Senior Tax Associate

At Aardvark Tax Advisors, the client comes first.  We’re a full-service tax, accounting, and advisory firm serving small businesses and entrepreneurs. Our people are uniquely enabled to spend more of their time understanding clients, solving complex problems, and building lasting relationships.

Technology helps make that possible.  As the accounting and client services practice of Cynch AI, we use proprietary AI to reduce routine tasks and free up time for higher-value client work. Our tools support the work. Our people remain accountable for the outcome.

We’re building an expanding practice with clear paths for career advancement.  We're a fast-growing practice with clear paths for advancement. We grow organically and through strategic acquisitions, and as we grow so does our team's scope of responsibility. Each level has defined expectations and advancement criteria, with performance-based opportunities for greater responsibility and equity over time.

We’re looking for a Senior Tax Associate to prepare returns, do the research behind them, and build the technical foundation that carries a career in tax. That means working across entity types from day one, learning to find the answer rather than waiting for it, and treating accuracy as the baseline rather than the goal.

The role is hybrid, based out of our  Pleasanton , Cupertino , or Santa Cruz offices, with additional potential work locations in the North Bay.

What You'll Do:

Tax Preparation & Compliance

• Prepare federal, state, and local returns for individuals, corporations, partnerships, and other entities.
• Gather and organize client financial information, and notice when something is missing before it becomes a problem at review.
• Turn complex tax information into accurate, review-ready returns.
• Hit filing deadlines for returns and extensions. Deadlines are not a negotiation.
• Research federal, state, and local tax issues — regulations, open questions, and savings opportunities — and be able to show your source.
• Track changes in tax law and apply them to the engagements in front of you.
• Maintain client files and records to a standard that holds up under audit.

Client Support

• Handle client questions on returns, notices, and general tax matters, and escalate what’s above your level rather than guessing.
• Collect what’s needed from clients to keep filings on schedule.
• Communicate professionally, protect confidentiality, and be someone clients are glad to hear from.

Learning & Development

• Expand your depth in tax law, regulations, and how the work actually gets done.
• Use internal training and professional development to close the gaps you and your reviewer identify.
• Turn what you learn into better ways of working for everyone.

Requirements

Core Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
• 3+ years in tax, accounting, or a related field.
• Working understanding of federal, state, and local tax laws and regulations.
• Attention to detail, and the organizational discipline to hold several returns at different stages at once.
• Clear written and verbal communication with clients and colleagues.
• Fearless about asking the right questions and getting to the right answers.
• Proficiency in Excel and Word.

Helpful additions

• Actively pursuing CPA or EA.
• Internship or entry-level experience in a public accounting firm or an accounting department.
• Experience with professional tax software (UltraTax, Axcess Tax, Drake, Lacerte, or similar).
• Strong research skills and the ability to read a regulation and interpret its meaning.

Work Environment

• Hybrid: Cupertino, Santa Cruz, or Pleasanton, CA
• Extended hours during peak tax season and as needed to meet client deadlines.
• Occasional travel for client meetings or practice events.

Bay Area Salary Range: 85000 - 115000

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)

• Retirement Plan (401k))
• Life Insurance (Basic)
• Paid Time Off (Unlimited Vacation, plus Sick & Public Holidays)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Work From Home (Hybrid)
• Stock Option Plan

Work Environment:

• Hybrid: San Francisco area, 3 days/week

California Salary Range: 85,000 - 115,000