Corporate Tax Preparer Onboarding Checklist

Corporate Tax Preparer Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Corporate Tax Preparer starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Accounting onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Corporate Tax Preparer, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Corporate Tax Preparer onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Corporate Tax Preparer Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to company policies and procedures: The new corporate tax preparer should receive a comprehensive overview of the company’s policies and procedures, including guidelines for client interactions, data security protocols, and ethical standards. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated onboarding specialist.

2. Familiarization with tax software and tools: As a corporate tax preparer, it is crucial to become proficient in the tax software and tools used by the company. This task involves training sessions or workshops conducted by the IT department or experienced tax professionals within the organization.

3. Understanding the company’s organizational structure: To navigate the company effectively, the new tax preparer should be introduced to the organizational structure, including key departments, team members, and reporting lines. This task is typically performed by the tax department manager or a designated mentor.

4. Review of previous tax returns and client files: The new tax preparer should review previous tax returns and client files to gain insights into the company’s approach, client-specific requirements, and potential challenges. This task is usually assigned by the tax department manager or a senior tax preparer.

5. Training on tax laws and regulations: Staying up-to-date with tax laws and regulations is crucial for a corporate tax preparer. The company should provide training sessions or access to resources that help the new hire understand the latest tax laws and regulations. This task is typically performed by the tax department manager or a designated tax expert.

6. Introduction to client portfolio: The new tax preparer should be introduced to their assigned client portfolio, including key clients, their specific needs, and any ongoing projects. This task is usually performed by the tax department manager or a senior tax preparer.

7. Shadowing experienced tax preparers: To gain practical insights and learn best practices, the new tax preparer should have the opportunity to shadow experienced tax preparers. This task is typically arranged by the tax department manager or a designated mentor.

8. Collaboration with other departments: Corporate tax preparers often need to collaborate with other departments, such as finance or legal. The new hire should be introduced to relevant team members and understand the nature of their collaboration. This task is typically performed by the tax department manager or a designated mentor.

9. Review of internal processes and workflows: Understanding the company’s internal processes and workflows is essential for efficient tax preparation. The new tax preparer should receive training on how to navigate these processes and effectively utilize available resources. This task is typically performed by the tax department manager or a designated mentor.

10. Introduction to client communication protocols: Effective communication with clients is crucial for a corporate tax preparer. The new hire should be familiarized with the company’s client communication protocols, including preferred channels, response times, and documentation requirements. This task is typically performed by the tax department manager or a designated mentor.

11. Compliance with professional standards and certifications: Corporate tax preparers often need to comply with professional standards and maintain relevant certifications. The new hire should be informed about these requirements and provided with guidance on how to fulfill them. This task is typically performed by the tax department manager or a designated mentor.

12. Ongoing professional development opportunities: To enhance their skills and stay updated with industry trends, the new tax preparer should be informed about ongoing professional development opportunities, such as conferences, webinars, or training programs. This task is typically performed by the tax department manager or the HR department.

13. Introduction to company culture and values: Understanding the company’s culture and values is essential for a new tax preparer to align their work and behavior accordingly. This task involves orientation sessions conducted by the HR department or senior management.

14. Performance expectations and goal setting: The new tax preparer should have a clear understanding of their performance expectations and be involved in goal-setting discussions. This task is typically performed by the tax department manager or a designated mentor.

15. Introduction to support resources: The new tax preparer should be introduced to support resources available within the company, such as research databases, tax libraries, or internal knowledge-sharing platforms. This task is typically performed by the tax department manager or a designated mentor

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Corporate Tax Preparer checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Corporate Tax Preparer up to speed and working well in your Accounting team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.