Senior Tax and Accounting Services Accountant

Who we are

At McConnell Jones, we aim to be a catalyst for positive growth fostering an environment where unique perspectives come together to enhance client solutions. As the largest majority African American-owned and controlled public accounting firm in the U.S., we pride ourselves on the quality of our work, the tenure of our clients, and our own diversity—nearly two-thirds of our people are from an ethnically diverse background. The diversity of our people empowers the diversity of our client solutions, as captured by the firm’s tagline, Diverse Thinking | Unique Perspectives.

Our Mission: To foster an environment where unique perspectives come together to enhance client solutions.

Our Vision: To be a catalyst for positive growth through the power of diverse thinking.

Our Values: Creativity, Inclusion, Transparency, Accountability

Location: In-office work with some flexibility based on business needs and individual circumstances. Can be based in Durham, NC, Atlanta or Columbus, GA.

Salary: Final salary is dependent on experience and location

What you will do

The Senior Tax & Accounting Client Services Accountant is responsible for the preparation and review of complex tax returns, financial statements, and accounting engagements for individuals, businesses, fiduciaries, and nonprofit organizations. This position serves as a technical resource to clients and firm personnel, supervises and mentors staff, manages client relationships, performs tax research and planning, and ensures the timely delivery of high-quality accounting and tax services. The Senior Tax & Accounting Accountant plays a key role in client service, staff development, workflow management, and the overall success of the firm's tax and accounting practice.

Tax Compliance & Planning

• Prepare complex federal and multi-state income tax returns for C Corporations, S Corporations, Partnerships, Fiduciaries, Nonprofit Organizations, and individual taxpayers.
• Prepare complex individual income tax, gift tax, and estate tax returns.
• Prepare tax planning projections and estimated tax calculations for individual and business clients.
• Perform tax research and summarize findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Research federal, state, and local tax matters and interpret new and existing tax legislation.
• Analyze IRS and state tax authority notices and prepare draft responses.
• Review tax notice responses prepared by staff and provide guidance as necessary.
• Represent and communicate with taxing authorities regarding client matters and correspondence.
• Monitor tax return deadlines and ensure timely completion of assigned engagements.
• Review, monitor, and supervise tax-related due date deliverables.

Accounting & Financial Reporting

• Prepare compiled financial statements for corporations, partnerships, individuals, and other business entities.
• Prepare and review complex working trial balances from source documents.
• Review and perform account analyses and reconciliations.
• Review, oversee, or perform month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closing processes.
• Prepare complete sets of financial statements when necessary.
• Summarize financial activities and prepare financial reporting packages, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and other management reports.
• Ensure accounting work complies with applicable professional standards and regulatory requirements.

Client Service & Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary client contact for smaller accounting and tax engagements.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships through proactive communication and exceptional service.
• Respond promptly to client accounting, tax, and financial inquiries.
• Meet directly with clients to discuss tax, accounting, financial, and operational matters.
• Contribute to the client service team by delivering quality work, meeting deadlines, and providing attentive service.
• Communicate directly with clients regarding engagement status, project requirements, and recommendations.

Leadership, Supervision & Staff Development

• Delegate assignments to tax and accounting staff based on skill level and workload capacity.
• Supervise, train, and review the work of staff accountants and other team members.
• Assist staff with tax and accounting issues and serve as a resource for problem resolution.
• Coordinate workflow and monitor project progress to ensure timely delivery of services.
• Conduct quality reviews of work prepared by staff and provide constructive feedback.

Technical Resource & Firm Support

• Serve as a technical resource for tax and accounting questions from firm personnel.
• Develop expertise in firm software and technology platforms, including CCH Axcess Tax, QuickBooks, ProSystem fx Engagement, and related applications.
• Participate in tax administration and process improvement initiatives.
• Assist supervisors, managers, and partners with special projects and client engagements.
• Participate in firm committees and contribute to firm-wide initiatives.
• Establish and maintain productive working relationships across departments.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, workflow processes, and client service delivery.

Professional Responsibilities

• Exhibit strong organizational, project management, and time management skills.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding client and firm information.
• Stay current on developments in accounting, taxation, and professional standards.
• Comply with all firm policies, professional standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Perform other accounting, tax, and administrative duties as assigned.
• As part of our compliance program, all team members are required to follow industry leading data and system security practices

What you will need

• Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in accounting, tax, or other related program.
• Three to four years’ experience in accounting matters completion and tax return preparation.
• Proficiency in use of computers, Microsoft office, and tax software programs.

What we offer

• Hybrid and remote (determined by position) work arrangements available.
• Stipend reimbursement for home office equipment, cell phone and home internet.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) is awarded each pay period.
• 11 paid company holidays with 3 floating.
• Medical plan with HSA employer contribution, Dental, Vision available 1st of the month after start date.
• Company paid Long Term Disability.
• Company paid Life Insurance.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• 401k with company match up to 4% and 100% vested from day one.
• CPA and professional license & certification bonus.
• CPA exam review benefit with Becker CPA.
• Certification Reimbursement for CPA, CIA, CFE, CISA.
• CPE paid for 40 hours per year.
• Paid Volunteer Time Off.
• Fitness center available to Houston office employees.
• Employee Referral bonus opportunities from $1,000 to $5,000 per hired referral.
• We are committed to helping you thrive. Our wellness programs offer comprehensive tools, resources, and support to ensure you can be your best self.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

McConnell & Jones is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer that does not discriminate in employment and ensures equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or status as a qualified individual with a disability or Vietnam era or other protected veteran. McConnell & Jones policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment. To achieve our goal of equal opportunity, we maintain an affirmative action program through which we take good faith efforts to recruit, hire and advance in employment-qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, Vietnam era veterans, and other protected veterans.