Tax Accountant

Job Title: Tax Accountant / Tax & Accounting SpecialistJob Description This full-time, on-site Tax Accountant / Tax & Accounting Specialist role is based in Cedar Rapids, IA. The position focuses on preparing individual, corporate, partnership, and other tax returns while ensuring strict compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations. You will support tax planning initiatives by analyzing client financial information, identifying tax-saving opportunities, and helping develop strategies to minimize tax liabilities. In addition to tax preparation, you will maintain accurate accounting records, handle reconciliations, manage payroll and related tax filings, and prepare monthly sales tax returns. You will also research tax law changes, respond to inquiries from tax authorities, and collaborate closely with both clients and team members to deliver accurate, timely, and personalized tax and accounting services. Responsibilities + Prepare individual, corporate, partnership, and other tax returns in compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations. + Ensure all tax filings are accurate, complete, and submitted within required deadlines. + Analyze client financial information to identify tax-saving opportunities and support tax planning strategies. + Assist in the development and implementation of strategies to minimize client tax liabilities. + Maintain accurate accounting records, including general ledger entries and supporting documentation. + Perform account reconciliations to ensure financial data is complete, accurate, and up to date. + Process payroll and ensure timely completion of monthly tax deposits and quarterly payroll tax returns. + Prepare monthly sales tax returns and verify that all related documentation is complete and accurate. + Review client-provided documentation for completeness, accuracy, and consistency with tax and accounting requirements. + Research changes in tax laws and regulations to ensure ongoing compliance and to inform tax planning efforts. + Respond to inquiries and notices from tax authorities in a timely and professional manner. + Collaborate with team members on client engagements to address complex tax and accounting issues. + Communicate clearly with clients regarding tax filings, deadlines, required information, and any issues identified. + Build and maintain strong, long-term client relationships through reliable, accurate, and responsive service. + Contribute to a culture of accuracy, integrity, and continuous learning within the tax and accounting team. Essential Skills + Minimum of 3 years of experience in tax, tax preparation, and accounting or bookkeeping. + Strong understanding of tax law and its application to individual, corporate, and partnership returns. + Proficiency with tax and accounting software used for return preparation and bookkeeping. + Solid accounting knowledge, including general ledger management and reconciliation. + Experience preparing income tax returns and related tax filings. + Ability to perform detailed reconciliations and maintain accurate financial records. + Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and compliance. + Effective written and verbal communication skills for client and team interactions. + Ability to manage multiple deadlines and prioritize work in a fast-paced environment. Additional Skills & Qualifications + CPA (Certified Public Accountant), EA (Enrolled Agent), or active progress toward one of these certifications is a plus. + Experience with payroll processing and preparation of payroll tax returns is beneficial. + Familiarity with monthly sales tax return preparation is advantageous. + Interest in continuous learning and staying current with evolving tax laws and regulations. + Ability to build long-term client relationships through dependable and personalized service. Work Environment This is a full-time, on-site role in a professional services firm environment focused on tax and accounting support for individuals, businesses, and organizations. The team emphasizes accuracy, integrity, and personalized client service in every engagement. You will work closely with colleagues to solve complex financial and tax challenges, benefiting from a steady client base established over the last two decades. The firm supports professional growth by providing exposure to diverse client needs and evolving tax regulations, fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration. The work setting is office-based and professional, with a focus on reliability, client trust, and long-term relationships. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cedar Rapids, IA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $28.85 - $33.65/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Cedar Rapids,IA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Aug 28, 2026. About Aston Carter Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io (%View email address on click.appcast.io) for other accommodation options. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.