Senior Tax Preparer (Carlsbad)

About the Company

We are a national professional services and technology organization with a rapidly growing presence across the United States, now expanding with a new office in Carlsbad, California. Our platform brings together Rockwater Tax, a high-touch tax services firm serving businesses nationwide, and TaxRock, a technology-driven compliance and risk intelligence platform that empowers organizations to proactively monitor and manage tax exposure.

Together, we combine deep expertise with innovative technology to deliver smarter, more efficient solutions while creating opportunities for our team to grow, take ownership, and make a real impact.

The Role

Rockwater Tax is looking for a sharp, forward-thinking Senior Tax Preparer to join our growing team! This is a high-impact role for an experienced preparer who loves getting the technical details right and wants to do more than compliance. You'll prepare and review complex returns, support our proactive tax planning work, and build toward a Tax Manager role.

Reporting to our Director, you'll be a go-to technical resource in our Carlsbad office. We're building this team from the ground up and want someone who brings curiosity, strong judgment, and a let's figure it out attitude. You know the person who reads the new guidance before anyone asks, then explains it in a way clients actually understand? That's who we're looking for.

This role is on-site in our Carlsbad office five days a week, Monday through Friday, with regular video and phone work with clients across the country.

You'll take on increasing client responsibility, mentor newer team members, and help shape how our tax practice works as we scale. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, proactive, and collaborative, and takes pride in delivering accurate work and an exceptional client experience. This role is well suited for someone who thrives in a busy, team-oriented environment where your work is visible and valued.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare complex federal and state returns for individuals, partnerships, S corporations, C corporations, and trusts, ensuring accuracy and on-time filing.
• Perform first-level review of returns and workpapers prepared by junior staff and provide constructive feedback.
• Support the Director with proactive tax planning, including entity structuring, estimated tax strategy, and multi-year projections.
• Handle multi-state filing requirements, nexus and residency questions, and state-specific issues for clients located throughout the U.S.
• Serve as a point of contact for assigned clients, answering questions and gathering information by phone, video, and email.
• Research tax issues, interpret federal and state tax law, and summarize findings in plain language.
• Help train and mentor tax associates and interns.
• Respond to IRS and state notices as directed.
• Help refine workflows, checklists, and processes as our practice grows.
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative, and client-focused team culture.

Qualifications

• Active EA or CPA license required.
• 4+ years of tax preparation experience, including complex individual and/or pass-through returns.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Experience with multi-state returns and comfort working with clients across the country.
• Interest in and exposure to proactive tax planning beyond compliance.
• A forward-thinking mindset: you anticipate law changes, spot opportunities early, and help clients and our team stay ahead.
• Proficiency with professional tax software (e.g., CCH Axcess, Drake, UltraTax, Lacerte, or ProConnect) and tax research tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Professional and positive demeanor with a strong client service orientation.

Nice to Have

• Experience with real estate, small business, or high-net-worth clients.
• Familiarity with QuickBooks and client accounting workflows.

Path to Tax Manager

• We love to promote from within. Senior Tax Preparers who show strong planning, client, and leadership skills will have a defined path to Tax Manager, including taking on their own advisory clients and supervising staff.

Why Rockwater Tax

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience.
• Full benefits package including health, dental, and company matching 401(k).
• Company-wide winter break – we shut down for a full week over Christmas. PTO + paid holidays.
• Professional development support.
• Growth opportunities in a fast-scaling company.
• A role with local presence and national impact.
• Be part of a culture built on integrity, transparency and relentless client focus.