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Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

Job Zone
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

  • Collect taxes from individuals or businesses according to prescribed laws and regulations.95
  • Send notices to taxpayers when accounts are delinquent.90
  • Determine appropriate methods of debt settlement, such as offers of compromise, wage garnishment, or seizure and sale of property.89
  • Check tax forms to verify that names and taxpayer identification numbers are correct, that computations have been performed correctly, or that amounts match those on supporting documentation.89
  • Examine and analyze tax assets and liabilities to determine resolution of delinquent tax problems.89
  • Impose payment deadlines on delinquent taxpayers and monitor payments to ensure that deadlines are met.87
  • Confer with taxpayers or their representatives to discuss the issues, laws, and regulations involved in returns, and to resolve problems with returns.85
  • Notify taxpayers of any overpayment or underpayment, and either issue a refund or request further payment.84
  • Maintain records for each case, including contacts, telephone numbers, and actions taken.84
  • Direct service of legal documents, such as subpoenas, warrants, notices of assessment, and garnishments.83
  • Contact taxpayers by mail or telephone to address discrepancies and to request supporting documentation.80
  • Review filed tax returns to determine whether claimed tax credits and deductions are allowed by law.80
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  • Maintain knowledge of tax code changes, and of accounting procedures and theory to properly evaluate financial information.80
  • Answer questions from taxpayers and assist them in completing tax forms.79
  • Investigate claims of inability to pay taxes by researching court information for the status of liens, mortgages, or financial statements, or by locating assets through third parties.76
  • Review selected tax returns to determine the nature and extent of audits to be performed on them.76
  • Examine accounting systems and records to determine whether accounting methods used were appropriate and in compliance with statutory provisions.72
  • Participate in informal appeals hearings on contested cases from other agents.70
  • Prepare briefs and assist in searching and seizing records to prepare charges and documentation for court cases.69
  • Enter tax return information into computers for processing.69
  • Secure a taxpayer's agreement to discharge a tax assessment or submit contested determinations to other administrative or judicial conferees for appeals hearings.66

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

  • Active Listening75

    Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

  • Reading Comprehension75

    Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

  • Speaking75

    Talking to others to convey information effectively.

  • Critical Thinking72

    Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

  • Active Learning56

    Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

  • Mathematics56

    Using mathematics to solve problems.

  • Monitoring56

    Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

  • Writing56

    Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

  • Judgment and Decision Making53

    Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

  • Complex Problem Solving50

    Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

  • Coordination50

    Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

  • Negotiation50

    Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.

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  • Social Perceptiveness50

    Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

  • Time Management50

    Managing one's own time and the time of others.

  • Instructing47

    Teaching others how to do something.

  • Learning Strategies47

    Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

  • Persuasion47

    Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.

  • Service Orientation47

    Actively looking for ways to help people.

  • Systems Analysis38

    Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

  • Systems Evaluation38

    Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.

  • Management of Personnel Resources31

    Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.

  • Quality Control Analysis25

    Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

  • Management of Financial Resources22

    Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.

  • Operations Analysis19

    Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.

  • Operations Monitoring19

    Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

  • Management of Material Resources16

    Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.

  • Programming16

    Writing computer programs for various purposes.

  • Technology Design13

    Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.

  • Operation and Control10

    Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

  • Installation3

    Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

  • Equipment Maintenance0

    Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

  • Equipment Selection0

    Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

  • Repairing0

    Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

  • Science0

    Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

  • Troubleshooting0

    Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

  • Customer and Personal Service83

    Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

  • English Language77

    Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

  • Administrative72

    Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

  • Mathematics72

    Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

  • Law and Government68

    Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

  • Economics and Accounting62

    Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

  • Administration and Management61

    Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

  • Computers and Electronics40

    Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

  • Education and Training39

    Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

  • Psychology37

    Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

  • Public Safety and Security36

    Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

  • Communications and Media30

    Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

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  • Sociology and Anthropology24

    Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.

  • Personnel and Human Resources23

    Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

  • Geography18

    Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.

  • Telecommunications18

    Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

  • History and Archeology16

    Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.

  • Production and Processing16

    Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

  • Transportation16

    Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

  • Foreign Language15

    Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.

  • Philosophy and Theology12

    Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.

  • Building and Construction11

    Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

  • Sales and Marketing10

    Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.

  • Design9

    Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

  • Food Production8

    Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

  • Therapy and Counseling8

    Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

  • Medicine and Dentistry7

    Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.

  • Chemistry6

    Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

  • Engineering and Technology6

    Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

  • Mechanical6

    Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

  • Biology5

    Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

  • Fine Arts5

    Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

  • Physics5

    Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

  • Deductive Reasoning75

    The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

  • Inductive Reasoning75

    The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

  • Information Ordering75

    The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

  • Oral Comprehension75

    The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

  • Oral Expression75

    The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

  • Written Comprehension75

    The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

  • Problem Sensitivity72

    The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

  • Near Vision69

    The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

  • Speech Clarity69

    The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

  • Speech Recognition69

    The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

  • Written Expression66

    The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

  • Category Flexibility53

    The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

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  • Mathematical Reasoning53

    The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

  • Number Facility53

    The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

  • Flexibility of Closure50

    The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

  • Memorization47

    The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.

  • Perceptual Speed47

    The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.

  • Selective Attention47

    The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

  • Far Vision44

    The ability to see details at a distance.

  • Fluency of Ideas44

    The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

  • Speed of Closure41

    The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.

  • Time Sharing38

    The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).

  • Auditory Attention31

    The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.

  • Finger Dexterity31

    The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

  • Originality31

    The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.

  • Visualization28

    The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

  • Arm-Hand Steadiness22

    The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

  • Manual Dexterity22

    The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

  • Trunk Strength22

    The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.

  • Wrist-Finger Speed22

    The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.

  • Visual Color Discrimination19

    The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.

  • Control Precision16

    The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

  • Hearing Sensitivity16

    The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.

  • Depth Perception6

    The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.

  • Dynamic Strength6

    The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.

  • Dynamic Flexibility0

    The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.

  • Explosive Strength0

    The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.

  • Extent Flexibility0

    The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.

  • Glare Sensitivity0

    The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.

  • Gross Body Coordination0

    The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.

  • Gross Body Equilibrium0

    The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.

  • Multilimb Coordination0

    The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

  • Night Vision0

    The ability to see under low-light conditions.

  • Peripheral Vision0

    The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.

  • Rate Control0

    The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.

  • Reaction Time0

    The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.

  • Response Orientation0

    The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.

  • Sound Localization0

    The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.

  • Spatial Orientation0

    The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.

  • Speed of Limb Movement0

    The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.

  • Stamina0

    The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.

  • Static Strength0

    The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization97

    Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public94

    Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

  • Working with Computers94

    Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

  • Getting Information89

    Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards87

    Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates84

    Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

  • Processing Information83

    Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events81

    Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work79

    Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems76

    Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

  • Documenting/Recording Information75

    Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others70

    Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

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  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships69

    Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

  • Analyzing Data or Information68

    Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge66

    Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings64

    Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

  • Developing and Building Teams61

    Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

  • Training and Teaching Others61

    Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others59

    Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

  • Performing Administrative Activities57

    Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

  • Scheduling Work and Activities57

    Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information55

    Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

  • Assisting and Caring for Others50

    Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others50

    Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

  • Developing Objectives and Strategies49

    Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others48

    Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

  • Thinking Creatively47

    Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People44

    Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

  • Coaching and Developing Others41

    Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates38

    Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials35

    Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

  • Selling or Influencing Others31

    Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

  • Handling and Moving Objects22

    Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

  • Staffing Organizational Units22

    Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

  • Performing General Physical Activities21

    Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

  • Controlling Machines and Processes19

    Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources13

    Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment12

    Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment11

    Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment4

    Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment4

    Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

  • Attention to Detail92

    A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

  • Dependability88

    A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

  • Integrity85

    A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

  • Cautiousness77

    A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

  • Self-Control62

    A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

  • Perseverance60

    A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

  • Achievement Orientation46

    A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.

  • Stress Tolerance46

    A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

  • Social Orientation44

    A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.

  • Self-Confidence43

    A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

  • Cooperation35

    A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

  • Intellectual Curiosity31

    A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.

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  • Sincerity26

    A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.

  • Empathy25

    A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.

  • Initiative24

    A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

  • Humility22

    A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.

  • Adaptability20

    A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

  • Optimism9

    A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.

  • Leadership Orientation5

    A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.

  • Tolerance for Ambiguity3

    A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

  • Conventional98

    Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

  • Enterprising56

    Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

  • Social36

    Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

  • Investigative25

    Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

  • Realistic4

    Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

  • Artistic0

    Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

    • Extremely important97%
  • E-Mail

    • Every day90%
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

    • Every day89%
  • Spend Time Sitting

    • Continually or almost continually73%
    • More than half the time27%
  • Telephone Conversations

    • Every day66%
    • Once a week or more but not every day24%
  • Contact With Others

    • Contact with others most of the time21%
    • Contact with others about half the time13%
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

    • Extremely important53%
    • Very important47%
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

    • Fairly important13%
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

    • Very important results41%
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

    • Extremely important61%
    • Very important18%
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

    • A lot of freedom43%
    • Some freedom36%
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

    • Every day51%
    • Once a week or more but not every day15%
    • Once a month or more but not every week28%
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  • Freedom to Make Decisions

    • A lot of freedom37%
    • Limited freedom24%
  • Frequency of Decision Making

    • Once a week or more but not every day20%
    • Once a month or more but not every week11%
  • Written Letters and Memos

    • Every day40%
    • Once a week or more but not every day36%
    • Once a month or more but not every week14%
  • Time Pressure

    • Every day41%
    • Once a month or more but not every week36%
    • Once a year or more but not every month16%
  • Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

    • Every day32%
    • Once a week or more but not every day23%
    • Once a month or more but not every week21%
  • Duration of Typical Work Week

    • Less than 40 hours16%
  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

    • Continually or almost continually33%
    • More than half the time24%
    • Less than half the time26%
    • Never17%
  • Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

    • Extremely important26%
    • Very important24%
    • Fairly important28%
    • Not important at all21%
  • Physical Proximity

    • Moderately close (at arm's length)31%
    • I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)15%
  • Degree of Automation

    • Completely automated13%
    • Highly automated23%
    • Moderately automated35%
    • Slightly automated12%
    • Not at all automated17%
  • Consequence of Error

    • Extremely serious19%
    • Very serious18%
    • Serious23%
    • Fairly serious13%
    • Not serious at all26%
  • Conflict Situations

    • Once a week or more but not every day24%
    • Never29%
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

    • Continually or almost continually38%
    • Less than half the time13%
    • Never50%
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

    • Once a week or more but not every day22%
    • Once a month or more but not every week26%
    • Once a year or more but not every month26%
    • Never22%
  • Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

    • Very high responsibility12%
    • High responsibility25%
    • Limited responsibility34%
    • No responsibility29%
  • Health and Safety of Other Workers

    • Very high responsibility12%
    • High responsibility13%
    • Limited responsibility17%
    • No responsibility54%
  • Level of Competition

    • Highly competitive14%
    • Moderately competitive11%
    • Slightly competitive16%
  • Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

    • Every day23%
    • Never74%
  • In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

    • Once a year or more but not every month48%
    • Never41%
  • Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

    • Once a month or more but not every week12%
    • Once a year or more but not every month31%
    • Never54%
  • Spend Time Standing

    • About half the time12%
    • Less than half the time36%
  • Public Speaking

    • Once a year or more but not every month24%
    • Never62%
  • Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

    • Once a year or more but not every month18%
    • Never72%
  • Exposed to Contaminants

    • Once a year or more but not every month11%
    • Never75%
  • Spend Time Walking or Running

    • Less than half the time38%
    • Never60%
  • Work Schedules

    • Regular (established routine, set schedule)86%
  • Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

    • Less than half the time11%
    • Never79%
  • Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

    • Not important at all91%
  • Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

    • Once a year or more but not every month11%
    • Never88%
  • Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

    • Once a year or more but not every month11%
    • Never89%
  • Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

    • Less than half the time13%
    • Never87%
  • Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

    • Never99%
  • Exposed to Disease or Infections

    • Never100%
  • Outdoors, Under Cover

    • Never96%
  • Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

    • Never100%
  • Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

    • Never100%
  • Exposed to High Places

    • Never100%
  • Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

    • Never99%
  • Exposed to Radiation

    • Never100%
  • Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

    • Never100%
  • In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

    • Never100%
  • Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

    • Never100%
  • Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

    • Never100%
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

    • Never100%
  • Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

    • Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree
  • High school diploma or equivalent

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

  • Accounting software

    Automated tax system software, Fund accounting software, Intuit QuickBooks, Tax software

  • Presentation software

    Microsoft PowerPoint

  • Electronic mail software

    Email software, Microsoft Outlook

  • Business intelligence and data analysis software

    Alteryx software, Microsoft Power BI

  • Data base user interface and query software

    Microsoft Access, Online databases

  • Spreadsheet software

    Microsoft Excel

  • Optical character reader OCR or scanning software

    Optical character recognition OCR software

  • Graphics or photo imaging software

    Image processing systems

  • Document management software

    Document management system software

  • Enterprise resource planning ERP software

    SAP software

  • Tax preparation software

    Intuit TurboTax

  • Office suite software

    Microsoft Office software

  • Word processing software

    Microsoft Word

  • Human resources software

    ADP Workforce Now

  • Internet browser software

    Web browser software

  • Compliance software

    Tax compliance property tax management software

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

  • Collect payments for goods or services.
  • Inform individuals or organizations of status or findings.
  • Assess financial status of clients.
  • Develop financial plans for clients.
  • Verify accuracy of records.
  • Explain regulations, policies, or procedures.
  • Document information related to legal proceedings.
  • Oversee business processes.
  • Examine financial records.
  • Correspond with customers to answer questions or resolve complaints.
  • Update knowledge of legal or regulatory environments.
  • Gather financial records.
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  • Examine financial records or processes.
  • Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.
  • Collect evidence for legal proceedings.
  • Maintain data in information systems or databases.
  • Prepare legal or investigatory documentation.
  • Communicate with government agencies.
  • Negotiate agreements to resolve disputes.
O*NET in-it

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology

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