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:
*Indeed provides this information as a courtesy to users of this site. Please note that we are not your recruiting or legal advisor, we are not responsible for the content of your job descriptions, and none of the information provided herein guarantees performance.
