Tax Accountant

Tax Accountant qualifications to look for

Tax Accountants manage obligated payments and tax returns. They also keep financial data records and forecast tax obligations.

Your best candidates will have bookkeeping experience along with an Accounting degree. An additional certification, like a CMA or CPA, is a plus, along with any other continued education like conferences and seminars. 

Keep an eye out for candidates who are:

• Methodical
• Organized 
• Sticklers for detail and accuracy 
• Deadline-driven 
• Tax-saving opportunists
  

Top tip: Hire candidates willing to grow by making sure their personal career goals align with your company's mission.

Problem-solving interview questions

• You’re asked to create a forecasting report for next year’s tax returns. What information do you need? 
• You’re behind on a deadline for tax payment submission. How would you handle this?
• How do you handle a B-Notice received on behalf of your client?
• You weren’t current on regulatory changes and how your company has to pay a fine. How do you approach management?
  

Role-specific interview questions

• What accounting software are you familiar with? What are your favorite features? 
• What monthly and annual reports do you create regularly?
• What’s the process to submit a 1096 form? What’s different when you e-file a 1099?
• Explain an IRS Backup Withholding Notice.
• How do you ensure accuracy in your reports?
  

Behavioral interview questions

• Why did you pursue tax accounting?
• How do you stay on top of regulatory changes? What publications do you read? 
• How do you keep up to date on global economic issues?  What do you feel is most pressing for our industry? 
• Describe a time you saved your client/employer money. What was your process? 
• Have you ever faced an ethical dilemma at work? How did you approach it and what was the outcome?