Career Definition for an International Tax Accountant
International tax accountants are a specific type of accountant who specialize in international tax law. International tax accountants are employed by large corporations, international companies, tax consultancies and accounting firms; international tax accountants may also be self-employed and own their own practice or firm. Common duties of international tax accountants include researching tax law, preparing tax returns, completing tax forms, meeting with clients and other duties as necessary.
| Education | Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance required, employers may prefer a master's degree |
| Job Skills | Attention to detail, math skills, knowledge of regulations and laws |
| Median Salary (2021)* | $77,250 (for accountants and auditors) |
| Job Growth (2021-2031)* | 6% (for accountants and auditors) |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Educational Requirements
The standard credential for an entry-level position in international tax accounting is a 4-year bachelor's degree in a field like accounting, finance or tax law, although employers are increasingly looking for advanced degrees in these fields. Common courses in a bachelor's program that will prepare you for a career as an international tax accountant include tax law, taxation of international transactions, corporate finance, business economics and investment management. The Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation offers relevant certifications, including that of Accredited Tax Advisor (ATA) and Accredited Tax Preparer (ATP), which require coursework and, in some cases, an examination.
Required Skills
International tax accountants must have a good attention to detail and strong math skills. Staying up-to-date with new tax regulations and laws is also very important for a successful career as an international tax accountant.
Employment and Economic Outlook
The employment outlook for accountants and auditors, which includes international tax accountants, is as fast as the average. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment in this field may grow by 6% for 2021-2031. The median annual income for the field in 2021 was $77,250.
Alternate Career Options
Consider these alternatives for careers in finance and accounting:
Budget Analyst
Usually earning at least a bachelor's degree in a field such as finance, accounting, economics, public administration or statistics, these analysts assist private and public institutions with the organization of their finances by preparing budgets and monitoring their spending. The BLS projected slower than average demand for their services from 2021-2031, causing a growth estimate of 3% during that time. As of May 2021, budget analysts earned a median salary of $79,940 per year, according to the BLS.
Bookkeeping, Accounting and Auditing Clerk
Employment decline of 5% was anticipated for these clerks during the 2021-2031 decade, and they earned a median annual wage of $45,560 in 2021, the BLS said. High school graduates with basic computer and math skills may learn the necessary skills to produce organizational financial records while on the job.
