Tax Preparers

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.

Compute taxes owed or overpaid, using adding machines or personal computers, and complete entries on forms, following tax form instructions and tax tables.94
Use all appropriate adjustments, deductions, and credits to keep clients' taxes to a minimum.93
Furnish taxpayers with sufficient information and advice to ensure correct tax form completion.89
Interview clients to obtain additional information on taxable income and deductible expenses and allowances.89
Prepare or assist in preparing simple to complex tax returns for individuals or small businesses.88
Review financial records, such as income statements and documentation of expenditures to determine forms needed to prepare tax returns.86
Check data input or verify totals on forms prepared by others to detect errors in arithmetic, data entry, or procedures.84
Explain federal and state tax laws to individuals and companies.80
Answer questions and provide future tax planning to clients.80
Consult tax law handbooks or bulletins to determine procedures for preparation of atypical returns.80
Calculate form preparation fees according to return complexity and processing time required.76
Schedule appointments with clients.69

Skills

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

Reading Comprehension75
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Active Listening72
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.
Critical Thinking63
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Active Learning53
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Speaking53
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Time Management53
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Judgment and Decision Making50
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Mathematics50
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Monitoring50
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Service Orientation50
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Writing50
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Complex Problem Solving47
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

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Social Perceptiveness47
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Coordination44
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Instructing44
Teaching others how to do something.
Learning Strategies44
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Persuasion41
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Negotiation38
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Systems Analysis35
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Management of Personnel Resources25
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Systems Evaluation25
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 Financial Resources19
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.
Quality Control Analysis16
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Management of Material Resources13
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Programming13
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Technology Design10
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Operations Monitoring3
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Operation and Control0
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
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.

Economics and Accounting73
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
English Language69
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Customer and Personal Service68
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.
Mathematics65
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Law and Government64
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Computers and Electronics62
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Administrative56
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Education and Training41
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Telecommunications39
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Communications and Media38
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Administration and Management37
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.
Personnel and Human Resources29
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

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Psychology26
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 Security23
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.
Sales and Marketing22
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.
Production and Processing14
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Foreign Language12
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.
Engineering and Technology11
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.
Therapy and Counseling11
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Sociology and Anthropology10
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Geography8
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.
Transportation5
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
History and Archeology4
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Medicine and Dentistry4
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.
Design3
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Mechanical3
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Philosophy and Theology3
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 Construction1
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Food Production1
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Physics1
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.
Biology0
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Chemistry0
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.
Fine Arts0
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Oral Comprehension75
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Near Vision72
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Expression72
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Written Comprehension72
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Deductive Reasoning69
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning56
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Information Ordering56
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).
Number Facility56
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Category Flexibility53
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Speech Clarity53
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
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.
Fluency of Ideas50
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).

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Mathematical Reasoning50
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Perceptual Speed50
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.
Problem Sensitivity50
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.
Selective Attention50
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Speech Recognition50
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Written Expression50
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Originality41
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.
Speed of Closure31
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Far Vision25
The ability to see details at a distance.
Memorization25
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Time Sharing25
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Visualization25
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Wrist-Finger Speed25
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Visual Color Discrimination22
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Finger Dexterity19
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Auditory Attention16
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Hearing Sensitivity16
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Arm-Hand Steadiness13
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Manual Dexterity10
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Trunk Strength10
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.
Control Precision3
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Depth Perception0
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 Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Dynamic Strength0
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
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.

Working with Computers92
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.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge87
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Documenting/Recording Information81
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Processing Information81
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards74
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Analyzing Data or Information72
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems72
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work72
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others70
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships69
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events66
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates62
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public62
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Scheduling Work and Activities61
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization60
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.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others58
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Performing Administrative Activities56
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Training and Teaching Others54
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others51
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings48
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Assisting and Caring for Others45
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information43
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Thinking Creatively43
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Developing and Building Teams41
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Developing Objectives and Strategies41
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Coaching and Developing Others39
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates39
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others38
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources33
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People32
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials30
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Controlling Machines and Processes29
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Selling or Influencing Others25
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Staffing Organizational Units20
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment19
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.
Handling and Moving Objects16
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Performing General Physical Activities11
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.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment7
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 Equipment0
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 Equipment0
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 Detail100
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.
Cautiousness75
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Integrity74
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Achievement Orientation53
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.
Cooperation47
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Self-Control47
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Social Orientation44
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Self-Confidence42
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Stress Tolerance42
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Perseverance40
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Intellectual Curiosity37
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.

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Sincerity35
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Adaptability30
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Initiative28
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Empathy26
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Humility24
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Tolerance for Ambiguity21
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Optimism13
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Leadership Orientation4
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Innovation1
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.

Interests (RIASEC)

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

Conventional97
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.
Enterprising40
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.
Investigative23
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.
Social21
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.
Realistic20
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 important90%
E-Mail
- Every day57%
- Once a week or more but not every day33%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually65%
- More than half the time25%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day65%
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important57%
- Very important29%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day55%
- Once a week or more but not every day25%
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
Time Pressure
- Every day38%
- Once a week or more but not every day38%
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others38%
- Contact with others most of the time38%
- Contact with others about half the time14%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom25%
- Some freedom40%
- Limited freedom30%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results26%
- Important results42%
- Moderate results16%
- Minor results11%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important38%
- Very important29%
- Not important at all14%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours43%
- 40 hours48%

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Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day30%
- Once a week or more but not every day30%
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
Work Schedules
- Seasonal (only during certain times of the year)55%
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)20%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)25%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- Some freedom57%
- Limited freedom29%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day60%
- Never40%
Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive20%
- Moderately competitive60%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually21%
- More than half the time42%
- Less than half the time11%
- Never26%
Written Letters and Memos
- Once a week or more but not every day24%
- Once a month or more but not every week38%
- Once a year or more but not every month24%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Very important24%
- Important29%
- Fairly important38%
Degree of Automation
- Highly automated29%
- Moderately automated24%
- Slightly automated29%
- Not at all automated14%
Consequence of Error
- Very serious21%
- Serious37%
- Fairly serious16%
- Not serious at all21%
Physical Proximity
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)35%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)40%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Once a month or more but not every week30%
- Once a year or more but not every month50%
Conflict Situations
- Once a month or more but not every week33%
- Once a year or more but not every month48%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility14%
- Limited responsibility38%
- No responsibility29%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually25%
- Never55%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Important29%
- Fairly important33%
- Not important at all29%
Spend Time Standing
- Less than half the time81%
- Never14%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Once a year or more but not every month40%
- Never40%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Never76%
Public Speaking
- Once a year or more but not every month43%
- Never52%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Limited responsibility50%
- No responsibility45%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Never76%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Less than half the time43%
- Never57%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month30%
- Never70%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Never85%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time14%
- Never81%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Less than half the time25%
- Never75%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
- Never80%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time20%
- Never80%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never86%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never84%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Never95%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Never95%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Never95%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Never95%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Never100%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Never100%
Exposed to High Places
- Never100%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never100%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never100%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never100%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Not important at all100%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- 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.

High school diploma or equivalent
Post-secondary certificate
Bachelor’s degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Tax preparation software
ATX Total Tax Office, CCH ProSystem fx TAX, Creative Solutions UltraTax CS, Intuit TurboTax
Financial analysis software
Datair Employee Benefits Systems, Sales Tax Tools Sales Tax Researcher, Sungard Relius, Sync Essentials Trade Accountant
Accounting software
ATX Total Accounting Office, Intuit QuickBooks, Quicken, Tax software
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel, Thomson GoSystem MyTaxInfo
Electronic mail software
Email software, Microsoft Outlook
Data base user interface and query software
Microsoft Access, Sage 50 Accounting
Document management software
Laserfiche Avante
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Human resources software
Greatland Corporation Winfiler
Internet browser software
Microsoft Internet Explorer
Compliance software
Tax compliance property tax management software
Project management software
ACI TaskTracker
Billing and invoicing software
M8 Client Billing
Calendar and scheduling software
ScheduleVIEW

Professional Associations

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

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Calculate tax information.
Advise others on financial matters.
Interview clients to gather financial information.
Examine financial records.
Verify accuracy of records.
Correspond with customers to answer questions or resolve complaints.
Develop financial plans for clients.
Explain regulations, policies, or procedures.
Update professional knowledge.
Schedule appointments.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Enrolled Agent Tax Consultant

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