Staff Accountant

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

The Staff Accountant prepares individual and business tax returns and begins to take personal responsibility for these jobs, including some level of client contact. This position is well-versed in firm workflow procedures and is a confident user of all firm software, as they are responsible for mentoring interns and advising management of the efficiency of workflow as appropriate. The Staff Accountant assists supervisors and managers as needed.

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Develops an understanding of engagement budgets and works to complete assigned areas within budgeted time guidelines.
• Learns and demonstrates the firm’s core values.
• Works to build professional and positive relationships with coworkers and clients.
• Obtains knowledge of basic accounting and/or tax principles and procedures.
• Learns and applies the firm method for work paper documentation.
• Develops logical and orderly documentation of work performed and alerts the team promptly of progress and difficulties.
• Works with Coach to prepare an annual personal/professional development plan, and sets follow ups sessions with Coach to review progress in June and December.
• Participates regularly in one outside activity/organization that includes an element of service.
• Other duties as assigned.

Standards of Performance

• Demonstrates a positive attitude toward Summit CPA goals.
• Works to build strong relationship skills.
• Demonstrates teamwork on client engagements and through participation in firm activities.
• Possesses a strong work ethic and is self-accountable.
• Balances professional responsibilities with personal life.
• Handles sensitive or difficult situations on the phone or in person rather than through email or text. Does not send emails on sensitive or difficult issues.
• Speaks articulately, demonstrates good listening skills by focusing on the person speaking, using positive body language, avoiding interruptions, and asking appropriate questions.
• Writes with clarity and correct grammar.
• Demonstrates maturity, professionalism, self-confidence, and takes responsibility for actions.
• Demonstrates an ability and desire to assist less experienced staff.
• As a member of the team, identifies problems and possible solutions for clients and communicates to engagement manager or partner.
• Demonstrates integrity, including a strong commitment to professional and ethical standards of our profession.
• Demonstrates enthusiasm, passion, and pride in the work they perform to create long term value.
• Detail-oriented and organized.
• Able to work on multiple projects with multiple people.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
• Has CPA certification or has made significant progress toward passing the exam.
• Up to two years of experience in public accounting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office including, but not limited to, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

To perform this job successfully, the employee is frequently required to communicate with others; listen; remain in a stationary position, often sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time; walk; use hands to grasp, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position operates exclusively in an indoor office environment with controlled temperatures. Commonly used equipment and tools include telephone, computer, and other office equipment such as copiers, fax machines, as needed.

Note

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.