I have a job lined up for this upcoming tax season at my local tax firm. The scope of work will be to fully handle client appointments and drop-offs from start to finish, preparing taxes and speaking with clients I’ll be handling all of the individual and small business clients, as well as any “dumpster fire” situations, while the other guy and the owner/partner will take on the more complex returns.
I live in a LCOL area and compensation will be $20/hour + commission with an incremental structure (2.5% on the first $1,000, 5% on amounts over $1,000, etc.). Pricing for services is low so I'll most likely be hovering at $23/24/hr. Lunch breaks are unpaid, and the owner also supports me studying for my EA exam as he liked the idea of me clocking in and out to study in the office if an appointment no shows.
From everyone’s experience, is this the norm for seasonal tax work? Unpaid training has already started, and I’ve completed a few practice returns as well as a few real ones. For context, I’ve completed my bachelor’s in accounting and plan to begin studying for my EA soon. I have zero prior tax preparation experience and will be expected to handle clients from day one and gradually reduce the number of questions I ask the partner as he will be busy doing his own work.
First time tax firm job lined up… is this the norm?
byu/Certain_Watercress21 intax
Posted by Certain_Watercress21
2 Comments
Honestly it’s a pretty shit gig. Even for a LCOL area. But if there’s nothing else available just stick with it for a bit until you get some experience. At minimum through busy season. For regular associate positions most larger firms look for 1 to 2 years of experience. So just bide your time and jump ship.
Two different viewpoints:
1. The job market is very bad right now. Gaining experience could be very helpful in searching for better employment later.
2. I see several red flags that this is a low-quality employer. Those include being expected to handle start-to-finish and “dumpster fire” clients despite having no prior experience. That can be very detrimental to your professional development. Jumping off the page, however, is that you are already doing some real returns, while being in “unpaid” status. That shows your employer has little respect for wage and hour laws. If he will cheat you on pay now, he will most likely do so later as well.
Overall, I would have to recommend finding something else.