Tax Accountant

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Work Tasks

• Prepare income tax returns for people and businesses
• Enter information on computers and find out what taxes are owed
• Tell businesses how to reduce taxes and make sure they follow tax laws
• Represent the person or business if tax records are reviewed
• Work in offices for public accounting firms, business, industry, the government, or themselves
• Work with computers, financial records, tax forms, policies, and government rules

Salary, Size & Growth

• $66,500 average per year ($32.00 per hour)
• A large occupation (154,600 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow rapidly (2.2% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A 4-year degree in accounting or related field
• Employers Prefer: A master's degree in accounting or related field; certification as a CPA; experience using accounting software
• Skills/Courses: College courses include accounting, computerized accounting programs, and tax regulations
• Licensing/Certification: Self-employed accountants need to be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), which requires a master's degree and passing an exam.