I am looking to up my employability. I've been a sahm for 16 years now, and homeschooling my 4 young children. Two years ago, I did the education and exams required to secure an Oregon tax preparers license, and worked last season for an HR Block. (Oregon requires licenses to prepare taxes, and either a higher license or an EA to do so independently.)
I had intended to obtain my EA and have a substantial side gig preparing taxes from home. In the event that I needed to secure full-time, outside employment, either in Oregon or another state, would an EA substantially boost my employability or compensation, versus basic tax prep license?
Also, would it be beneficial to obtain a QuickBooks certification of some type, or is proficiency enough?
My goal is to be able to walk out and secure a full time job, if need be, with $55k minimum compensation. Tax prep, accounting, bookkeeping are my most up-to-date skills, although I also have a real estate license.