Senior Tax Accountant

Jennie Joiner with Forum Group PNW is partnering with a well-established and growing public accounting and advisory firm to hire a Senior Tax Accountant in Salem, Oregon.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced tax professional who enjoys building long-term client relationships, solving complex tax issues, mentoring junior staff, and working in a collaborative environment that values both professional growth and work-life balance.

Unlike many public accounting firms, this organization offers flexibility, a supportive team culture, and a clear path for continued growth without pressure to pursue partnership unless that is part of your long-term career goals. The firm is also planning for future retirements and is seeking an experienced professional who can help support the continued success of the practice for years to come.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Established and growing advisory and tax practice
• Opportunity to work closely with business owners, individuals, trusts, estates, and fiduciaries
• Significant exposure to complex tax planning and compliance work
• Flexible hybrid schedule with increased remote flexibility outside of tax season
• Collaborative, relationship-driven culture
• Opportunity to mentor and develop junior accounting staff
• Long-term career growth potential
• Strong commitment to continuing education and professional development
• Team-oriented environment with regular social events, lunches, and employee appreciation activities

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and review complex tax returns for individuals, trusts, estates, fiduciaries, and business entities
• Prepare tax projections, planning analyses, and client recommendations
• Serve as a primary point of contact for clients and provide exceptional client service
• Build and maintain long-term client relationships
• Research tax issues and provide guidance on complex tax matters
• Review work prepared by junior staff and provide coaching, mentorship, and training
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, efficiencies, and client service delivery
• Collaborate with team members on tax planning and compliance strategies
• Assist with special projects and advanced tax engagements as needed

Estate & Trust Experience Strongly Preferred

A key component of this role is supporting the firm's estate, trust, and fiduciary practice. The ideal candidate will bring experience preparing and reviewing:

• Estate Tax Returns (Form 706)
• Fiduciary Income Tax Returns (Form 1041)
• State fiduciary and trust tax filings
• Complex individual and business tax returns with estate and trust implications

Additional preferred experience includes:

• Understanding of fiduciary accounting principles and trust accounting concepts
• Knowledge of estate and trust taxation rules, filing requirements, and deadlines
• Experience reviewing trust documents to determine appropriate tax treatment and reporting requirements
• Familiarity with estate planning concepts and their impact on tax compliance and reporting
• Ability to work professionally and confidentially with trustees, beneficiaries, attorneys, and financial advisors
• Strong attention to detail when handling sensitive financial and legal information

As one of the firm's senior professionals prepares for retirement in the coming years, this expertise will be particularly valuable in helping support and grow this area of the practice.

What We're Looking For

• Active CPA license required
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 5+ years of progressive tax experience within public accounting
• Strong experience preparing and reviewing entity tax returns
• Experience with trust, estate, and fiduciary taxation strongly preferred
• Strong technical tax knowledge and research abilities
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Excellent communication and client relationship skills
• Collaborative leadership style with a willingness to mentor and develop others
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality

Software Experience

Experience with the following is helpful but not required:

• Lacerte Tax Software
• QuickBooks Desktop and Online
• Adobe
• Practice management and workflow software

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate is someone who enjoys serving as a trusted advisor to clients while also helping develop the next generation of accounting professionals. They are technically strong, relationship-oriented, and enjoy tackling complex tax matters, particularly in the areas of trusts, estates, and fiduciary taxation.

This role is ideal for a CPA who wants meaningful client interaction, challenging technical work, flexibility, and a supportive team environment without sacrificing quality of life.

If you're looking for an opportunity where you can expand your technical tax expertise, deepen your experience with trusts and estates, mentor developing professionals, and be part of a team that values collaboration, flexibility, and long-term growth, this could be an excellent fit.

Reach out to Jennie Joiner with Forum Group PNW directly to learn more, or apply online today!