Best Jobs for Seniors: Part Time Jobs in Tax Preparation and Bookkeeping

If you’re a senior or retiree who wants to supplement your income or try out a new career, Intuit may have a perfect opportunity for you. Its tax preparation and bookkeeping jobs provide many benefits. In addition to hourly wages and bonus opportunities, Intuit offers flexible work-from-home schedules, training and educational content to improve your skills, and an enthusiastic community of tax and bookkeeping experts. 

Whether you have past experience in the tax and bookkeeping fields or you’re just getting started, Intuit can help get your career off the ground. Entry-level, seasonal jobs include training, and career pathways allow experts to work in both tax and bookkeeping as they gain experience. 

Read below to see why bookkeeping and tax preparation are some of the best jobs for seniors and learn more about Intuit’s Tax Expert and Bookkeeper jobs. 

Why Bookkeeping and Tax Preparation are Great Jobs for Seniors

There are many benefits that come with tax preparer and bookkeeping jobs, especially virtual opportunities that may offer greater work-life balance. Older adults and seniors can take advantage of the following:

• Earn extra income and benefits: If you’re retired and receiving Social Security benefits, a tax preparation or bookkeeping job can supplement your income. You may also receive benefits like educational opportunities, bonuses, or insurance. 
• Flexible schedules and work arrangements: Look for jobs that allow you to choose your own hours based on your availability. If you have a lot of time, you can look for a full-time job, or you might choose a part-time job that can accommodate a busier lifestyle.
• High demand for skilled workers: Leverage your education and previous experience during the job search to begin a new phase of your career. There are many companies in the financial services industry, including small businesses, that are looking for skilled tax preparers, certified public accountants (CPAs), and other experienced employees.
• Opportunities for continued learning and growth: Whether you have years of experience or you’re just starting out, taking on a new job is a great way to learn new skills. Many employers will also provide seminars or webinars, on-the-job training, and sometimes even education expense benefits. 
• Ability to work from home: Some companies, like Intuit, hire remote employees who can work from home. Other small businesses also hire freelancers and remote employees who can work from any location that meets the necessary tech requirements. 
• Share your knowledge: As a senior you have talents that may not have been developed by those younger than you. You can make a difference at Intuit.  Contribute your wealth of knowledge and patience to a team eager to learn from you. 

Part-Time Jobs for Retirees in Tax Preparation and Bookkeeping

There are different job opportunities  in tax preparation and bookkeeping. Entry-level jobs help seniors who want to embark on a new journey get into the finance industry. In addition, part-time jobs are great for retirees who want some extra income as well as time to pursue personal activities.

Take a look at some of the most common part-time jobs for retirees in tax preparation and bookkeeping.

Seasonal Tax Preparer

A seasonal tax preparer helps taxpayers compile financial records and submit tax returns during the tax season, typically between January 1 and April 15. They may review factors such as employment income, investment income, charitable donations, dependents, and more. 

You will likely need training or experience to be hired as a seasonal tax preparer. Some companies will complete training each year before the tax season starts, but it’s always helpful to have some basic math skills, communication skills for customer service, and experience with tax software. 

Other skills might include being bilingual (English & Spanish), being familiar with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and tax laws, or having technical skills. 

Part-Time Bookkeeper

Part-time bookkeepers help businesses record financial transactions and maintain organized records, including purchases, expenses, invoices, payments, and sales. Bookkeepers are responsible for recording all of these transactions into the business’ general ledger, which is then used to create financial statements like the income statement or balance sheet. 

Bookkeepers must be detail-oriented and have a basic understanding of the accounting cycle and methods. Experience with Microsoft Excel and accounting software like Intuit QuickBooks is also a plus. Some companies may also require an associate’s degree or equivalent experience. 

Accounting Consultant

Accounting consultants may work in-house with accounting firms, but others work as freelancers or independent contractors, helping businesses improve their accounting processes. They may also advise on financial decisions, prepare financial statements, ensure compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), or analyze financial data.

Many businesses seek out accounting consultants with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, or other finance-related fields. In addition, you may increase your chances of being hired if you’re certified as a CPA. Math and analytical skills are also required so you can accurately read and analyze financial data.

Financial Advisor

Financial advisors help both individuals and businesses make decisions about how to use and manage their money to achieve goals set by the client. While many financial advisors work full-time, if you take on the role as an independent contractor, you have the freedom and flexibility to define your hours. 

Most financial advisors have bachelor’s degrees in finance-related fields, and they may also take separate courses in tax planning, estate planning, investing, and other topics to expand their knowledge. 

When you’re first entering the field, you may have the opportunity to work under a senior advisor for training that can last a year or more. While this may be a little more time-consuming, it gives retirees and seniors the opportunity to learn new skills and explore a new field.

Top Intuit Tax Preparation and Bookkeeping Jobs for Retirees

Intuit offers multiple job options for retirees to enter the tax preparation and bookkeeping industries. They provide flexibility, opportunities for advancement, and access to a large pool of potential customers. Check out some of the job descriptions and details below.

Intuit Tax Expert

Intuit Tax Experts work with TurboTax Live customers in a remote capacity to assist with income tax returns and other tax-related questions. You work with customers by using Intuit’s SmartLook video chat software, and you can collaborate with other Tax Experts, Managers, and Team Leads to follow up with customer resolutions. 

You must be an active, unrestricted enrolled agent (EA), CPA, or Practicing Attorney who has at least two seasons of tax services experience. In addition, you must currently have or be able to obtain a state license or permit (depending on the requirements in your state), as well as a preparer tax identification number (PTIN). You must have an extensive knowledge of tax laws, 1040 tax forms, and tax software. Customer service skills and Spanish are also desirable.

When you are hired, you can choose to work 20-29 hours per week or 30+ hours per week. You can also choose from a variety of shifts that range from 5 am to 9 pm PT every day, but you must commit to at least 20 hours per week with shifts lasting at least four hours each.

Some benefits included for Intuit Tax Experts include a 401(k) with matching, employee stock purchasing, paid sick leave, errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, and equipment for your virtual office.

Intuit Business Tax Expert

Intuit Business Tax Experts assist businesses with their taxes. For example, you might walk a client through the small business tax prep checklist. TurboTax Live Business is a new offering from Intuit, so it’s looking for experienced business tax professionals to join its team.

You must have an active, unrestricted credential, and you must also possess at least three seasons of experience preparing business tax returns, including forms 1065, 1120, and 1120-S for at least 20 clients per season. In addition, you must have at least three seasons of experience with personal taxes for at least 30 clients per season.

You should have experience with bookkeeping, Circular 230 (which provides guidelines for how to practice before the IRS), technology, communication skills, and customer service. 

Scheduling and benefits are similar to Intuit Tax Experts. Compensation for both roles is an hourly rate based on your location. You may also be eligible for a performance-based bonus at the end of the tax season, depending on customer feedback. 

Intuit Bookkeeping Expert

Intuit Bookkeeping Experts help clients that use the QuickBooks platform to manage their business books. Customers can set up appointments to work with a bookkeeper. The bookkeeper will use video chat, instant messaging, and a client management portal to work with the client during their allotted time. You may be scheduled to set up a client’s books and accounts, perform monthly bookkeeping tasks, close yearly books, and more.

You must have at least three years of experience working as a bookkeeper, including at least one year of experience working with the QuickBooks software. You must also have an active QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor certification, which requires that you pass an exam testing your knowledge of QuickBooks and basic bookkeeping procedures. Other skills might include technical, customer service, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. 

You can decide your own set of schedules between 6 am and 6 pm PT, Monday through Friday. Bookkeepers are paid an hourly rate based on location and experience level. 

Why Intuit Tax and Bookkeeping Expert roles are Great Jobs for Seniors

Becoming an Intuit tax or bookkeeping expert  is an excellent way for seniors, retirees, and older people to get back into the workforce. Whether you want to explore a new career opportunity or you’re jumping back in after a break, Intuit offers many part-time jobs for seniors with the following benefits: 

• Earn extra income as a virtual tax expert or bookkeeper: Pick up additional earnings by working with the Intuit team. Each position has a competitive hourly wage with the opportunity for overtime during peak hours and seasons.
• Work remotely on a schedule that suits you: Offer your tax prep expertise or bookkeeping services directly from home. Find a schedule that fits around your current practice and life style. Explore full-time and part-time (20+ hours per week) schedules.
• Join Intuit’s mission of powering prosperity around the world by helping people around the country with their taxes: Assist customers with accounting or bookkeeping questions to help them get their finances in order. 
• Stay connected with the tax and bookkeeping community: Get opportunities to work with other experts and Intuit team members, as well as high-quality content and educational materials that help you expand your knowledge.
• Take advantage of great benefits: Get access to savings plans, employee stock purchasing, bonus opportunities, E&O insurance, and more.

Conclusion: Why Tax Preparation and Bookkeeping are Ideal Jobs for Older People

Bookkeeping and tax preparation jobs from Intuit are great for older people who are looking to start a new career or earn some extra income. For example, we offer jobs for retired teachers who may want to explore a new field or people who are leaving labor-intensive jobs for more balanced work-from-home opportunities.

In addition to competitive wages, Intuit offers many opportunities for advancement, and you may work across both tax and bookkeeping verticals to help customers on both sides. 

In the senior part of life, being a mentor can be fun and rewarding. 

Apply for Intuit Tax and Bookkeeping Jobs

Tax Associate (Remote/Seasonal)

• Minimum of 2 seasons of paid tax preparation experience, with a minimum of 30 tax returns per tax year required. If you have the Intuit Academy Tax Level 1 badge, then you only need 1 year of paid tax prep experience with 30 tax returns per season. 
• Prior tax preparation experience in a tax practice or retail setting 
• Ability/motivation to expand expertise and obtain a tax credential or certification — Intuit offers a program for obtaining your enrolled agent (EA) credential
• Knowledge of tax laws and tax concepts and familiarity with Form 1040 and schedules
• Preparer tax identification number (PTIN) required

Credentialed Tax Expert (Remote/Seasonal)

• Possess active unrestricted credential: EA (Enrolled Agent), CPA (Certified Public Accountant), or Practicing Attorney
• Possess or be able to obtain any related state licenses, certificates, permits, or bonds
• Possess active PTIN
• Have 2 or more years of recent experience preparing federal and state individual 1040 tax returns for clients/customers, using commercial tax preparation software

Bilingual Spanish Tax Expert (Remote/ Seasonal)

• Possess active unrestricted credential: EA (Enrolled Agent), CPA (Certified Public Accountant), or Practicing Attorney
• 2 or more years of recent experience preparing federal and state individual 1040 tax returns for clients/customers, using commercial tax preparation software
• Possess or be able to obtain any related State licenses, certificates, permits or bonds
• Possess active PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number)
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) communication skills (written & spoken) required

Associate Bookkeeper (Remote/ Year Round)

• 1+ years domain experience
• a minimum of 1 year of experience working within QuickBooks Online
• QuickBooks Online Pro Certification Required 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Expert Bookkeeper (Remote/ Year Round)

• 3+ years of recent bookkeeping experience
• A minimum of 3+ years of recent experience working within QuickBooks Online
• Strong written and verbal communication skills required
• QuickBooks Online Pro Certification required
• Ability to interact with clients through video and audio tools in a way that is professional, friendly, and reassuring
• Proficient in QBO navigation and various workflows including A/R, A/P, payroll, sales tax, financial reporting, 3rd party apps integration, and banking functions to name a few.