Key responsibilities

• Prepare and file US federal and state income tax returns for individuals (Form 1040 and related schedules) and small businesses (e.g., Forms 1065, 1120, 1120-S, 1041, as applicable based on experience).
• Review financial information such as W‑2s, 1099s, bank statements, general ledgers, and other supporting documents to determine correct income, deductions, credits, and tax positions.
• Research and apply relevant IRS and state tax rules to ensure compliance and to minimize client tax liabilities within the law.
• Communicate with clients to collect missing information, clarify tax positions, and explain returns and notices in clear, simple language.
• Support responses to IRS and state notices and, where appropriate, assist with audit preparation and documentation.
• Maintain organized and up‑to‑date client tax files, working papers, and documentation in line with firm policies and confidentiality requirements.
• Stay current with changes in federal and state tax law, regulations, and filing requirements relevant to the client base.
• Use tax preparation and accounting software (e.g., Lacerte/ProConnect/Intuit Tax, UltraTax, Drake, QuickBooks, Excel) to prepare returns and supporting schedules efficiently and accurately.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Taxation, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and hands‑on tax preparation experience.
• Valid IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) or eligibility and willingness to obtain one before starting.
• 1–3 years of recent experience preparing US individual income tax returns; experience with small business/entity returns is preferred but not mandatory for a junior role.
• Strong working knowledge of basic US individual tax concepts (income, deductions, credits, capital gains/losses, itemized vs standard deduction).
• Proficiency with tax preparation software and MS Excel; experience with QuickBooks or similar bookkeeping tools is an advantage.

Preferred Credentials

• Enrolled Agent (EA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or in active pursuit of such credential is strongly preferred for higher-level roles.
• Experience with multi‑state returns, small business (LLC, partnership, S‑Corp) filings, or high‑net‑worth individual tax situations is a plus.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy under tight deadlines during tax season.
• Solid analytical and problem‑solving skills to identify issues and opportunities in client tax situations.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain tax matters to non‑experts.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and respect for client confidentiality.
• Ability to manage multiple client files simultaneously and prioritize work in a fast‑paced environment.