article words

Employees compete for Visa gift cards and other prizes in scavenger hunts or trivia contests, such as "Are You Smarter Than an Intern?" styled on the TV game show "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?"

Tuition reimbursement for certified public accounting exam review courses or advanced degrees are common, although many employers require a B-grade or higher and may claw back payments to those who leave the firm that subsidized their education within two or three years of completion.

"It's a nice break [and] good for camaraderie.

If you love numbers, don't mind a slog and can engender trust, tax accounting might be the career for you.

Novices typically face a steep learning curve when it comes to managing the work flow that rolls in from higher-ups.

While an increasing number of new grads opt for jobs in internal corporate tax departments, most pursue jobs at public accounting firms, since the training, experience and exposure to different industries and specialties can open a myriad of options.

Tax directors, senior-level positions at public accounting firms, start at average annual salaries of $84,250 to $160,750, depending on the size of the firm, plus bonuses and incentives, according to the guide.

The Worst Part of the Job

Tax season's relentless deadlines and long hours can take a toll.

They may also be brokered through recruiters for firms looking for a partner or a book of business from a seasoned professional, according to David Bell, a regional vice president in Minneapolis for staffing firm the Mergis Group, a division of Ft.

Becoming a CPA is vital for advancement at a public accounting firm.

If a tax accountant has his own firm, said Bell, "the only reason he's going to merge with another firm is to get more equity or make a lot of money."

Becoming a CPA is vital for advancement at a public accounting firm.

The Hiring Picture

Employers actively recruit entry-level candidates from college campuses, and recruiters often start calling after professionals have a year or two on the job.