Tax Manager

Tax Manager qualifications to look for

Tax Managers forecast tax returns and obligations, coordinate audits, and ensure compliance with financial legislation.

Your top hire will hold an Accounting degree and may also have additional certifications like CPA. Some may even hold an MSc in Taxation. 

Work experience is your best indicator for this position, along with a strong familiarity with accounting software and with tax regulations. 

You may need your new Tax Manager to lead a team of Tax Accountants. If so, your future hire should be comfortable delegating tasks and evaluating team member performance. 

Additionally, certain Tax Managers act as business advisors to help companies comply with tax laws. In this case, your candidates should demonstrate excellent communication skills with the ability to build long-term client relationships.

Top tip: Diversity is key to a thriving workplace. Keep an eye out for management and exec-level candidates from varying backgrounds and aim to eliminate bias from your hiring process.

Problem-solving interview questions

• What data is needed to forecast next year’s tax returns?
• You found significant numerical errors in a tax estimation only after you sent your report to a client. What’s your first step? 
• How would you check the accuracy of a junior accountant’s work?
• How would you present the tax risks a client would face by making an investment in terms they understand?
  

Role-specific interview questions

• Explain the key differences between state and federal taxes.
• What kind of accounting software have you used? What are your favorite features? 
• How do you organize and track physical records of important paperwork?
• Have you managed foreign affiliate returns? If so, what is your process? 
• How do you give feedback to your team members as a team leader? How do you help them set goals?
  

Behavioral interview questions

• Have you ever faced an ethical dilemma at work? If so, what was the outcome? 
• Describe a time you helped a company minimize its tax obligations. What was your role in the process? 
• How do you stay current with changes in finance law? What publications do you read? 
• How do you stay on top of deadlines when working for different clients at the same time?