What Does a Senior Tax Consultant Do?

Senior tax consultants are highly trained professionals who specialize in the field of taxation. They work with clients to help them understand and comply with their tax obligations, as well as resolve any issues they may have with the IRS or other government agencies.

Senior tax consultants typically have several years of experience under their belts before they can officially use this title. This experience is often gained through an apprenticeship or internship with a larger firm that provides training and mentorship opportunities.

Senior Tax Consultant Job Duties

A senior tax consultant typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Preparing tax returns for individuals and businesses including corporations, partnerships, estates, trusts, and others
• Preparing tax returns for individuals and businesses including corporations, partnerships, estates, trusts, and others
• Reviewing clients’ tax situations and offering advice on tax planning opportunities
• Consulting with clients on tax law changes that may affect them
• Calculating and preparing tax returns for individuals and businesses
• Communicating with clients and providing information about their tax obligations and account balances
• Coordinating with other members of the team to ensure that all tax requirements are met
• Researching tax code provisions and court rulings to provide advice on complex tax issues
• Preparing reports for government agencies regarding tax compliance

Senior Tax Consultant Salary & Outlook

Senior tax consultants’ salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the company size and location.

• Median Annual Salary: $105,000 ($50.48/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $175,000 ($84.13/hour)

The employment of senior tax consultants is expected to grow much faster than average over the next decade.

As the baby-boom generation ages and people stay in their jobs longer, demand for tax planning and consulting services will increase. As people age, they are more likely to have complex financial situations, such as multiple sources of income or investments in real estate or small businesses.

Senior Tax Consultant Job Requirements

A senior tax consultant typically needs the following qualifications:

Education: Most senior tax consultants have at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or another closely related field. Some employers prefer to hire senior tax consultants with a master’s degree in accounting or taxation.

Many senior tax consultants also have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. A JD is not required to become a senior tax consultant, but it can help you become a partner in a firm or open your own firm.

Training & Experience: Senior tax consultants typically have at least five years of experience in the tax industry. They may have worked as a tax accountant or tax auditor before advancing to a senior position. Senior tax consultants may also have experience in management or leadership roles.

Certifications & Licenses: While certifications are not usually a requirement for senior tax consultant positions, they can help you stand out from other candidates and demonstrate your professional expertise.

Senior Tax Consultant Skills

Senior tax consultants need the following skills in order to be successful:

Communication skills: Communication skills are also important for senior tax consultants. You may be required to communicate with clients over the phone or in person, so it’s important to be able to speak clearly and concisely. You may also be required to communicate with other tax consultants and employees of the company, so it’s important to be able to communicate effectively with others.

Technical knowledge of tax laws and regulations: Senior tax consultants have a thorough understanding of the tax laws and regulations that affect their clients. They know how to interpret these laws and apply them to the specific circumstances of their clients. This allows them to provide accurate advice and solutions to their clients. Senior tax consultants also have a thorough understanding of the tax preparation process, including the different forms and documents that are required. This allows them to guide their clients through the process and ensure they submit all the necessary forms.

Attention to detail: Attention to detail is the ability to notice small changes in information. As a senior tax consultant, you may be responsible for reviewing and analyzing data, so it’s important to notice any changes in the information you’re reviewing. This can help you provide accurate information to clients and ensure you don’t miss any important details.

Problem-solving skills: As a senior tax consultant, you may be responsible for resolving complex tax issues. Your ability to identify the source of the problem and develop a solution can help you advance in your career. Senior tax consultants may also be responsible for training junior tax consultants, so demonstrating your ability to solve problems can help you train others effectively.

Ability to work independently: As a senior tax consultant, you may work on your own or with a team. Regardless of the situation, you need to be able to work independently and complete your work on time. This can include researching information, creating reports and completing other tasks.

Senior Tax Consultant Work Environment

Senior tax consultants work in a variety of settings, including corporate offices, law firms, accounting firms, and government agencies. They typically work a standard 40-hour week, although they may work longer hours during tax season or when deadlines are approaching. Senior tax consultants typically have a great deal of responsibility and must be able to work independently. They must also be able to handle the stress of meeting deadlines and working with clients who may be unhappy with the results of their tax returns.

Senior Tax Consultant Trends

Here are three trends influencing how senior tax consultants work. Senior tax consultants will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Need for More Technical Talent

The need for more technical talent is a trend that is being seen across all industries, as businesses are looking for ways to improve their efficiency and reduce costs. This is especially true in the accounting field, where firms are increasingly turning to technology-based solutions to help them manage their data.

As a senior tax consultant, you can capitalize on this trend by becoming an expert in the latest tax software products. This will allow you to provide valuable advice and guidance to your clients, while also helping them to save money on taxes.

More Focus on International Tax Planning

As businesses become more globalized, the need for international tax planning has increased. This is because businesses now have to consider the tax implications of doing business in multiple countries, which can be complicated and difficult to navigate.

Senior tax consultants who are able to understand the tax laws of different countries will be in high demand, as they can help businesses to avoid paying unnecessary taxes. In addition, they can also help businesses to find opportunities to lower their overall tax burden.

A Greater Emphasis on Data Security

As businesses become more reliant on digital systems, the need for data security becomes increasingly important. This is because hackers are constantly looking for new ways to break into systems and steal sensitive information.

As a senior tax consultant, you can help to protect your clients’ data by ensuring that your firm has strong security measures in place. You can also educate your clients about how they can protect themselves from hackers.

How to Become a Senior Tax Consultant

A career as a senior tax consultant can be very rewarding. It offers the opportunity to work with a variety of clients and industries, and to help them solve their tax problems. You’ll also have the chance to develop your own skills and expertise in this field.

To become a senior tax consultant, you’ll need to have several years of experience in accounting or tax preparation. You should also have a strong understanding of tax laws and regulations. Additionally, it’s important to have excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

Advancement Prospects

Senior tax consultants typically advance in one of two ways: either they move up within their current organization, or they start their own tax consulting firm. In either case, advancement is based on experience, education, and clientele. Senior tax consultants who move up within their organization may eventually become partners or managing directors. Those who start their own firms may eventually expand their business by hiring additional staff or acquiring other firms.

Senior Tax Consultant Job Description Example

At [CompanyX], we provide our clients with expert tax consulting services to help them minimize their tax liability and improve their financial position. We are seeking a senior tax consultant to join our team and provide our clients with the highest level of service. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5 years of experience in public accounting or a law firm, with a focus on tax consulting. He or she will be a CPA or JD with an LLM in taxation, and will have experience working with both corporate and individual clients. The candidate will also have excellent research and writing skills, and will be able to work independently.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients, providing comprehensive tax consulting and compliance services
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, demonstrating deep understanding of their businesses and industries
• Stay up-to-date on current tax laws and regulations to ensure compliance and proactively identify opportunities for clients
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and budget constraints
• Prepare complex tax returns and financial statements, including consolidated corporate returns
• Research technical tax issues and develop creative solutions to minimize client tax liability
• Identify process improvements and implement efficiencies to streamline workflows
• Train and mentor junior staff members, providing guidance and feedback to support their professional development
• Participate in business development activities, such as proposal writing and client presentations
• Serve as a subject matter expert on tax matters, providing insights and thought leadership internally and externally
• Collaborate with other departments within the firm to provide holistic solutions to clients
• Handle special projects as needed

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field
• CPA designation
• 5+ years experience in public accounting with a focus on tax consulting
• Strong understanding of federal and state tax laws
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Superior time-management and organizational skills

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Master’s degree in taxation or LLM
• 10+ years experience in public accounting with a focus on tax consulting
• Extensive knowledge of tax software programs, including ProSystem fx Tax, CCH Axcess Tax, and GoSystem Tax RS
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel