Small Business Associate - 2026

The Associate is responsible for working with clients on general bookkeeping, financial statement preparation, business and individual tax returns. They ensure all work papers, journal entries and tax documents are completed diligently, in a timely manner and as efficiently as possible.

Associates provide exceptional client service as a trusted business advisor.

Success Factors

Responsibilities

• Prepare necessary work papers, journal entries, financial statements and prepare tax returns for review by the in-charge

• Onsite client work as deemed necessary

• Answer client calls and emails in timely manner and with a solution-oriented approach

• Produce quality documentation, financial statements and tax returns for review with minimal corrections

• Develop understanding of relationship of financial statement outcome to tax implications to client

• Read prior year financial statements, tax returns and client website and actively seek out information from team members to gain understanding of client business and industry

• Prepare tax returns and conduct self-review of work before submission to in- charge/reviewer

• Proactively inform engagement team of work status and request information from client as needed

• Ensure client deliverables are met within expectations

• Develop an understanding of other firm services and application in relationship to client needs

• Keep up to date with local and national business and economic issues

• Participate in continuous learning activities and active research to improve and develop technical expertise; apply learned concepts

• Collaborate with leader to identify opportunities for efficiencies and proactive engagement management

People Management/Relationships

• Take initiative to be a team player (proactively seek opportunities to help others)
• Treat everyone with respect
• Develop loyalty and trust within the team
• Successfully adapt to different personalities and working styles
• Proactively and effectively communicate information regarding status issues
• Hold self accountable for assigned work; seek continuous feedback to learn and develop in role; open to new ideas and suggestions

Required Skills

• Excellent organization skills and strong attention to detail
• Multitasker with the ability to prioritize work accordingly
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with strong client service focus
• Strong analytical and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work autonomously under the pressure of tight deadlines and multiple priorities

Education, Experience and Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting; graduating students should have 150 credit hours and a GPA of 3.0 or above
• Actively pursuing CPA licensure, if not already obtained
• Understanding of general accounting principles and willingness to learn, drive for self- improvement
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite products, some knowledge of QuickBooks and Payroll software a plus
• Self-motivated and willingness to enhance accounting and advisory knowledge, including knowledge on taxation matters
• Excellent attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple projects

Essential Functions

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position as needed
• The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office and at client offices to access file cabinets, office machinery etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer
• Ability to communicate in a professional manner and exchange information with internal and external actors as needed
• Ability to lift/carry up to 20 pounds
• Ability to work outside of normal business hours and weekends as needed
• Ability to travel to local and non-local clients as needed, overnight travel may be required
• This job description is subject to change at any time and employee will be given additional responsibilities as assigned

Salary Range: