Tax Preparer Test

Tax preparer tests are designed to help employers identify candidates with the skills essential to working as this particular type of financial specialist.

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What is a tax preparer test?

A tax preparer is an essential accounting function for any large or small business. They ensure that business is compliant with tax rules, paying on time, and most crucially, not paying too much or too little.

A tax preparer test is used to assess whether a candidate for that role has the necessary core and soft skills to succeed. Employers can use this test in the early stages of the hiring process to ensure they proceed with the most skilled applicants.

Each candidate is evaluated by a series of multiple-choice questions. The tax preparer test measures an individual's numerical, logical, and verbal reasoning skills, as well as their ability to assess, digest, and communicate financial information.

A high score on this test suggests a candidate would be able to confidently and accurately process financial data, making them an effective member of the accounting team.

Jump to a section on this page:

  1. What is a tax preparer test?
  2. Why should you use a tax preparer test for recruiting?
  3. How our test assesses tax preparer skills
  4. Tax Preparer Test FAQs

About the Tax Preparer Test

A tax preparer is responsible for ensuring accurate financial data is transferred between a client and their country's governing body, such as HMRC or the IRS. They prepare and file companies' tax returns and audits to ensure they are compliant with the law. However, their role is dependent on an individual's qualification and position within a wider accounting business function.

This test assesses whether candidates for a tax preparer role possess the required level of numeracy skills, logical reasoning, and attention to detail to be successful.

Why should you use a tax preparer test for recruiting?

Naturally, you want to shortlist the most suitable candidates for your tax preparer position. But differentiating between applicants based on their resume alone can seem impossible, particularly as many of them will boast a similar level of experience.

A tax preparer test removes this challenge and gives employers the ability to distribute skills tests to large numbers of candidates and receive comparative data to analyse. The results will give a clear and unbiased insight into how well suited each candidate is, creating a streamlined hiring process.

The test will highlight how adept a candidate is with essential skills required of a tax preparer, such as having an outstanding numerical aptitude and diverse reasoning ability to troubleshoot complex financial issues. It will also measure their computer and financial system skills, applied mathematics, strongest communication styles, and general accounting literacy.

Applicants that meet the requirements of the role can be shortlisted, while those who do not display the necessary skills can be removed.

A tax preparer test could be useful for the following roles:

View a sample report

Results for the Tax Preparer Test along with other assessments the candidate takes will be compiled to produce a candidate report.

The report is automatically generated and available both online and as a downloadable pdf so they can be shared with other team members and employees alike.

Download sample report
App screenshot

How our test assesses tax preparer skills

Candidates will need to answer a range of questions that measure industry-specific technical skills where applicable (e.g. Microsoft Excel), soft skills (e.g. interpersonal), aptitude (e.g. numerical reasoning) and relevant personality dimensions (e.g. detail orientation). The results present a holistic view of how well suited each candidate is for the job at hand, using a data-driven approach.

The format varies by type of question, including multiple-choice for aptitude and technical skills, situational judgement for soft skills and agreement on a Likert scale for the personality dimensions. This approach ensures candidates are being assessed in an accurate and fair manner, and that results reflect the true underlying qualities of each candidate.

The characteristics, abilities and knowledge necessary to be a tax preparer were identified using the US Department of Labor's comprehensive O*NET database. O*NET is the leading source of occupational information that is constantly updated by collecting data from employees in specific job roles.

During the development process, test questions were rigorously analysed to maximise reliability and validity in line with industry best practices. They were created by our team of I/O psychologists and psychometricians – who collaborated with subject-matter-experts – and field-tested with a representative sample of job applicants who have varying experience, just like you might find in a talent pool.

Each test is reviewed by a panel of individuals representing diverse backgrounds to check for any sensitivity, fairness, face validity and accessibility issues. This ensures each candidate has a fair chance of demonstrating their true level of expertise.

Our tax preparer test is monitored to ensure it is up-to-date and optimised for performance.

Our test platform

Our platform offers an extensive library of hundreds of tests, giving you the flexibility to select and combine them in any way that suits your hiring needs. From understanding specific role requirements to assessing general cognitive abilities, our diverse library ensures you can tailor your assessment process precisely.

Multi-format.
Our test questions come in various formats, including multiple-choice, true and false, ranking and situational judgment, all ensuring comprehensive candidate assessment.
Role-specific simulations.
Experience real-world scenarios with our role-specific simulations, providing accurate insights into candidates' performance, readiness and fit for the position.
Adaptive scoring.
Our adaptive scoring system evaluates responses in real-time, by adjusting to the candidate's ability level, enhancing accuracy and reliability.

Curated by our
team of experts

Expert 1 Expert 2 Expert 3

Scientifically validated by psychometric specialists

  • Our team of assessment experts is made up of I/O psychologists, psychometricians, and subject matter experts who work closely together to ensure each test is accurate and reliable.
  • Our subject matter experts are rigorously vetted and typically have several years of experience working in their industries and hold advanced credentials.

Frequently asked questions

What are the key skills for a tax preparer?

Critical skills required to be successful in a tax preparer role include:

  • Mathematical ability
  • Strong logical and deductive reasoning
  • The ability to use accounting systems
  • Excellent knowledge of financial compliance rules and regulations
  • Organised, with sharp time management skills
  • Good verbal and written communication
What other tests should you use to recruit a tax preparer?

The tax preparer test could be combined with a personality assessment, or numerical reasoning and abstract reasoning test, for further insight into a candidate's quality and skill.

What is the cost for Neuroworx's tax preparer test?

Neuroworx operates on a monthly or annual subscription basis. We have several plans to suit your hiring needs, which you can check out here. Alternatively, you can get in touch with us to discuss a custom plan.

Can I get a free trial?

Yes, simply sign up (no credit card is required) and we'll give you unlimited access for seven days. Create as many jobs and test as many candidates as you want; you won't be charged a penny.

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