Staff Accountant I

Who We Are

We are a growing public accounting firm (top 25 in Virginia, as measured by the number of CPAs on staff) with a great reputation in the business community, diversified practice and a high-tech work environment. We have received the ‘Best Places to Work’ designation from both Virginia Business magazine and Accounting Today and have been named a Top Workplace by the Washington Post. We are an independent alliance member of BDO national accounting firm.

KWC specializes in providing tax, audit, accounting and business advisory services for privately held businesses, individuals, estates, trusts, nonprofit organizations, and employee benefit plans. Our diverse client base includes industries such as professional service firms, government contractors, nonprofits, real estate, construction and specialty contractors, and healthcare providers.

Why KWC?

KWC offers a competitive compensation package with benefits that include health, dental and vision coverage, 15 days of PTO to start, 12 paid holidays, a 401(k) plan with 3% contribution each year, and company-paid life, short-term and long-term disability insurance. Other benefits include free parking, flexible summer hours, with some ability to work remotely. Meals and snacks are offered during the tax busy season. “Dress for your day” is the business casual attire chosen by staff, based on the daily schedule. Flexible work schedule is also available year round. 

Position Overview

Under supervision, the Staff Accountant I will assist in audits, reviews, compilations; prepare tax returns for individuals, corporations, trusts and partnerships; conduct tax research and assist in tax planning; complete corporate accounting engagements; prepare financial statements and communicate as needed with reviewer, Manager or Principal. This position works extra hours during tax season.

Essential Functions:

• Performs all work according to the firm’s methods, policies and procedures.
• Prepares workpapers and individual tax returns. 
• Prepares tax return extensions as needed.
• Performs bookkeeping tasks for businesses (including non-profits) and individuals.
• Sets up and organizes engagement binders as needed. 
• Prepares workpapers for business income tax returns.
• Promotes and celebrates team successes with all team members; fosters collaboration with others; develops and maintains positive work relationships; actively participates in team-oriented objectives and activities.
• Not just task-oriented but employee actively engages to understand the reason behind KWC methods and practices; identifies and evaluates many possible causes for a problem; is open to new ideas perspectives, strategies or positions; proactively seeks to test validate, modify and improve new ideas and methods.
• Conforms to the highest professional standards; develops and maintains the highest standards of excellence and integrity; builds internal/external customer respect and loyalty; creates an environment of continuous improvement and innovation. 
• Prepares client correspondence and effectively communicates on a timely and responsive basis with fellow employees. 
• Makes daily decisions and adjusts activity to enhance profitability; identifies and takes advantage of opportunities to accomplish multiple tasks; takes action without being asked or required to do so.
• Performs other tasks as assigned.

Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance required
• One or more years of related experience.
• An understanding of the basic principles of accounting.

Other Skills / Abilities:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Proven ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong understanding of US tax regulations
• Knowledge of state and federal tax form processes and how to accurately properly prepare forms for each
• Ability to prioritize daily tasks and meet timely obligations with many clients
• Knowledge of accounting processes and advanced mathematical skills
• Experience consulting tax handbooks or other printed materials to determine the proper procedure for preparing challenging returns
• Skilled using various accounting software and experience in troubleshooting common accounting program problems
• Personal integrity when working with personal and sensitive financial information
• Professional experience in financial forecasting and risk analysis

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Occasional non-local travel may be required no more than 5-10% of the year, depending on your client base.
• Occasional lifting of boxes and/or paperwork up to 25 pounds.

Note: the job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.