Navigating HR Block's Tax Preparation Requirements for New Employees
HR Block has a straightforward approach to hiring new employees. Specifically, previous tax preparation experience is not a hard requirement for new hires. Instead, they invest in comprehensive training programs designed to equip new employees with the necessary skills and knowledge. However, candidates with experience in accounting or finance tend to have an advantage in the hiring process. For the most current requirements, candidates should check HR Block's official job postings or contact their HR department.
Training and Certification
Once hired, the training process at HR Block is thorough and comprehensive. The introductory class, which spans 110 hours, includes a 100-hour training period, a final test, and case studies that require an 80% score to pass. This rigorous training ensures that employees are well-prepared for the tax season ahead. Additionally, a background check is performed annually to maintain security standards.
It's important to note that while experience can be helpful, it is not a strict requirement. Once a trainee passes their initial training class, they are ready to start their work. More experienced candidates can certainly bring valuable insights, but new hires are given a range of tasks based on their skill level. Newbies are typically assigned less complex returns, and senior employees must review and approve more difficult returns.
Continuing Education and Compulsory IRS Requirements
Continuing education is a vital component of maintaining professional standards in tax preparation. While HR Block's training is more than sufficient for handling ordinary tax returns, employees still have to comply with additional IRS requirements. These include 16 hours of federal tax law training, 10 hours of tax updates, an AFTR (Annual Federal Tax Refresher) class, and 2 hours of ethics training annually.
The good news is that HR Block offers its courses for free. For those who want to enhance their skills, the company provides a yearly budget of $35 to cover additional training costs. This means that candidates can take as many classes as they need to advance in their career. After the initial training, new hires should consider spending time as a receptionist to understand the client interaction aspect of the job.
To progress beyond simple returns, new HR Block employees must take additional online classes and attend summer training sessions. Regular annual updates are also required to ensure that they stay informed about the latest tax laws and regulations. Completing the necessary training not only meets the legal requirements but also helps new employees advance in their careers.
Post-Class Advancement
While passing the HR Block Tax School is a significant step, it represents just the beginning. Tax professionals who have never seen a Form 1040 before can still perform their duties effectively. However, continuous learning is essential to handle more complex tasks and to stay up-to-date with ever-changing tax laws.
For anyone considering a career in tax preparation at HR Block, it's advisable to take the HRB courses seriously. Although previous experience is not mandatory, it certainly does not hurt. New hires need to be ready to commit to ongoing education and to embrace the company's training programs. With dedication and effort, they can quickly become proficient and successful tax preparation specialists at HR Block.
Conclusion
In summary, HR Block's hiring process focuses on the training and development of its employees rather than strict tax preparation experience requirements. While previous experience in accounting or finance can certainly be advantageous, it is not mandatory. Candidates should prepare for a comprehensive training program and ongoing education to succeed in this rewarding career. HR Block continues to invest in its staff to ensure they can meet the varying levels of tax preparation needs.