Inside Tax Preparer Careers

Biggest Surprises

"Proper Record Keeping For Businesses...
I was surprised at how many people who own their own business don't keep proper records. Most of the accountants I know so everything they can to try to find every deduction for their clients and help their business." (Auditor, Bookkeeper, Tax Preparer; 2013)

Career: 11 years of experience, currently based in Maryland, female
School: Studied Accounting, Tax Law at PGCC in Maryland; completed Certificate degree in 2005

"Networking Opportunities Are Everywhere...
I was surprised that tax preparation is actually very interesting. Each situation is like a puzzle as everyone has unique and different financial situations. I have also found that there are great networking opportunities, especially with my firm because they tend to have very high profile and successful clients." (Tax Preparer; 2014)

Career: 1 years of experience, currently based in California, female
School: Studied History With A Concentration In African Studies at UCLA in California; completed Bachelor degree in 2012

"I Was Surprised To Find Out How Much You Work With Typical People...
I was surprised at how easy it was to work with people. Also, I feel like many people view an accountant as a dreary job, but it has been quite enjoyable thus far." (Accountant; 2013)

Career: 1 years of experience, currently based in Illinois, male
School: Studied Business Administration at Rock Valley College in Illinois; completed Associate degree in 2010

"Employer's Are Picky On The Schools They Hire From...
I was not prepared for how important your educational institution is for getting a job. I earned a bachelor's from DeVry and I could not get work and every firm assumed that I lacked the skills necessary to be competent. I returned to school and got an associate's at a regionally accredited school and a low ranking tax preparer position at H&R Block. I'm still working towards the bachelors." (Accountant; 2014)

Career: 5 years of experience, currently based in Georgia, male
School: Studied Accounting / Tax Preparing at Kennesaw State in Georgia; completed Associate degree in 2012

Best & Worst Things About This Career

Tax Professional And Instructor: "The best part of the job is the opportunity to meet many people of varying backgrounds, levels of education, and cultures. It is amazing and interesting to learn how people live. The worst part is the short period of time in which to accomplish the majority of the work. The 15 weeks of long days are followed by a drop off to next to no work." (2009)

Career Background

Tax Preparer

  Salaries

Career Tips

"Get An Internship...
Get an internship during the summer's sophomore year so that by the time you graduate you will have the experience for a full time position that pays well. H&R Block and other firms are good places to look." (Accountant; 2014)

"Working Up The Ladder...
If you want to enter a new field, you can't be afraid to start from the bottom. You will still gain experience and knowledge, but it may be at a slower rate than you envisioned." (Tax Preparer; 2014)

"Working On People Skills...
If you want to be a successful accountant I suggest that you start working on your people skills." (Accountant; 2013)

"Earning And Learning With Large And Small Clientele...
If you start out with a large company, they will pay for your training and ensure you are kept up to date on your yearly requirements. Do not limit yourself to only large clients, you can earn and learn a lot from small clientele." (Auditor, Bookkeeper, Tax Preparer; 2013)

"Good Part-Time Job...
My job is perfect for me. The hours are flexible (to a point) and are seasonal. To work in this field on a more even schedule, you would have to work for a different type of company. But it is still a good second job for anyone who likes helping people and working with numbers." (Tax Professional And Instructor; 2009)