duties of a Controller
• Tax advice: Tax attorneys provide advice and solutions to businesses and individuals on their tax issues.
• Tax analysis: Tax attorneys analyze tax issues and make recommendations to resolve them.
• Representing clients in tax-related matters: Tax lawyers represent clients in meetings with tax authorities and handle tax-related issues.
• Organization and training
• Taken the required number of college semester hours (usually 150) of accounting courses.
• Keeping confidential records and tax information for clients
• Understanding finance and accounting principles
• Evaluating and assessing complicated tax issues
Skills:
• Accounting and math to understand and assess tax implications.
• An understanding of business principles and how corporations function.
• Critical thinking and analysis to apply the correct legal principles to client issues and provide alternate strategies.
• Interpersonal skills to inspire client trust and confidence.
• Oral and written communication skills that clearly explain complex tax rules and case law to clients, helping them make decisions.
• Conducting thorough, accurate, and applicable research in a timely manner.
• Learning new computer programs and various legal databases.
• Maintaining professionalism and remaining calm in pressure-filled, stressful situations.
• Solving problems in an objective, unemotional, and unbiased fashion.
Qualifications: Accounting, Business, or Mathematics.