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Head accountant vs tax accountant

The differences between head accountants and tax accountants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a head accountant and a tax accountant. Additionally, a head accountant has an average salary of $119,485, which is higher than the $62,142 average annual salary of a tax accountant.

The top three skills for a head accountant include account management, client relationships and business development. The most important skills for a tax accountant are CPA, tax audits, and income tax returns.

Head accountant vs tax accountant overview

Head AccountantTax Accountant
Yearly salary$119,485$62,142
Hourly rate$57.44$29.88
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs43,06957,919
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Average age4444
Years of experience44

Head accountant vs tax accountant salary

Head accountants and tax accountants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Head AccountantTax Accountant
Average salary$119,485$62,142
Salary rangeBetween $73,000 And $194,000Between $45,000 And $83,000
Highest paying CityAlbany, NYNew York, NY
Highest paying stateMassachusettsNew York
Best paying companyCitiPacific Investment Management Company LLC
Best paying industryConstructionFinance

Differences between head accountant and tax accountant education

There are a few differences between a head accountant and a tax accountant in terms of educational background:

Head AccountantTax Accountant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Most common majorAccountingAccounting
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Head accountant vs tax accountant demographics

Here are the differences between head accountants' and tax accountants' demographics:

Head AccountantTax Accountant
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 51.1% Female, 48.9%Male, 47.3% Female, 52.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.1% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 10.4% Asian, 16.0% White, 61.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 8.2% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 10.5% Asian, 15.5% White, 61.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage7%7%

Differences between head accountant and tax accountant duties and responsibilities

Head accountant example responsibilities.

  • Manage complex pricing structure and maintain SalesForce CRM funnel for forecasting accuracy.
  • Handle A/P, A/R, accruals, fix assets, and prepay items.
  • Analyze, audit and/or prepare monthly financial records for individual schools, monthly payroll liability reconciliations and account analysis.
  • Complete various questionnaires require by GAAP (e.g.
  • Complete third party billing for Medicaid and Medicare claims.
  • Prepare all tax reports and evaluate any discrepancies with company CPA.
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Tax accountant example responsibilities.

  • Utilize QuickBooks to manage client data and prepare necessary financial statements.
  • Manage and prepare sales and use tax account reconciliations and property tax liability accounts and prepare corresponding journal entries.
  • Prepared/Review financial statements according to GAAP and propose adjusting entries for clients.
  • Prepare tax returns for corporations, partnerships, non-profit organizations and individuals.
  • Work with various accounting departments, with duties such as account reconciliations, customer service, and administrative/clerical positions.
  • SAP, ONESOURCE, YESWIN, and BSAEfiling
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Head accountant vs tax accountant skills

Common head accountant skills
  • Account Management, 32%
  • Client Relationships, 10%
  • Business Development, 5%
  • National Accounts, 5%
  • General Ledger, 4%
  • Financial Reports, 3%
Common tax accountant skills
  • CPA, 9%
  • Tax Audits, 4%
  • Income Tax Returns, 4%
  • Tax Research, 4%
  • Reconciliations, 4%
  • Financial Statements, 4%

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