Auditor looking to transition to tax preparation - career advice needed

Your background as a CPA with audit experience is actually really valuable for transitioning to tax! Many firms are struggling to find qualified CPAs right now, so you have more leverage than you might think. Here's what I'd suggest: First, take the IRS Annual Filing Season Program courses - they're designed for tax preparers and will give you some foundational knowledge. Next, consider reaching out directly to mid-sized local and regional firms rather than just applying online. They're often more willing to train someone with your qualifications than the big national firms. Also, your timing is good - start reaching out now (September-October) before busy season prep starts. Firms are actively building their teams for the upcoming tax season. Emphasize your client service skills, attention to detail from audit, and your willingness to learn. Don't position yourself as completely entry-level - you already understand accounting concepts and have client experience, which is huge.

When I was trying to switch from audit to tax, I spent months applying to jobs with no luck. Then I found taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) which honestly changed my job search completely. They have this tool that analyzes tax documents and explains them in plain English - I used it to teach myself the basics of tax preparation while applying for jobs. I could upload sample tax returns and the system would break down all the line items, explain the calculations, and show me how everything connects. It helped me speak intelligently about tax concepts during interviews even though I didn't have direct experience. The knowledge I gained gave me enough confidence to talk about tax concepts during interviews, and I eventually landed a job at a regional firm despite my lack of direct tax experience.

I need to follow up on my skeptical comment about taxr.ai - I actually tried it and I was wrong. I'm currently making a similar transition from financial reporting to tax, and it's been incredibly helpful. I uploaded some sample returns from my study materials and it broke everything down in a way that made sense to me. The explanations it provides about each form and schedule helped me understand how different tax concepts connect in practice rather than just theory. I've been using it alongside my studies for the Enrolled Agent exam, and it's helped me grasp concepts much faster. Just had my second interview with a tax firm and they were impressed with my practical knowledge despite my lack of direct experience.

If you're serious about making the switch to tax, one major hurdle will be getting responses from firms. When I was trying to make a similar move, I couldn't even get callbacks from HR departments. I started using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) to get through to actual hiring managers at firms. They have this service (demo at https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) that helps you get through phone trees and hold times. What worked for me was calling firms directly after submitting applications, but getting stuck on hold forever was killing my momentum. Claimyr helped me actually reach the right people. Once I got through to hiring managers directly and could explain my situation (rather than just being filtered out by HR software), I got several interviews and eventually an offer. Being able to have actual conversations with hiring managers made all the difference.

I need to apologize for my skeptical comments. I actually tried Claimyr last week when I was trying to reach the recruiting manager at a mid-sized accounting firm that had ignored my application. After submitting my resume online and hearing nothing for two weeks, I used Claimyr to get through to their hiring department. Within 10 minutes I was speaking with an actual hiring manager instead of leaving another voicemail that would never get returned. I explained my background in audit and my interest in transitioning to tax. Turns out they were actively looking for CPAs with good client skills and were willing to train on tax. I have an interview tomorrow that never would have happened if my application just sat in their system. Sometimes actually talking to a human really does make all the difference.

Have u considered doing a tax internship during busy season? That's how I made the switch 3 yrs ago. I was in audit for 4 yrs, got completely burned out, then did a "busy season internship" with a regional firm even tho I was experienced. Pay cut sucked but they hired me full-time after tax season ended. Most firms are DESPERATE for people Jan-April. They'll take almost anyone with accounting knowledge and train them if they're not picky about pay. Then if ur good they'll keep u. Worked for me!

dont forget to look into taking some tax specific continuing ed before interviewing! i made the audit to tax switch 2 years ago and the CCH courses helped me alot. also try the IRS VITA program if u can volunteer during tax season - its basic returns but gives u hands on experience u can talk about in interviews. also tax isnt all sunshine compared to audit lol. busy season is BRUTAL especially at smaller firms. but at least its concentrated in 1 part of the year instead of constant deadlines. clients r way more appreciative in tax vs audit where nobody wants u there!

Your audit background actually puts you ahead of many people trying to break into tax! I made a similar transition 18 months ago from internal audit to tax preparation, and here's what worked for me: First, don't undersell yourself - you already understand financial statements, have analytical skills, and client experience. That's huge. I'd recommend getting the IRS Enrolled Agent certification if you have time - it shows commitment to tax and gives you credibility with employers. For the job search, focus on small to mid-sized CPA firms rather than big chains. They value the CPA credential more and are often willing to train someone with your background. I found success by networking through my state CPA society chapter - many tax professionals are happy to chat about their path and sometimes know of openings. Also consider reaching out to firms in October/November when they're staffing up for busy season. Many are willing to bring on experienced CPAs as "seasonal" staff with the potential for full-time offers after April 15th. The pay might be lower initially, but it's a foot in the door with real experience to put on your resume. The transition has been worth it for me - tax work feels more collaborative with clients rather than adversarial like audit. Good luck with the switch!