EAs are generally tax preparers, but they can also wear an advisory hat by providing tax compliance counselling to clients or providing written advice to third parties regarding business transactions. In general, the EA’s job is to help their clients with a variety of tax matters, from tax preparation, to representation during hearings or conferences, to helping them through audits. EAs can be seen in an office, in front of the IRS, or sitting down with clients. They work in accounting firms of all types and sizes, with many EAs starting their own businesses.