Senior Tax Associate

About Our Team

SD Mayer, a Springline company, is a regional firm with the reach and resources of a national powerhouse. As a founding firm member of Springline Advisory, we bring expanded capabilities, deeper expertise, and even greater opportunities to serve our clients—while staying true to the personalized, high-touch service and vibrant culture that sets us apart.

This is an exciting time to join our firm as we redefine the middle-market accounting and business advisory space. We proudly invest in our people with a winning blend of values, expertise, and ambition. Our people-first approach empowers our team members to thrive within a culture that supports growth, innovation, and collaboration. Our commitment to investing in talent means flexibility, professional development, enhanced benefits, and a range of career paths to explore.

About the Role

As a Senior Tax Associate you’ll be responsible for preparing and reviewing complex tax returns, conducting tax research, and supporting tax planning and compliance initiatives. This role requires a strong understanding of federal and state tax regulations, the ability to manage multiple engagements, and regular interaction with clients or internal stakeholders. The Senior Tax Associate also provides guidance to junior team members, ensures accuracy and timeliness of deliverables, and stays current on evolving tax laws to support informed decision‑making and compliance. This position reports to Tax Supervisor/Manager.

What You’ll Do

• Prepare and review federal, state, and local tax returns for individuals, partnerships, corporations, and other entities with moderate to complex tax matters.
• Perform detailed tax research and analysis on technical issues; document conclusions and communicate findings clearly to managers and clients.
• Assist with tax planning strategies, identifying opportunities to minimize tax exposure and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Review work prepared by junior staff and provide guidance, coaching, and feedback to ensure accuracy and professional development.
• Manage multiple engagements simultaneously, ensuring timely completion of deliverables and adherence to firm or company standards.
• Communicate directly with clients regarding information requests, return status, and tax‑related inquiries.
• Assist with IRS, state, or local tax notices, audits, and examinations, including preparing responses and supporting documentation.
• Stay current on changes in tax laws, regulations, and guidance, and apply updates to client and company situations.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and quality of tax compliance and reporting.
• Maintain proper workpaper documentation in accordance with internal controls, professional standards, and regulatory requirements.

About You

Client Services - Initiates and develops effective working relationships between clients and the firm. Communicates a genuine interest in the client's business and industry. Collaborates across teams to find client solutions, gathers and utilizes client feedback to improve work quality, and maintains a high standard of service. Resolves complex client issues in a timely and professional manner.

Communication - Facilitates clear communication within the team and addresses conflicts constructively. Develops presentation and public speaking skills. Communicates across departments and functions effectively and uses communication skills to positively influence colleagues and clients.

Leadership - Takes initiative to guide, support, and develop staff. Builds influence by showcasing expertise. Understands and contributes to departmental strategy, engages in collaborative decision-making, and handles challenges with resilience.

Operational Excellence & Productivity - Identifies engagement issues that create inefficiencies or quality risks and works proactively to resolve them. Consistently brings projects to conclusion in a timely manner. Identifies and implements process improvements, manages projects for optimal productivity, and seeks opportunities to share time-saving efficiencies with the broader team.

Business Development - Joins external networking groups and relates firm service offerings to current clients. Communicates identified opportunities to leadership. Develops knowledge of competitors and understands the firm's services and cross-selling potential. Participates in firm recruiting events and supports business growth efforts.

Personal Development & Teamwork - Takes initiative to build in-depth knowledge of key client industries. Proactively seeks new work and learning experiences. Completes 40 CPE hours of professional training annually and has completed or is progressing toward CPA licensure. Provides guidance and mentorship to junior team members, resolves team conflicts, and actively contributes to strategic discussions.

Required Qualifications

Education - Bachelor's or Master’s in Accounting, Finance, or other related field from an accredited college/university preferred. CPA or working towards license.

Experience - Minimum 3 years public accounting experience with a primary focus on tax preparation.

Why Join Us

We’re growing rapidly and evolving, allowing our team members to share their unique perspectives, solve new challenges, and own their careers. We’re committed to supporting your happiness, health, and overall well-being by providing comprehensive benefits and perks, including:

• Flexible Work Environment: This role is hybrid and allows you to balance your work and personal life while contributing to an exciting vision and team.
• Dynamic and Innovative Work: An opportunity to play a critical role within a rapidly growing firm with a supportive and collaborative culture.
• Growth Opportunities: A dynamic and supportive environment where your contributions will directly impact the firm’s growth and success and share in the rewards.
• Collaborative Culture: A team-oriented culture that values innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and growth mindset.
• Competitive Compensation: A comprehensive salary and benefits package, including performance-based incentives and growth opportunities.

“Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.”

“SD Mayer, a Springline company, is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on any status protected by law. We maintain a drug‑free workplace and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities during the hiring process”