Tax Accountant
Controller Job Description
A tax accountant is responsible for assisting clients and companies with their financial and income tax statements. These qualified professionals research, study and interpret tax law. Their work includes preparing payments, identifying tax savings, and analyzing tax issues. A tax accountant handles the taxes for individuals, organizations, companies, or governments.. While income tax preparers also prepare and file taxes for clients, a tax accountant’s qualifications and expertise extend beyond this so they can provide ongoing and long-term tax assistance to the people and entities they serve.
Tax accountant need to possess knowledge of the latest federal, state, and local tax laws and regulations. They also have ability to pay attention to detail in order to accurately prepare error-free documents and tax returns. Their verbal and written communication skills should be effective to interact with clients. Organizational skills are important to keep financial records easily accessible for reference. Besides that, time-management skills are also necessary to meet important deadlines. Critical-thinking and analytical skills to evaluate data, uncover fraud, and minimize tax liability and proficiency in Microsoft Excel and tax preparation software are essential qualities for a tax accountant.
Understanding of basic arithmetic and statistics to calculate complex tax information. While not always required, most accountants have a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance. Tax accountants who take courses in tax law are particularly well prepared for their profession. Some employers seek out tax accountants that have master’s degrees in accountancy or business administration. Many tax accountants are certified as well. Earning a certification helps build your skill set and validate your knowledge to potential employers. Here are some popular options.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA): This credential is required for accountants who file reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Enrolled Agent (EA): This option allows tax accountants to legally represent clients in front of the IRS and involves passing the IRS Special Enrollment Exam.
Typical duties of a Controller
- Preparing federal and state tax returns
- Offering tax planning advice
- Helping clients save money when it comes time to file taxes
- Creating annual tax-related plans for clients to follow throughout the year
- Protecting clients from paying more than necessary
- Making sure clients meet quarterly and annual tax deadlines
- Advising clients about the impact of tax laws and liabilities
- Arranging tax audits with authorities when needed
Skills:
- Experience as a Tax Accountant, Tax Analyst, or Tax Preparer
- Excellent time management skills
- High level of attention to detail and multitasking
- Excellent analytical and critical thinking
- Professional interpersonal and relationship skills including excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Advanced computer software skills, including Excel and other accounting packages
Qualifications: Accounting; Finance or Economics; Business or Business Administration