[Trying]

Hi everyone, what skills outside of excel or quick books should I acquire or become familiar with to apply for entry level tax jobs after passing the exams? I have very little accounting work experience.

Thank you.

[Recked]

If you know what tax software the prospective firm uses you can try and get a sample version and then play around with it to get used to some of the input. Or work a volunteer clinic to get some tax experience.
You will likely not be expected to know much for an entry level position.
Trying to get a job this time of year, would really be jumping right into the fire.
No one would have time to train you, and only those firms that lost someone or were ill prepared would be desperate enough to hire someone during tax season.

[AGI]

It depends what kind of tax you are trying to get into. I've never done tax, but when you talk about tax these few things get into my mind:

1. Individual tax aka Form 1040, you best bet will be join VITA or any tax program that pay money. You are in the middle of this year's tax season already. Start from there.

2. Corporate tax – No clue. No experience.

3. Business tax – small business tax – LLC, Partnership – Bookkeeping experience aka QuickBooks

4. Payroll tax – any payroll experience

5. Sales / industrial specific tax – Bookkeeping experience in that industry

———-
Your demonstration of tax law / legal law research skill + willing to learn and research it will be a huge bonus. Don't expect someone to teach you hand on hand. Expect to find the answer through research, do it, and then ask from a confirmation from the senior will be your daily life.

New York - NYC
Passed CPA Exam (11/2014)
In search for a position in NYC that will fulfills the license requirement.

[Trying]

Thank you both! All of this is extremely helpful. My background is in art history and getting experience is intimidating for me as I don't know much about this new industry. I am most interested in individual taxation & estate and/or financial planning. I don't think I'm an ideal candidate for corporate tax or a large firm only because I'm a parent and have been out of the race for about 6 years. I also would ideally like something part time to start; though I wouldn't be surprised if that's not an option or realistic.

Thank you so much for the advice!!

[AGI]

Your best bet would be join VITA this season for volunteer (if you can afford it), for 15 hours per week. It's a little late in the game, but tax season is extended until July this year. You can also try H&R block, or some non-profit organization / staff agency (which they paid). Usually it came with a brief training (like 5 hour), you passed a test, and then will be assigned / placement and do tax returns for low-income families (or regular clients). Depending on your state, you might be able to work remotely.

I don't know much about real estate / financial planning.

Depends on how open you are to other field in accounting, you might want to aim for bookkeeping and general accounting to get your foot into the door first. Art history major will gain you best chance in companies like designer firm, museums, book stores, etc. As a bookkeeper, you will be introduce to general accounting, sales tax, payroll tax, etc. and you can slowly build it up. Another reason why I recommended this option is that you can do it part time and remotely. Aim for firms that use Quick Book Online, and you can do them at home. This will help you transit from full time parenting to work lady, plus flexible to take days off to deal with your kid and continue to go for interview.

I would also check with friends and coworker from 6 years ago and now, tell everyone you are looking to transit out from full time mom, and see who have a job. Someone got to know an accountant who might know someone in need of help.

New York - NYC
Passed CPA Exam (11/2014)
In search for a position in NYC that will fulfills the license requirement.

[Recked]

Tax season is extended until July this year?
News to me.
Source?

[monikernc]

No it has not been extended… yet. Who knows what they will do but it would have to be soon.

FAR 7/25/15 76!
AUD 10/30/15 93
BEC 2/27/16 82
REG 5/23/16 88!
Ninja Book and MCQ and the forum - all the way!!!
and a little thing i like to call, time and effort!
if you want things to change, you have to do something different

[N.S Kehal]

As tax laws are complicated and being expert accountants will work as per current tax laws and maximize the tax saving of their client. Working with significant plans will let firms and organizations in reducing the taxes. So, you should consider all these facts for your job.

[Author]

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