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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Enrolled Agent

💰 $55,000 - $95,000

FinanceAccountingTax

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a highly motivated and detail-oriented Enrolled Agent to join our dynamic tax team. As an Enrolled Agent, you are not just a tax preparer; you are a trusted advisor and a federally authorized practitioner with the authority to represent taxpayers before all administrative levels of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In this critical role, you will be the primary point of contact for a diverse portfolio of clients, providing expert guidance on complex tax matters, ensuring compliance, and developing strategic solutions to minimize their tax burdens. You will be a problem-solver, a strategist, and a client advocate, playing a vital part in their financial success and peace of mind.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Tax Preparer
  • Junior Accountant / Staff Accountant
  • Bookkeeper
  • IRS Revenue Agent

Advancement To:

  • Senior Enrolled Agent
  • Tax Manager
  • Partner or Owner of a Tax Firm
  • Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Lateral Moves:

  • Forensic Accountant
  • Financial Advisor (with additional licensing)
  • Corporate Tax Accountant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Prepare and meticulously review complex federal, state, and local tax returns for individuals, partnerships, corporations (S-Corps, C-Corps), trusts, and estates.
  • Serve as the primary client representative before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and state/local tax authorities for audits, examinations, and collections matters.
  • Conduct comprehensive and advanced tax research on intricate issues using professional research platforms like CCH, RIA Checkpoint, or BNA Tax Management to support tax positions and planning.
  • Develop and implement proactive, multi-year tax planning strategies for high-net-worth individuals and businesses to optimize tax positions and minimize liabilities.
  • Skillfully manage all aspects of tax controversy cases, including drafting protest letters, negotiating with IRS agents, and preparing requests for appeals or collection due process hearings.
  • Analyze and respond to a high volume of IRS and state tax notices (e.g., CP2000, audit notifications), ensuring timely and accurate resolution on behalf of clients.
  • Provide expert consultation to clients on the tax implications of various financial decisions, such as business formation/structuring, real estate transactions, and retirement planning.
  • Review and adjust client bookkeeping records, financial statements, and general ledgers to ensure accuracy and readiness for tax return preparation.
  • Mentor, train, and review the work of junior tax staff, providing constructive feedback and guidance on tax law, software, and firm procedures.
  • Maintain and manage a dedicated portfolio of clients, fostering strong, long-term relationships through exceptional service, proactive communication, and timely delivery of services.
  • Negotiate favorable resolutions for clients with tax debt, including Offers in Compromise, Installment Agreements, and Penalty Abatement requests.
  • Stay abreast of legislative and regulatory changes in federal and state tax laws, interpreting new guidance and communicating its impact to clients and internal teams.
  • Perform detailed analysis of financial data to identify potential tax savings opportunities, deductions, and credits for clients.
  • Prepare accurate and defensible foreign information reporting forms, such as FinCEN Form 114 (FBAR) and Form 8938 (FATCA), for clients with international assets.
  • Manage all phases of client engagement, from initial consultation and onboarding to final delivery, billing, and follow-up.
  • Advise clients on entity selection, analyzing the tax advantages and disadvantages of sole proprietorships, LLCs, S-Corporations, and C-Corporations.
  • Document all client communications, research findings, and work performed in the firm's client management and document management systems with a high degree of detail.
  • Uphold the highest ethical standards as outlined in Treasury Department Circular 230, ensuring all advice and prepared returns are in full compliance with professional regulations.
  • Collaborate with financial planners, attorneys, and other professionals to provide integrated and comprehensive wealth management and business advisory services.
  • Calculate and process quarterly estimated tax payments for individuals and businesses, ensuring sufficient tax withholding to avoid underpayment penalties.
  • Assist business clients with payroll tax, sales tax, and other compliance reporting requirements, ensuring all deadlines are met.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc tax analysis requests and exploratory financial analysis.
  • Contribute to the firm's tax service strategy and process improvement initiatives.
  • Collaborate with accounting and financial planning teams to ensure a holistic client service approach.
  • Participate in team meetings, professional development sessions, and continuing education to maintain licensure.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficiency in professional tax preparation software (e.g., Lacerte, UltraTax, ProSeries, Drake Tax).
  • Expertise in IRS representation, including audit defense, appeals, and collections procedures.
  • Advanced tax research skills using platforms like CCH IntelliConnect, RIA Checkpoint, or BNA.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of the Internal Revenue Code and Treasury Regulations.
  • Mastery of preparing complex tax forms (1040, 1120, 1120-S, 1065, 1041, 706, 709).
  • Strong understanding of accounting principles (GAAP) and ability to analyze financial statements.
  • Proficiency in accounting software such as QuickBooks (Desktop and Online) and Xero.
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for tax analysis, modeling, and reporting.
  • Experience with tax controversy resolution, including Offers in Compromise and Installment Agreements.
  • Deep understanding of professional ethics and responsibilities under Treasury Department Circular 230.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional client relationship management and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Superior analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Impeccable attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.
  • Excellent organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple deadlines and client needs.
  • Ability to explain complex tax concepts in simple, understandable terms to clients.
  • Strong negotiation and persuasion skills for advocating on behalf of clients.
  • High level of integrity, discretion, and professional ethics.
  • Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent; must hold an active Enrolled Agent (EA) credential issued by the IRS. A Bachelor's degree is highly preferred by most employers.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Taxation.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Accounting
  • Finance

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-7+ years of progressive experience in public accounting or a dedicated tax practice.

Preferred:

Prior experience in a role focused on tax controversy, representation, and complex tax return review within a public accounting firm or specialized tax resolution firm.

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