Tax Staff Accountant

Summary of Responsibilities:

Tax Staff Accountants are entry-level employees that are given various tax-related assignments under the supervision of different professionals. Working under close supervision, they prepare tax returns of an entry level of complexity in addition to assisting with portions of larger tax assignments. 

Performance is judged based on the quality of work, application of tax/accounting knowledge, and ability to meet time constraints. Responsibilities increase with demonstrated skill. Staff must learn how to comply with the tax law on all tax returns as well as becoming aware of any new tax legislation.

Estimated Years of Experience:

0-3 years

Performance Expectations:

• Prepares various tax returns of a lesser complexity (individual, business, nonprofit, trust and estate).
• Performs other tax-related tasks as requested such as running depreciation reports, preparing tax projections, mapping general ledger trial balances for tax return purposes, etc.
• May perform accounting services to adjust client books.
• Develops efficient work habits – work must be accurate, organized and prompt.
• Practices effective written and oral communication.
• Develops awareness of federal and state tax laws and regulations and how they must be applied when preparing tax returns.
• Ensures that tax in-charge is kept informed of the status of work in progress.
• Becomesfamiliar with tax research software and performs less complex tax research assignments as requested by Tax Director/Partners/Managers or as determined in order to meet client needs. 
• Maintains the confidentiality of the Firm.
• Behaves professionally (i.e. maintains positive attitude, refrainsfrom using vulgar language, communicates conflicts with the in-charge, provides appropriate notice when calling off sick or if running late, carries selfin a respectful way, etc.).
• Maintains high professional and ethical standards.

Assignments:

•  Preparing tax returns of a lesser complexity (individual, business, nonprofit, trust and estate).
•  Performing other tax related duties as requested.
•  Gaining proficiency in the use of tax related software (tax return software, research software, fixed asset management system, projection software).

Professional Development:

Tax Staff Accountants are expected to develop professionally by:

•  Passing the CPA examor receiving other certification (approved by LPC)
•  Participating in continuing professional education.
•  Accepting additional responsibility.
•  Representing the firm and promoting its image by attending local professional and business organization functions. 
•  Learning new technology introduced into the work environment.

Education, Experience and Skills Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting (with several tax credits preferably) or Master’s degree in accounting/tax. In addition, qualified candidates will have met the 150-hour credit requirement.
• Either hold a current and valid certified public accountant’s license or be working toward obtaining the license by taking and passing the applicable state CPA exam.
• Proficiency with computer, tax-related and spreadsheet software programs and calculator.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in English, verbal and written.
• Continuing professional education as established by the AICPA and applicable state society, averaging 40 hours annually.

Working Conditions

• Occasional same day travel for meetings at client offices and seminars, using a personal vehicle.
• Occasional overtime work required throughout the year. Overtime and Saturday work may be required from early February through mid-April and during September-October in order to meet tax deadlines. Additional overtime may be required at other times throughout the year in order to meet client needs.
• Minimal Safety Hazards. General office working conditions.

The job description does not list all duties of the position. The Tax Staff Accountant may be asked by partners/tax director/managers/senior tax accountantsto perform other duties. The incumbent will be evaluated based on his/her performance of the tasks as listed in this job description. 

Management has the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description is not a contract for employment and the firm, or the Tax Supervising Senior may terminate employment at any time, for any reason