High School
A good foundation for tax accounting includes courses in math, business, economics, government, and computers. Tax accountants also need strong communication skills to effectively share and discuss information with clients, so be sure to take English, communications, and writing classes. Knowledge of a foreign language is also helpful for international work.
Postsecondary Training
A bachelor's degree is required for tax accountant positions. Many accountants have degrees in accounting, but other majors may be in business, economics, or finance. Many students participate in internship programs at accounting firms as part of their college education. Tax accountants who file tax reports with the Securities and Exchange Committee must have the Certified Public Accountant designation, and a bachelor's degree is required to become a CPA. Major public accounting firms often prefer to hire tax accountants with a master's degree in accounting or a related field.
Other Education or Training
Tax accountants must stay current with tax regulations, tax reports, and accounting and business practices. They continue their education throughout their careers by taking classes and attending educational events and conferences offered by professional associations such as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the National Society of Accountants, and the National Association of Tax Professionals, among many others.
- Accountants
- Audit and Assurance Accountants
- Auditors
- Bank Examiners
- Billing Clerks
- Bookkeeping and Accounting Clerks
- Budget Analysts
- Chief Financial Officers
- Chief Restructuring Officers
- Credit Analysts
- Economists
- Financial Analysts
- Financial Consultants
- Financial Institution Officers and Managers
- Financial Institution Tellers, Clerks, and Related Workers
- Financial Planners
- Financial Services Brokers
- Forensic Accountants and Auditors
- Regulatory Affairs Managers
- Regulatory Affairs Specialists
- Statisticians
- Tax Managers
- Tax Preparers
