세무사, 좋은 직업인가요? 세무사를 만나보았다 1편ㅣ직업의 모든 것, 슬기로운직업생활

Summary

The video features two professionals, Kim Ji-yeon and Jeon Ji-hoon, both experienced tax accountants in Korea. They discuss their journey into the tax profession, with Kim having been drawn to it for financial stability and Jeon for his desire to specialize in accounting. They share insights about the demanding nature of the job, including long working hours and the need for continuous learning due to ever-changing tax laws. The video also highlights the differences between tax accountants and certified public accountants, offering a realistic view of the profession’s challenges and rewards.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speakers are both tax accountants with several years of experience working in the field, one in a corporate setting and the other in private practice.
• 😀 Becoming a tax accountant is a common career path for those studying accounting or related fields in college, as the job offers opportunities for financial success.
• 😀 The speakers explain that the job of a tax accountant involves both routine tasks, such as tax reporting, and complex, case-specific advisory work.
• 😀 To become a tax accountant, one must pass a series of exams. The process involves studying at specialized academies and taking the exams multiple times.
• 😀 The workload for tax accountants peaks during certain seasons, particularly from March to June when tax reporting deadlines occur, leading to long working hours.
• 😀 Tax accountants need to continuously update their knowledge because tax laws and regulations change frequently, making ongoing education essential.
• 😀 There are some key differences between tax accountants and auditors. While both professions deal with financial matters, auditors are more focused on corporate audits, whereas tax accountants typically deal with tax compliance and advisory.
• 😀 One advantage of being a tax accountant is the flexibility and control over one's career, especially for those running their own practice. However, this also means greater responsibility and the need for self-management.
• 😀 The job can be stressful, with demanding clients and complex cases. The speakers highlight some common challenges, including difficult client interactions and the pressure to deliver accurate results.
• 😀 The profession is rewarding in terms of job satisfaction, especially when helping clients save money or resolve complicated tax issues. The speakers feel a sense of accomplishment when their work positively impacts their clients.

Q & A

Why did the two individuals in the transcript choose to become tax accountants (세무사)?

One person chose to become a tax accountant because they were interested in accounting and wanted to specialize in this field. The other person chose this career to earn more money, initially aiming to become an accountant but eventually choosing to pursue tax accounting due to the quicker path to employment.

What is the main difference between a tax accountant (세무사) and a certified public accountant (회계사)?

The main difference is that certified public accountants (CPAs) can perform audits, while tax accountants primarily deal with tax-related tasks. CPAs often work in large firms or corporations, whereas tax accountants tend to have their own businesses.

What is the working schedule like for a tax accountant?

A tax accountant's working hours can be intense, with some working from 9 AM to 9:30 PM. During the busy season, especially in March, work may continue from morning to midnight due to the high volume of tax filings and audits.

How long did it take for one of the individuals to pass the tax accountant exams, and what was their experience?

It took about 3 years for one person to pass the exams, with the individual failing the second round of the exam twice before finally passing both rounds in the third attempt.

What qualifications or requirements are necessary to become a tax accountant in South Korea?

There are no specific academic requirements, but applicants must have a certain score in English proficiency tests like TOEIC or TEPS. The exam process involves passing both the first and second rounds of the tax accountant exam.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a tax accountant?

The advantages include the flexibility to choose one's working hours and the potential for higher earnings as experience grows. The disadvantages include the pressure to manage all aspects of the business, including decision-making, and the responsibility to constantly keep updated with new tax laws.

What are some of the challenges that tax accountants face in their daily work?

Tax accountants often deal with clients who are uninformed or confused about taxes, and they sometimes receive angry calls. They also face the challenge of clients relying on incorrect information from sources like online forums.

Do tax accountants need to continue studying after becoming certified?

Yes, it is essential for tax accountants to continue studying because tax laws frequently change. They need to stay updated in order to advise their clients correctly and ensure compliance with the latest regulations.

What is the process for becoming a registered tax accountant in South Korea?

After passing the exams, a tax accountant must register with the Korean Tax Association. They need to pay a registration fee and complete the necessary steps to become officially recognized as a licensed tax accountant.

How do the tasks of a tax accountant working in a corporation differ from those working in a tax firm?

Tax accountants in corporations typically handle specific tasks related to the company's finances, like payroll and property taxes. In contrast, tax accountants in firms handle a wider range of client issues, including income tax returns and various financial audits, especially during peak seasons.