Senior Tax & Accounting Accountant

Who we are

At McConnell Jones, we aim to be a catalyst for positive growth fostering an environment where unique perspectives come together to enhance client solutions. As the largest majority African American-owned and controlled public accounting firm in the U.S., we pride ourselves on the quality of our work, the tenure of our clients, and our own diversity—nearly two-thirds of our people are from an ethnically diverse background. The diversity of our people empowers the diversity of our client solutions, as captured by the firm’s tagline, Diverse Thinking | Unique Perspectives.

Our Mission: To foster an environment where unique perspectives come together to enhance client solutions.

Our Vision: To be a catalyst for positive growth through the power of diverse thinking.

Our Values: Creativity, Inclusion, Transparency, Accountability

Position is based in Columbus or Atlanta, GA or Durham, NC with hybrid / onsite requirements.  Open to relocation for the right candidate!

What you will do

The Senior Tax & Accounting Accountant is responsible for the preparation and review of complex tax returns, financial statements, and accounting engagements for individuals, businesses, fiduciaries, and nonprofit organizations. This position serves as a technical resource to clients and firm personnel, supervises and mentors staff, manages client relationships, performs tax research and planning, and ensures the timely delivery of high-quality accounting and tax services. The Senior Tax & Accounting Accountant plays a key role in client service, staff development, workflow management, and the overall success of the firm's tax and accounting practice.

Tax Compliance & Planning

• Prepare complex federal and multi-state income tax returns for C Corporations, S Corporations, Partnerships, Fiduciaries, Nonprofit Organizations, and individual taxpayers.
• Prepare complex individual income tax, gift tax, and estate tax returns.
• Prepare tax planning projections and estimated tax calculations for individual and business clients.
• Perform tax research and summarize findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Research federal, state, and local tax matters and interpret new and existing tax legislation.
• Analyze IRS and state tax authority notices and prepare draft responses.
• Review tax notice responses prepared by staff and provide guidance as necessary.
• Represent and communicate with taxing authorities regarding client matters and correspondence.
• Monitor tax return deadlines and ensure timely completion of assigned engagements.
• Review, monitor, and supervise tax-related due date deliverables.

Accounting & Financial Reporting

• Prepare compiled financial statements for corporations, partnerships, individuals, and other business entities.
• Prepare and review complex working trial balances from source documents.
• Review and perform account analyses and reconciliations.
• Review, oversee, or perform month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closing processes.
• Prepare complete sets of financial statements when necessary.
• Summarize financial activities and prepare financial reporting packages, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and other management reports.
• Ensure accounting work complies with applicable professional standards and regulatory requirements.

Client Service & Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary client contact for smaller accounting and tax engagements.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships through proactive communication and exceptional service.
• Respond promptly to client accounting, tax, and financial inquiries.
• Meet directly with clients to discuss tax, accounting, financial, and operational matters.
• Contribute to the client service team by delivering quality work, meeting deadlines, and providing attentive service.
• Communicate directly with clients regarding engagement status, project requirements, and recommendations.

Leadership, Supervision & Staff Development

• Delegate assignments to tax and accounting staff based on skill level and workload capacity.
• Supervise, train, and review the work of staff accountants and other team members.
• Assist staff with tax and accounting issues and serve as a resource for problem resolution.
• Coordinate workflow and monitor project progress to ensure timely delivery of services.
• Conduct quality reviews of work prepared by staff and provide constructive feedback.

Technical Resource & Firm Support

• Serve as a technical resource for tax and accounting questions from firm personnel.
• Develop expertise in firm software and technology platforms, including CCH Axcess Tax, QuickBooks, ProSystem fx Engagement, and related applications.
• Participate in tax administration and process improvement initiatives.
• Assist supervisors, managers, and partners with special projects and client engagements.
• Participate in firm committees and contribute to firm-wide initiatives.
• Establish and maintain productive working relationships across departments.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, workflow processes, and client service delivery.

Professional Responsibilities

• Exhibit strong organizational, project management, and time management skills.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding client and firm information.
• Stay current on developments in accounting, taxation, and professional standards.
• Comply with all firm policies, professional standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Perform other accounting, tax, and administrative duties as assigned
• As part of our compliance program, all team members are required to follow industry leading data and system security practices.

What you will need

• Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in accounting, tax, or other related program.
• Three to four years’ experience in accounting matters completion and tax return preparation.
• Proficiency in use of computers, Microsoft office, and tax software programs.

What we offer

• Hybrid and remote (determined by position) work arrangements available.
• Stipend reimbursement for home office equipment, cell phone and home internet.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) is awarded each pay period.
• 11 paid company holidays with 3 floating.
• Medical plan with HSA employer contribution, Dental, Vision available 1st of the month after start date.
• Company paid Long Term Disability.
• Company paid Life Insurance.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• 401k with company match up to 4% and 100% vested from day one.
• CPA and professional license & certification bonus.
• CPA exam review benefit with Becker CPA.
• Certification Reimbursement for CPA, CIA, CFE, CISA.
• CPE paid for 40 hours per year.
• Paid Volunteer Time Off.
• Fitness center available to Houston office employees.
• Employee Referral bonus opportunities from $1,000 to $5,000 per hired referral.
• We are committed to helping you thrive. Our wellness programs offer comprehensive tools, resources, and support to ensure you can be your best self.