Tax Preparer Resume: Examples and Tips

A tax preparer is responsible for income tax preparation for individuals and companies, identifying potential tax credits and liabilities, and ensuring that accurate and complete returns are filed in a timely manner. This job requires extensive knowledge of tax regulations, attention to detail, and the ability to complete tax reforms in accordance with compliance legislation and regulations.

Follow our writing tips and resume examples on this page to craft a perfect resume to take your tax preparer career to the next level.

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Entry Level Tax Preparer Resume Example

Top 4 Characteristics of a Best-in-Class Tax Preparer Resume

  1. Summary The summary should quickly convince recruiters that you’re the right match for the job. If you are an experienced tax preparer, use this space to give some details on your career successes. If you have less experience, highlight your skills and show you’re motivated to excel.
  2. Skills Make sure you feature a balance of hard and soft skills that fit with what the job description requires You should consider dividing your skills into categories, such as “Tax preparation skills” (e.g. strong understanding of tax processes) and “soft skills” (e.g., analytical skills, attention detail and communication).
  3. Work History Highlight achievements that show employers using metrics to demonstrate your effectiveness. For example: “Processed 100+ tax returns per week with less than 1% errors.” Elaborate on your roles and responsibilities, such as preparing corporate, fiduciary, gift, individual or private foundation returns.
  4. Education Include your top education credential (e.g., college graduate degree/diploma) along with any certifications that relate to financial work, such as state tax preparer certification.

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Find the Right Template for your Resume

Preparing a good resume, like preparing a good tax return, involves working with the right templates. Use these professionally-designed layouts and our resume builder to create your own resume in minutes.

Qualified

This traditional design uses a pinch of color to get you noticed, while each section is given space, making for fast skimming without missing essential points.

Knowledgeable

The large font for the name at the top of this layout makes a striking first impression. The colorful headers for each section makes it easy to find relevant information.

Remarkable

The prominent header makes a bold statement, while sections are highlighted using graphic block elements, giving this template a distinguished look.

For a complete collection of designs you can use to build your resume, visit our resume templates page.

Do’s and Don’ts for Your Resume

  • DO list relevant work history, skills, and education. Each job will have different requirements — read the job description carefully and pick out key phrases that describe work requirements, such as proficiency with QuickBooks, or experience managing multiple client engagements. Then match your own work experience skills, and accomplishments with these keywords as much as possible.
  • DO use simple and direct language. Use simple phrases and bullet points when describing your skills and work experience. If you need to use acronyms, make sure you spell them out, e.g. “Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).” Don’t expect hiring managers to be familiar with every term — when possible, keep things straightforward.
  • DO write a concise resume. A recruiter spends only a few seconds to review a resume, on average. The longer your resume, the greater the chance a recruiter might miss important information. Try to keep your document just one-page long, and definitely don’t exceed two pages. Make sure your summary, skills and job accomplishments are geared to address the specific job you’re applying for, and don’t include irrelevant details.
  • DON’T mention irrelevant personal information. A recruiter isn’t interested in reading about random hobbies or personal details (e.g.,  marital status, number of children) on a resume. Limit your personal information to your contact details(phone number, email address), and focus on filling your resume on strictly work-related qualifications.
  • DON’T submit your resume before reviewing it. Tax preparation requires precision and accuracy above everything else — and a resume that has typos or factual errors conveys the exact opposite impression. Don’t submit your resume before reviewing it a few times, and making sure your information is up-to-date, correct, and presented without mistakes.
  • DON’T lie or exaggerate. As a tax preparer, you will be entrusted with sensitive information and expected to maintain a high standard of professional and personal integrity. The same should go for your resume, which means no fibbing or exaggerating about your own accomplishments. If you lie on your resume and are caught, the repercussions can be serious. Stick to being honest about your abilities and qualifications.