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Whether you aspire to be a tax manager or a tax accountant, you need certain skills to get ahead working in a corporate tax department. Here are five things tax directors consider before hiring new staff.
"Prior tax experience is a must have" says Susan Galletti, tax director for American Financial Realty Trust, a real estate investment trust based in Jenkintown, Pa.. Working in the hectic and demanding world of corporate tax means new hires need to hit the ground running. A degree in accounting or finance, along with a CPA is de rigor. It also helps to pursue certifications accepted in the tax field.
Commitment to Tax
"You need to have a desire to stay in tax," adds Galetti, who believes such a commitment is crucial. Corporate tax work can be high pressure and require long hours, so a passion for the field is key.
Work Well With Others
"They need to be able to work well with many different individuals in many different departments," Galletti says. "You have to be able to work with others and to communicate effectively, since every part of the company is essential to the tax department for filing taxes and planning for future tax obligations."
Work Well With the Tax Director
"Those in corporate tax also need to work one-on-one with the tax director," she says. "You have to be able to deal well with upper management. Plus, tax directors can be demanding. So, you need to be prepared for this."
Know Your Systems
"Everything is computerized now," Galletti observes. So, at a minimum, candidates must be familiar with the latest tax-preparation and general-ledger software used for accounting.
While Galletti serves in a relatively small organization with fewer layers of management than other corporations, the basic job requirements for working in a tax department apply no matter what a company's size or setup, says Donna Rogers, head of Rogers HR Consulting in Springfield, Ill. Rogers believes candidates also need to possess a willingness to continue learning. "The laws and regulations change constantly, and they have to keep up with that and the changes in technology used in the field," she says.
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