Hiring a tax professional isn’t just about filling a position. It’s about finding someone who is accurate, analytical, and thrives under deadlines. And it's also about finding someone whose personality and ways of working are aligned to your needs.
Writing a job description is easy, right? No! We see 1000s of jobs and we've noticed that too many job descriptions are vague, outdated, copy-pasted with typos and nothing make would make qualified candidates want to apply.
At the end of the day, you want to attract qualified people. One application from the perfect candidate is better than 100 applications that don't fit.
To ensure you're attracting top talent, your job post needs to do more than list duties. It should sell the opportunity and speak directly to the type of tax professional you want to hire.
Here’s how to write a tax job description that gets noticed and gets results.
💰 1. Talk About Salary and Benefits
One of the most effective ways to attract serious, qualified applicants is to list the salary range and benefits. Candidates want to know if the opportunity fits their needs before investing time into an application.
Why it matters:
- Builds trust and shows you're competitive
- Reduces unqualified or mismatched applicants
- Helps candidates self-select, saving you time in the hiring process
Consider including:
- Salary or hourly rate range
- Bonus structure or profit-sharing
- Health, dental, and retirement benefits
- PTO and sick leave policies
- Any perks like equipment stipends or continuing education reimbursement
- If the role is in-office, mention things like standing desks, comfortable ergonomic chairs, company events, etc. All these things show how you're investing in your employees and contractors beyond just salary
If you're a smaller business and your budget is flexible, say that. Mention that you're open to creative win-win structures. This can help you compete against larger employers who do not have that type of flexibility.
🧲 2. Start with a Clear, Specific Job Title
Use job titles that are easy to search and clearly describe the position. Include the level, focus area, and whether it is remote, in-office, or hybrid.
Examples:
- “Remote Senior Tax Accountant, Corporate and Partnership Returns”
- “Seasonal Tax Preparer, In-Office – Denver, CO”
- “Entry-Level Staff Tax Associate, Full-Time”
Avoid overly creative or vague titles like “Tax Wizard” or “Finance Rockstar.” These are fun, but not searchable or professional.
📝 3. Open with a Strong Hook
Your first few lines should highlight what makes your opportunity unique. Candidates often decide whether to keep reading based on this section.
Example:
"Join a growing, tech-forward CPA firm with clients across the country. We offer remote flexibility, a collaborative culture, and opportunities for professional growth throughout the year."
Lead with the benefits and value of the role, not just a list of responsibilities.
📋 4. List Key Responsibilities (Without Overwhelming Them)
Outline what the candidate will do in their day-to-day role. Aim for 4 to 6 bullet points, grouped in a way that makes the position easy to understand.
Examples:
- Prepare federal and state tax returns (1040, 1120, 1065, etc.)
- Handle client communication via secure portals and video calls
- Review tax documents for accuracy and compliance
- Work with a remote team using cloud-based software
If your firm offers off-season work or cross-functional opportunities, mention that too.
✅ 5. Define Must-Haves and Nice-to-Haves
Let candidates know exactly what qualifications are required and which are preferred. This helps filter out unqualified applicants and encourages the right ones to apply.
Must-Haves:
- Minimum 2 years of tax preparation experience
- Familiarity with tax software like OLT and TaxSlayerPro or willingness to learn
- Understanding of federal and state tax laws
Nice-to-Haves:
- CPA or EA certification (or actively pursuing one)
- Prior experience working in a remote or hybrid environment
- Experience with tools specific to your business (schedulers, messaging apps, online file-sharing, etc.)
🎯 6. Highlight What Makes Your Firm a Great Place to Work
Top candidates are likely fielding multiple offers. Use this section to differentiate your firm and share why people enjoy working there.
You might include:
- Remote or flexible work schedules
- Focus on work-life balance, even during tax season
- Career development or mentorship opportunities
- Performance bonuses or profit-sharing
- Use of modern, efficient software tools
- Physical comforts (clean & safe office, new monitors, dedicated workspace, etc.)
Be honest and clear. Overpromising can lead to poor retention.
💬 7. Add a Clear Call to Action
Make it easy for the candidate to apply. Tell them what to do next and what to expect.
Example:
"Ready to join our team? Apply now and tell us why you're passionate about tax work. We'll follow up with qualified candidates within three business days."
You can also mention whether you’re asking for a resume, portfolio, or a quick questionnaire.
🔑 Final Tip: Keep the Language Human
Even technical job postings should feel welcoming. Use a tone that reflects your company culture. Avoid jargon or overly stiff language.
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