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Tax Preparer Job Description: Top Duties and Requirements

A Tax Preparer, or Tax Preparation Assistant, is a specialist who assists in preparing financial documents for businesses and individuals to comply with the law. They are primarily experts who ensure that legal requirements for tax returns are met. Their duties include preparing tax returns, reviewing financial records, and consulting on tax resources.

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Tax Preparer duties and responsibilities

A Tax Preparer is primarily responsible for preparing financial documents that comply with legal requirements. Their duties and responsibilities include:

  • Verifying documentation to identify cases of misinterpretation or miscalculation of data entry
  • Interviewing clients to acquire information about taxable income, previous tax returns, deductible expenses, or any allowances incurred
  • Calculating fees to charge clients following the tax service offered depending on difficulty and time spent
  • Making entries with the use of tax forms and tables to determine what the client owes
  • Determining appropriate plans on how to prepare returns, which is achieved by reviewing income statements or previous returns
  • Scheduling meetings with clients to discuss matters related to tax compliance
  • Negotiating and acting as a conflict mediator by resolving disputes and negotiating with others on behalf of the client
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Tax Preparer Job Description Examples:

Example 1

About us

Rose Tax & Accounting is a small business in Barrie, ON L4N 5G5. We are professional.

Our work environment includes:
  • Modern office setting
  • Growth opportunities


    Tax Preparer

    Duties:

    - Prepare and file tax returns for individuals and businesses
    - Conduct account analysis to ensure accuracy and compliance with tax laws
    - Provide tax planning and consulting services to clients
    - Perform financial analysis to identify potential tax savings opportunities
    - Assist clients with sales and financial transactions
    - Stay up-to-date with changes in tax laws and regulations
    - Utilize software such as QuickBooks and Xero for financial accounting purposes
    - Collaborate with clients and colleagues to resolve any tax-related issues
    - Assist with mergers, acquisitions, and other financial transactions

    Skills:

    - Strong financial acumen and understanding of accounting principles
    - Proficiency in tax preparation software and tools
    - Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
    - Attention to detail and accuracy in all work performed
    - Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
    - Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
    - Ability to work independently as well as part of a team

    If you have a passion for numbers, a keen eye for detail, and enjoy helping individuals and businesses navigate the complexities of the tax system, we invite you to apply for the position of Tax Preparer. As a Tax Preparer, you will play a crucial role in assisting clients with their tax obligations while ensuring compliance with applicable laws. Join our team of dedicated professionals who are committed to providing exceptional service to our clients.

    Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

    Job Type: Casual

    Benefits:
  • On-site parking
    Flexible Language Requirement:
  • French not required
    Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekends as needed
    Supplemental pay types:
  • Bonus pay
  • Overtime Location: In person

    • Example 2

    MP Bookkeeping and Tax Service Inc. is a small, family owned and managed business that has been serving their clients for the last two decades. We are currently looking to hire a tax professional to join our office.

    Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Work closely with clients on T1 Personal tax returns
  • Corroborate with other staff to complete more extensive tax returns
  • Be knowledgeable in bookkeeping practices including HST, WSIB and Payroll
  • Have experience reviewing income statements, expense receipts, and previous tax returns

    Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Knowledge of Canadian Tax forms and laws
  • Reconciling bank and cc accounts
  • Canadian government remittance
  • Preparation of T1 Personal and sole proprietors, partnership forms
  • Preparation of T2 Corporate tax would be an asset
  • Knowledge of financial statements
  • Capital gains calculations
  • Must display exceptional attention to detail
  • Possesses excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Be dependable with a good work ethic
  • Have the ability to work in a fast-paced, high-stress environment
  • QuickBooks (desktop and online)
  • Profile Tax Preparation Software
  • MS Office
  • Simply Accounting
  • Scheduling software
  • Completion of Rental income statements

    Education and Experience
  • Must have one year experience in a tax environment (minimum)
  • High School Diploma
  • Diploma or Degree in business or accounting

    Work Environment
  • Spends time in climate controlled private office or shared office space.
  • Works regular hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  • Expands hours to evenings and weekends during busy tax season.
  • Spends many hours keyboarding, manipulating a mouse and viewing a computer screen as well as reviewing hard copy paperwork from clients.
  • Experiences higher levels of stress as the tax deadline approaches

    Salary
  • Hourly wages starting at $17.00, negotiable with experience

    Job Types: Full-time, Casual, Seasonal
    Contract length: 6 months

    Salary: $17.00-$25.00 per hour

    Benefits:
  • Casual dress
  • On-site parking
    Flexible language requirement:
  • French not required
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekend availability

    Application question(s):
  • Do you have a working knowledge of Canadian Tax Filing?
    Yes
    No

    Are you familiar with any tax filing software?
    If yes, which one?
    No

    Do you have any bookkeeping experience, online or manual?
    Yes
    No

    Do you have any experience with bookkeeping software, such as QuickBooks or Simply Accounting?
    Yes
    No

    Education:
  • DCS / DEC up-to-date: 1 year (required)

    • Example 3

    Baker Tilly is Canada�s eighth largest association of Chartered Accounting firms in Canada, and an independent member of Baker Tilly International. Locally, Baker Tilly SGB LLP has been a quality provider of financial advisory, accounting, assurance, tax and business advisory services in the Simcoe, Grey, Bruce region since 1950. For over 70 years, we have built our reputation on a solid foundation of core values � integrity, excellence and respect.

    We have an opportunity in our Meafordoffice for a talented, motivated individual as a Tax Preparer/Accounting Technician

    Your primary responsibilities will include:

  • Preparing Personal Tax returns
  • Bookkeeping from client supplied records
  • Assistance with financial statement preparation and other corporate client matters

    A successful candidate will have:

  • Accounting software experience with QuickBooks Online and Sage 50
  • Experience in Personal tax returns
  • Knowledge of Tax Prep Personal tax preparation software, or other personal tax software
  • Sound judgment regarding confidential and sensitive matters
  • Strong interpersonal, communication and organizational skills
  • Strong understanding of a client-focused environment including related deadlines and the ability to work to meet those deadlines
  • Strong work ethic and ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Attention to detail and accuracy

    Application Information:

    We offer a competitive remuneration package based on experience and qualifications. The current position may be full time, seasonal or part time based on the needs of the firm at time of hiring and the applicant�s abilities. Qualified candidates are invited to submit their resume to:

    Tyler Rennie, CPA, CA

    Partner

    All resume information is received in confidence. While we appreciate all applications received, we can only contact directly those candidates selected for an interview.

    Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

    Application question(s):
  • Why are you interested in this Preparation: 1 year (preferred)

    • What does a Tax Preparer do?

    A Tax Preparer typically engages with companies and individuals to file their yearly taxes. They do this by interviewing their clients to gather information about their financial records. They also calculate tax information for clients by computing surplus or deficit taxes using specialized software. A Tax Preparer verifies the accuracy of the records by manually reviewing the data input on forms that have arithmetic or data entry errors. Clients are provided with answers by their Tax Preparer. Often, Tax Preparers are responding to questions and complaints, and assisting their clients with planning their future taxes.

    Tax Preparer skills and qualifications

    Generally, a Tax Preparer must have good oral and written communication with exceptional computer skills. Additionally, a Tax Preparer must have a set of prerequisite skills and qualifications to allow them to do their tasks effectively, including:

    • Being attentive and detail-oriented to ensure accurate calculations and to avoid errors
    • Excellent oral and written communication skills
    • Ability to use deductive reasoning to identify or determine if the client qualifies for credits or deductions
    • Excellent analytical skills for solving mathematical problems
    • Good customer service skills
    • Proficiency in related software including Microsoft Excel and Word
    • Ability to use tax preparation software
    • Excellent decision-making skills and sound judgment capabilities

    Tax Preparer experience requirements

    A Tax Preparer candidate ideally would have some experience working in a fast-paced environment. It is valuable if the candidate possesses adequate knowledge of related data entry software.

    Tax Preparer education and training requirements

    A Junior Tax Preparer generally requires a high school diploma to enter the job market. It may be preferred for Tax Preparers to have a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or economics to ensure they have the necessary knowledge. Furthermore, for an advanced position, the applicant is generally expected to have a certification from a professional body, such as Certified Tax Preparers Canada. A Tax Preparer generally must also undergo on-the-job training to equip themselves with skills that are specific to the company or the types of clients they’ll be working with.

    Tax Preparer salary expectations

    According to indeed salaries, the average pay for a Tax Preparer is $16.91 per hour. This amount might change depending on the firm, employee experience, or geographical area.

    Job description samples for similar positions

    Other samples of job descriptions are available in case this wasn’t quite what you were looking for, including:

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    Tax Preparer job description FAQs

    What are the personality traits of a good Tax Preparer?

    When hiring a Tax Preparer, pay attention to distinct personality traits to be sure they are the right person for the team. These traits include accountability, honesty, assertiveness, creativity, attention to detail, motivation, a high level of confidence, cultivated communication skills, ability to collaborate with clients, and a knack for solving problems.

    What is the difference between a Tax Preparer and an Accountant?

    A Tax Preparer primarily concentrates on tax matters. They must pass an exam to become qualified. An Accountant, on the other hand, has a background in accounting and substantial education. To become a Certified Public Accountant, an individual must take an exam that includes a wide range of accounting skills.

    What makes a good Tax Preparer job description?

    A Tax Preparer job description should list a mix of soft and hard skills. The soft skills for a Tax Preparer could include customer service and communication skills, while hard skills could include experience in a particular tax software program as well as good knowledge of mathematics. You may also include information about the need for the Tax Preparer to work overtime or specific experience that is relevant to your industry.

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