This post is directed at accounting students, recent graduates, tax lawyers, career accountants, college career center staff, recruiters, anyone looking for a seasonal job, and their friends.
The tax preparation industry offers a wide range of career paths—from experienced accountants and attorneys to entry-level staff and seasonal support roles.
EROWatch can help you discover these opportunities in a practical, data-driven way. Use this site to find open accounting positions that aren’t listed on the job search web sites. Discover firms that couldn’t make it to your school’s job fair.
Are you looking for a free and moderately fun way to look for your next position? Read on!
Start with the People Search Dashboard
Your first step is to explore the PTIN holder data on our People Search dashboard.
This dataset includes:
- Tax professionals and affiliated firms
- Contact details and locations
- Links to firm websites (when available)
These firm websites are often the key to uncovering job opportunities.
Use Firm Websites to Discover Open Roles
Filter for your state and city. Select the role PTIN holder, as only PTIN holder records contain web site links. Click through to the firm’s web site. If no web site is listed, do a Google search for the firm.
On the firm’s site look for sections like:
- “Join Our Team”
- “Careers”
- “Employment”
Review current openings or application instructions. Even if no jobs are posted, many firms welcome inquiries—especially ahead of tax season.
While some roles require certifications or experience, many firms actively hire:
- Entry-level tax preparers
- Interns and trainees
- Administrative support staff
The industry is seasonal and fast-paced, which creates opportunities for individuals looking to gain experience quickly.
Roles Beyond Accounting
Not every role in a tax office requires a background in accounting or law.
Firms often need:
- Receptionists
- Data entry operators
- Office assistants
- Customer service representatives
These positions can be a great way to enter the industry and build familiarity with tax operations.
Target Firms in Your Area
Use the dashboard to:
- Focus on your geographic area
- Identify firms with multiple preparers (often larger operations)
- Explore clusters of activity where hiring demand may be higher
Once you’ve identified firms in your area, use our ERO Search page to learn more about them, especially their filing volume. Larger firms or offices with higher filing volumes are more likely to need additional staff.
A Practical Job Search Strategy
Here’s a simple approach:
- Search your area using the dashboard
- Identify 10–20 firms of interest
- Visit each firm’s website
- Check for career pages or contact information
- Reach out where appropriate
This method helps you go beyond job boards and connect directly with firms.
Why This Approach Works
Many smaller and mid-sized firms:
- Do not advertise on major job boards
- Prefer direct applications
- Hire seasonally based on demand
By using ERO Watch to identify and research firms, you gain access to opportunities that may not be widely posted.
But I’m not American, or I’m not in the United States.
First, welcome to our web site! We’re glad you’re here!
Opportunities for International Candidates (Especially India)
The U.S. tax preparation industry is increasingly global. Many firms work with team members outside the United States, and our data shows a significant number of PTIN holders based in countries such as India.
This map shows EROs and PTIN registrants in India. We see clearly that much U.S. tax work is outsourced to India. Zoom in to your area and click on the point features to see what firms are active in your area. PTIN holders – the red triangles – may have links to their firm’s web site. Indian firms and contacts can be found easily by searching by city.
Multinational law and accounting firms have branch offices in major cities all over the world. Use our map to see if there are firms in your area, then go over to the People Search page, input the name of your town, and explore the web sites of firms in your city.
Even if you’re not in the job market, it’s still fun to see what other accounting practices in your area – or any area – are doing!
Final Thought
EROWatch is designed to help you understand the landscape of the tax preparation industry. With a bit of initiative, it can also help you find your place within it.
