Kansas City, MO–(HISPANIC PR WIRE)–August 16, 2007–According to recent data by the U.S. Census Bureau, the Hispanic population continues growing as expected with a 3.4 percent increase between July 1, 2005, and July 1, 2006. However, the job market is not keeping up with this growth, as the latest figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that the unemployment rate for Hispanics has increased, in a three-month period, from 5.1 percent in March to 5.9 percent as of July of this year. In general, the nation’s unemployment rose this year from 4.5 percent in June to 4.6 percent in July, a six-month high.
As part of its commitment to the Hispanic community, and in response to this demand for professional opportunities that offer competitive, supplemental income for Hispanic workers in the U.S., H&R Block plans to hire 3,900 bilingual, Spanish-speaking tax professionals nationwide. The company has also opened registration for the H&R Block Income Tax Course from now until Sept. 10th, offering Hispanics the opportunity to learn a new skill that could potentially lead to a new job as a tax professional.*
“This is an important opportunity for bilingual Hispanics to possibly access a new career in which they could leverage not only their language skills but also their cultural heritage. H&R Block is interested in hiring qualified, bilingual and Spanish-speaking tax professionals, so we can make sure that we have all the resources to best serve the needs of the growing Hispanic population in their language of preference, with the people they trust,” said Christina Lively, H&R Block Marketing Manager. “We are committed to continue building a knowledgeable and skilled team of tax professionals who can work effectively with their clients to help them meet their tax obligations and obtain the maximum refund that they are entitled to by law.”
Taught by experienced H&R Block professionals, the course is designed for people without existing tax preparation training as well as those wanting to update their tax preparation skills; it covers a range of tax topics, including the latest information on tax laws, credits and deductions.
Openings for bilingual, Spanish-speaking tax professionals are available in cities such as Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Dallas, Chicago, San Francisco, San Diego, Denver, Phoenix, Sacramento, Fresno and El Paso, as well as in many other markets throughout the country with significant and growing Latino communities.
The company offers both bilingual courses (in English and Spanish) as well as only in English at many locations throughout the country. To learn more about course schedules, locations, enrollment and class fees,** call toll-free 1-866-790-1116 (Spanish-speaking operators are available) or visit the company’s Web site at http://www.hrblock-espanol.com/cursos.
*Enrollment in or completion of the H&R Block Income Tax Course is neither an offer nor a guarantee of employment.
**Fees vary at participating offices.
About H&R Block
H&R Block Inc. (NYSE: HRB) is a leading provider of tax, financial, and accounting and business consulting services and products. H&R Block is the world’s largest tax services provider, having prepared more than 400 million tax returns since 1955. The company and its subsidiaries reported revenues of $4.0 billion and net income from continuing operations of $374.3 million in fiscal year 2007. The company has continuing operations in three principal business segments: Tax Services (income tax return preparation and related services and products via in-office, online and software solutions); Business Services (accounting, tax and business consulting services primarily for midsized companies); and Consumer Financial Services (brokerage services, investment planning and related financial advice along with full-service consumer banking). Headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., H&R Block markets its continuing services and products under two leading brands – H&R Block and RSM McGladrey. For more information visit our Online Press Center at http://www.hrblock.com.
