OVERVIEW
What is a Tax Accountant?
Ìý
A tax accountant handles a company’s ongoing tax needs, especially during the height of tax season. They might advise companies in filing certain rebate forms, assist in packaging tax documents for submission, and draft tax reports that comply with all federal guidelines.
A tax accountant will likely be a CPA or certified professional accountant. This designation means that they have specific licenses that allow them to work on specific tax documents, with government organizations, and meet certain compliance standards. All tax accountants are expected to obtain a valid undergraduate degree. Many also need to obtain a master’s degree, in additionÌý
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Tax Accountant Do?
Tax accountants perform a wide variety of tasks. On some days, you might consult with clients about their tax strategies. On other days, you might spend time filing tax documents, using a company’s financial database, or ensuring tax compliance.
The responsibilities of a tax accountant include:
- Filing tax documentsÌýon a client’s behalf.
- Consulting with clientsÌýto help them prepare for tax season over the year.
- Ensuring continued complianceÌýwith all local, state, and federal tax laws.
- Pursuing all available tax rebates and creditsÌýthat help clients save money.
- Preparing any requested or required tax reports.
- Researching any updates to current tax laws or regulations.
- Resolving issues in a client’s tax filingsÌýor tax bookkeeping methods.
- Communicating with fellow tax accountantsÌýand with other members of a company’s financial department.
These and other responsibilities define the day-to-day habits of a tax accountant, as they prepare paperwork, file documents, and advise strategies that help clients maximize their tax returns.
What Certifications Does a Tax Accountant Need?
Tax accountants commonly need to hold aÌýCertified Public Accountant (CPA)Ìýcertification. Passing this exam proves that you are capable of practicing the fundamentals of accounting for your clients.
Where Do Tax Accountants Work?
Tax accountants work in several different locations. Some tax accountants are contracted by specific clients to assist with tax procedures. Other tax accountants are employed by companies internally, to work alongside their financial and accounting departments.
Tax accountants work for:
- Financial firms
- Private tax companiesÌý
- Nonprofit organizations
- Banking institutions
- Government organizations
- Healthcare organizations
- IT providers
- Insurance agencies
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
What Education Does a Tax Accountant Need?
Students will need to satisfy a few educational requirements before they can begin fulfilling accounting careers. First, you’ll need to obtain aÌýbachelor’s degree in accounting,Ìýbachelor's degree in financeÌýor another closely related field. This program helps you develop a solid knowledge of the accounting industry, fostering skills like auditing, business ethics, and employment law.
You can further your education by obtaining aÌýmaster’s degree in accounting. You’ll deepen your understanding of fields like financial accounting, strategic management, and advanced tax concepts. You’ll be prepared to sit for the certified public accountant exam. This knowledge and other skills will help you fulfill all the necessary responsibilities of a tax accountant.
Best Degrees for aÌýTax Accountants
Business
Finance – B.S.
This online finance program is career-focused so you will gain relevant...
This online finance program is career-focused so you will gain relevant industry skills.
- Time: 62%Ìýof graduates finish similar programs within 24 months
- Tuition:Ìý$3850 per 6-month term
- Courses: 40 courses in this program
Some careers and jobs this business degree will prepare you for:
- Management
- Accounting
- Finance
- Spreadsheets
- Financial Analysis
- Problem Solving
The competency-based model at Â鶹Դ´ allows you to move as quickly as you can master the material, and do your coursework on your schedule. Flexibility is key with the B.S. in finance at Â鶹Դ´.
Business
Accounting – B.S.
Have a knack for numbers or fine-tuning finances?...
Have a knack for numbers or fine-tuning finances?
- Time: 62%Ìýof graduates finish within 24 months
- Tuition:Ìý$3,850 per 6-month term
- Courses: 41 courses in this program
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program include:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Financial Statements
- Communication
- Detail Oriented
- Research
Take your first step toward CPA certification and learn how to use GAAP, ledgers, and journals.
Business
Accounting – M.S.
Become better qualified to pursue a greater variety of public and private...
Become better qualified to pursue a greater variety of public and private accounting positions:
- Time:Ìý62%Ìýof grads finish within 19 months.
- Tuition:Ìý$4,850 per 6-month term.
- Courses:Ìý10-11 total courses in this program
This program offers 4 unique specializations for students to choose from, allowing you to gain specific experience and skills that will help you in your career. Choose from concentrations in taxation, auditing, management accounting, and financial reporting to boost your résumé.
Skills for your résumé that this program will prepare you for:Ìý
- Accounting
- Auditing
- Tax Planning
- Financial Management
- Communication
- Data Analysis
- This MAcc program is designed to prepare you for the CPA exam and also the CMA or CIA exams.
Business
Accounting Fundamentals Certificate
Learn to effectively manage financial records and transactions, and...
Learn to effectively manage financial records and transactions, and prepare for entry-level accounting, bookkeeping, and related business roles.
- Time: 6 months from start to finish.
- Cost: $2,000 for the certificate.
- Courses: 4 courses total in this program.
This program is designed for individuals who want to boost their résumé with the help of an accounting fundamentals certificate from Â鶹Դ´â€™s School of Business.
Whether you want to advance your career in this field, or you're just getting started, an accounting fundamentals certificate can help you be ready for your next career step. You'll be prepared to work in a variety of industries including:Ìý
- Startups
- Healthcare
- Manufacturing
- IT
- Retail
- E-Commerce
Business
Advanced Accounting Courses
Earn graduate-level credit, build specialized skills, and move your career...
Earn graduate-level credit, build specialized skills, and move your career forward—on your schedule.
- Time: 2Ìýmonths per course.
- Cost:Ìý$1,000 per course.
- Courses:Ìý7 courses total in this program.
Â鶹Դ´â€™s Advanced Accounting Courses are designed for professionals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in accounting and want to take their expertise to the next level.
Whether you're sharpening skills for your current role or preparing for future advancement, each course offers flexible, graduate-level learning with real impact.Ìý
- Earn graduate-level creditÌýthat transfers directly into Â鶹Դ´â€™s Master of Accounting programÌý
- Strengthen your qualificationsÌýfor roles in tax, audit, compliance, and financial reporting
- Build specialized expertiseÌýin high-demand areas like fraud prevention, data analytics, and ethical decision making
- Demonstrate initiative and upskillingÌýon your resume and in performance reviews
- Explore graduate educationÌýwithout the full commitment of a master’s degree
How Much Does a Tax Accountant Make?
$63,502
The exact income of a tax accountant depends on several factors, including your employer, employer’s location, years of experience, education, and active certifications. In general, the annualÌýÌýaverages $63,502, with a range of roughly $52,780 to $141,420.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
6%
Tax accountant careers are expected to enjoy a favorable outlook over the next decade.ÌýÌýfrom 2023 to 2033, a growth rate roughly the same as the average across all occupations. As economies grow and change, the demand for qualified tax accountants should increase. Particularly in industries where tax laws may evolve, tax accounts will remain busy helping companies to fully comply with ongoing changes.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Tax Accountant Need?
Tax accountants put a variety of skills to work. Whether they’re filing documents or communicating with clients, an accountant’s skill set is optimized to ensure continued compliance with all tax regulations.
The skills a tax accountant needs include:
- Financial management.ÌýThe ability to appropriately manage a company’s financial portfolio, particularly any financial aspects that will ensure smooth tax procedures.
- Compliance.ÌýThe ability to examine a company’s financial procedures in light of current legal parameters.
- Interpersonal communication.ÌýThe ability to correspond effectively with members of a company’s financial and accounting departments, in addition to any other company representatives and executives.
- Problem-solving.ÌýThe ability to identify and overcome any issues that a company’s tax situation might present.
- Technological proficiency.ÌýThe ability to fully use any devices and platforms that benefit an accounting department, including all computers, tablets, phones, and online programs.
- Data reporting.ÌýThe ability to gather, protect, analyze, and report on tax data in ways that company executives can understand and learn from.
Our Online University Degree Programs Start on the First of Every Month, All Year Long
No need to wait for spring or fall semester. It's back-to-school time at Â鶹Դ´ year-round. Get started by talking to an Enrollment Counselor today, and you'll be on your way to realizing your dream of a bachelor's or master's degree—sooner than you might think!
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