Explore how your federal experience as a Tax Law Specialist (GS-0987) translates into civilian opportunities — including salary comparisons, transferable skills, certifications, and top employers.
Understand how your GS level aligns with common corporate roles, responsibilities, and compensation. This helps frame your experience in terms that civilian employers recognize.
| GS Level Group | Corporate Titles | Responsibilities | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | Tax Associate, Junior Tax Analyst, Tax Compliance Specialist | Assist in preparing tax returns, gathering financial information, providing support for audits, and assisting clients with basic tax inquiries. | $40,000 - $55,000 |
| 5-7 | Tax Consultant, Senior Tax Analyst, Tax Associate II | Conduct detailed tax research, analyze financial documents, prepare complex tax returns, and advise clients on tax strategies and compliance issues. | $55,000 - $80,000 |
| 8-9 | Tax Manager, Tax Compliance Manager, Tax Operations Manager | Oversee tax preparation processes, manage a team of tax analysts, ensure compliance with tax laws, and develop tax-saving strategies for clients. | $80,000 - $110,000 |
| 10-11 | Senior Tax Manager, Director of Taxation, Tax Policy Advisor | Lead tax compliance initiatives, direct tax planning activities, interface with government agencies, and mentor junior tax staff on complex tax matters. | $110,000 - $150,000 |
| 12-13 | Tax Director, Head of Tax, Senior Tax Advisor | Strategize and implement tax compliance programs, represent the organization in audits, manage large-scale tax projects, and provide executive-level consultation on tax issues. | $150,000 - $200,000 |
| 14-15 | Vice President of Tax, Chief Tax Officer, Global Head of Tax | Shape tax strategy at the organizational level, oversee international tax planning, manage relationships with external tax authorities, and drive policy improvements. | $200,000 - $300,000 |
| SES | Executive Vice President of Tax, Chief Financial Officer with Tax Oversight, Senior Vice President, Tax and Compliance | Set direction for the tax function within the organization, lead global tax initiatives, ensure alignment with overall business strategy, and manage risks associated with tax compliance and planning. | $300,000 - $500,000 |
Highlight the skills you've developed in federal service that directly apply to private sector roles. These core strengths help you stand out in interviews and on resumes.
Explore certifications and academic paths that enhance your value in the civilian job market. These credentials can bridge gaps and validate your expertise to employers.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
The CPA credential is highly respected in the accounting and finance industries, demonstrating expertise in accounting principles, tax law, and financial reporting. Obtaining a CPA can provide a competitive edge in civilian roles related to tax preparation, compliance, and advisory services.
Enrolled Agent (EA)
The EA designation allows individuals to represent taxpayers before the IRS and indicates a deep understanding of tax regulations and practices. This certification is valuable for positions in tax consulting or advisory firms, enhancing credibility with clients seeking tax-related services.
Master of Taxation (MST)
An MST degree offers advanced knowledge in tax law and policy, equipping individuals with the skills necessary to navigate complex tax situations effectively. This educational background can lead to higher-level positions in tax management, compliance, or strategic planning in the private sector.
Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)
The CGMA designation focuses on management accounting and finance, emphasizing the strategic application of tax knowledge in business contexts. This certification can enhance career prospects in senior financial roles, providing insights into tax implications for business decisions.
Tax Compliance Certificate
This certificate program focuses on tax compliance regulations and practices, making it especially relevant for individuals transitioning from government roles to tax preparation or compliance positions. Completing this certification demonstrates a commitment to staying current with evolving tax laws, which is crucial for employment in tax firms or consultancy roles.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
While not tax-specific, the PMP certification highlights skills in project management that are valuable when coordinating tax-related projects, audits, or compliance initiatives. Many organizations value this credential as it indicates the ability to lead teams and deliver results effectively in a structured manner.
See which companies and industries commonly hire professionals with your background. Use this insight to focus your job search and tailor your applications.
Get practical strategies to navigate the shift from federal to private sector work. Learn how to present your experience and avoid common transition pitfalls.
Stay informed on how your field is evolving and where opportunities are growing. These trends can guide your next steps and help you future-proof your career.
Transitioning from a federal GS-0987 Tax Law Specialist role to the private sector can be both an exciting and daunting prospect. It’s essential to understand that your skills are highly transferable, and with the right approach, you can make a seamless transition. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate through this process:
Open to Change: Recognize that the work culture in the private sector may differ from the federal environment. Be open to flexibility, as private companies often have different operational styles and may prioritize speed and innovation.
Focus on Impact: In the private sector, the emphasis is often on results and contributions to the organization's bottom line. Shift your mindset from a compliance-focused approach to one that highlights how your work can add value and enhance profitability.
Embrace Sales Skills: You'll need to become comfortable with self-promotion. This isn’t about bragging; it’s about effectively communicating your skills and achievements to potential employers.
Adaptability: The private sector often involves handling diverse tasks and unexpected challenges. Be prepared to showcase your problem-solving abilities and adaptability.
Traditional to Modern: Transform your federal resume into a more concise, targeted one suitable for the private sector. Aim for a one-page or two-page format that highlights your most relevant experiences and achievements.
Quantify Accomplishments: Instead of saying you "managed tax-related inquiries," illustrate it with metrics: "Managed over 300 tax inquiries annually, achieving a response rate of 95% within stipulated deadlines."
Translate Federal Terminology: Convert job titles and responsibilities into language that resonates with private sector recruiters. For instance, instead of describing yourself as a "Tax Law Specialist," consider "Tax Compliance Expert" or "Tax Strategy Consultant."
Tailoring: Customize your resume for each role you apply for by emphasizing the most relevant experience and using keywords from the job description.
Behavioral Interviewing: Prepare for behavioral questions (like "Tell me about a time when you faced a challenge at work") by using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses clearly.
Value Proposition: In interviews, articulate how your federal experience equips you to contribute to the private sector. Emphasize your expertise in tax compliance and regulatory frameworks, a valuable asset for many businesses.
Cultural Fit: Research the company's culture and align your answers with their values. Show how your professional philosophy and work ethic fit with their organizational goals.
Ask Insightful Questions: Use the interview as an opportunity to learn about the company’s challenges and how your skills can help address them. This demonstrates your interest in the role and prepares you to articulate your impact.
Leverage LinkedIn: Create a professional LinkedIn profile that reflects your skills and experiences. Start connecting with former colleagues, industry contacts, and professionals in your desired field.
Informational Interviews: Reach out to individuals who are currently in roles you aspire to. Seek informational interviews to learn about their career paths and gain insights into entering the private sector.
Professional Associations: Join organizations related to tax law and private sectors, such as the American Institute of CPAs or Association for Financial Professionals. Attend events and seminars to broaden your network.
Alumni Connections: Utilize your educational institution’s alumni network. Alumni often willingly help fellow graduates with advice, networking opportunities, and even job leads.
Use Action Words: Start bullet points with powerful action verbs such as "analyzed," "developed," "executed," and "led" to convey your contributions effectively.
Focus on Skills: Highlight skills that are in demand in the private sector which you possess, such as analytical thinking, attention to detail, project management, knowledge of tax codes, and compliance.
Demonstrate Soft Skills: Along with your technical expertise, emphasize soft skills like teamwork, communication, and strategic thinking, which are equally valued by private sector employers.
Tailored Skills Applications: When describing your federal experience, indicate how those skills translate to the requirements of the job you are applying for. For example, if you led a team on a federal project, detail the project management skills utilized and how those would translate into managing a project in the private sector.
Making this transition is a journey that may require time, patience, and perseverance, but remember: your federal experience gives you a strong foundation in regulatory environments and complex problem-solving that will make you a competitive candidate in the private sector. Embrace this new venture with confidence, take proactive steps to refine your professional narrative, and be open to learning and adapting along the way. The private sector is ripe with opportunities, and with your expertise, you are more than capable of succeeding in this new environment.