Tax Associate

Position overview

The Tax Preparer and Bookkeeper will support individual taxpayers and small business clients through tax return preparation and recurring bookkeeping. The role combines hands-on accounting work with direct client communication and responsibility for accurate records and timely filings. An active Enrolled Agent credential is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare federal and state individual and small business tax returns within assigned experience level and the firm’s review process.
• Gather client documents, identify missing information and maintain organized workpapers supporting accurate returns.
• Maintain client books in QuickBooks, reconcile bank and credit card accounts, and prepare journal entries and routine financial reports.
• Review and clean up client records; reconcile year-end balances and prepare tax-ready bookkeeping schedules.
• Communicate with clients about records, deadlines and routine accounting questions; coordinate complex matters with senior staff.
• Support estimated tax calculations and tax planning work under appropriate supervision; assist with notices as assigned.
• Assist with payroll reconciliations and related filing support when included in the assigned client portfolio.
• Manage multiple client deadlines while maintaining confidentiality, accuracy and clear documentation.

Qualifications

• Practical experience preparing individual tax returns and maintaining small business books; public accounting or tax firm experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of QuickBooks, account reconciliations and basic financial statements.
• Experience with UltraTax and Drake tax preparation software, along with QuickBooks and Excel.
• Strong attention to detail, organization and clear communication with clients and colleagues.
• Active Enrolled Agent credential preferred; experienced non-EA candidates with relevant combined experience are encouraged to apply.
• Business entity return experience preferred. Payroll, multistate tax, nonprofit or trust return experience is helpful depending on assigned clients.