IRS Staff Seeking Private Sector Tax Jobs Have Tools for Success

Efforts to reduce the government payroll are causing thousands of federal tax professionals to consider a move to the private sector. This transition represents more than changing employers. It’s a career decision that can open doors to expanded responsibilities and experiences, but it requires thoughtful preparation.

Individuals shifting from the IRS to the private sector will need to adapt to different performance metrics, develop client-focused skills, and position their specialized knowledge in new contexts. Many transferable skills will be useful, such as being able to interpret complex regulations, understanding enforcement priorities, and navigating federal tax systems.

Federal tax professionals also work with sensitive information every day, which translates directly into an ability to enact robust information protection strategies. Whether it’s securing financial data, deploying multi-layered defense systems, or assessing risk across different departments, these professionals have been doing the kind of work many companies prioritize.

There’s also a strong case to be made for technical fluency. Familiarity with advanced tools such as Tableau and Power BI highlights the ability to use them in compliance reporting and spot irregularities in large datasets, streamline processes through automation, and build data visualizations that help clarify complex issues for non-experts. That can be a huge plus in organizations that emphasize the need to turn numbers into narratives.

But we also should remember the human side of the equation. Hiring managers today aren’t just looking for technical skills. They want professionals who can lead, collaborate, and adapt.

When reviewing an open role, consider which interpersonal skills would be most valuable. Where did you have to navigate shifting priorities, manage teams, or make informed decisions very quickly? Consider ways to emphasize the skills that are often baked into the job but not always highlighted on paper.

During the interview process, it’s important not just to relist credentials but also to connect the dots. Be prepared to provide real examples of applying skills. Demonstrating a solid combination of technical and interpersonal expertise is key.

Now that you’ve got your skills in order, present them in a way that resonates with what private sector employers are looking for. It’s your first and best chance to tell your story.

The job description is a great place to start. Employers often spell out exactly what matters to them, including specific experiences and certifications. Consider those signals as to what words and phrases you can use that align with your skills.

If you’re applying for a tax controversy role, for example, highlight your ability to develop audit strategies or manage cross-functional deliverables. Speak to what you think they need and mirror their language—as long as it remains truthful to your experiences, of course.

Academic credentials also tend to be more significant in the accounting and financial sectors, where certifications and degrees can signal technical depth and credibility. Don’t hesitate to spotlight them, especially those relevant to the role—they might help set you apart.

Employers aren’t just looking for what you’ve done. They want to know the impact of your work. To help hiring managers understand your potential value, quantify your achievements with clear outcomes. This might include cost-saving initiatives, process improvements, or even activities supporting team morale and production.

A successful transition from the federal space to the private sector goes beyond what’s on paper. As with any job search, the strongest asset is the depth of a personal network. Some of the best opportunities don’t come through job boards but through people. Well-placed personal connections often help during career transitions.

Talk to professionals who have made the jump to the private sector. They can share candid insights about what it’s like—how workplace cultures differ, compensation expectations, and what hiring managers are prioritizing these days. They might even be able to give a heads up on internal positions before they’ve been posted.

Networking with specialized staffing professionals can be valuable during a career pivot. They typically understand the nuances of the industry and can advocate for you in ways that a resume alone can’t.

We have the luxury of conducting a lot of networking online, making your digital presence crucial to finding new connections. Keeping your online job profiles fresh and engaging often can open more doors.

Use these digital platforms to join relevant online communities and engage with industry-focused posts. And don’t be afraid to announce that you’re making a move. You want to maintain a strong presence, position yourself as the right fit, and continue to foster connections that allow others to see it.

Transitioning from a federal role to private sector roles requires deliberate planning. By leveraging specialized skills and networks, and tailoring resumes to each role, candidates can get a jump on the transition. In a competitive and evolving market, these strategies are essential for maximizing success.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Bloomberg Industry Group, Inc., the publisher of Bloomberg Law and Bloomberg Tax, or its owners.

Author Information

Steve Saah is executive director of permanent placement services at Robert Half and responsible for leading US operations.

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