Staff Tax Accountant

EXPERIENCED STAFF ACCOUNTANT – TAX & ACCOUNTING On-site | Full-time ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY Our client, a well-established boutique CPA and advisory firm in Fairfield, New Jersey, is expanding its team and seeking an experienced Staff Accountant with hands-on public-accounting tax experience. This position is designed for someone who can take meaningful ownership of individual and business tax work while also contributing across client accounting, financial reporting and attestation engagements. The firm is not looking for a manager or someone removed from the day-to-day work. It needs a capable, hands-on accountant who understands how to move an engagement forward, communicate when an issue arises and deliver accurate, review-ready work. Unlike larger firms where professionals can become narrowly focused on one return type, industry or stage of an engagement, this opportunity provides visibility into the full accounting cycle. You will work directly with experienced professionals and firm leadership, communicate with clients and develop a deeper understanding of each client’s business. The firm serves closely held businesses and has particular expertise within the construction industry. This creates exposure to practical accounting issues including job costing, work-in-progress reporting, cash flow, financial statements and tax planning. This is a strong opportunity for an experienced Staff Accountant who wants broader responsibility, greater visibility and the chance to make a meaningful contribution within an established boutique firm. WHAT YOU’LL DO Prepare individual and business tax returns, including Forms 1040, 1065 and 1120-S. Take ownership of tax workpapers, supporting schedules and review-ready return preparation. Review client books and financial records for accuracy and completeness. Perform general-ledger reconciliations and prepare journal entries. Assist with financial-statement preparation and reporting. Work with client accounting records, including balance sheets, income statements and supporting documentation. Participate in audit, review, compilation and other attestation engagements based on experience. Communicate directly with clients to gather information, resolve questions and keep assignments moving. Identify issues and communicate them promptly to senior team members and firm leadership. Manage multiple client assignments and meet tax, accounting and reporting deadlines. Work additional hours during tax season and other critical filing periods. WHY CONSIDER THIS OPPORTUNITY Compensation aligned with an experienced, hands-on tax professional. Broader responsibility than is typically available in a narrowly defined large-firm role. Exposure to individual and business taxation, client accounting, financial reporting and attestation work. Direct interaction with clients and firm leadership. The opportunity to see engagements through multiple stages rather than contributing to only one piece. A visible role within an established firm that is actively expanding its team. The ability to contribute immediately while continuing to broaden your accounting expertise. A stable boutique environment where sound judgment, initiative and individual contributions are valued. QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field preferred. At least two years of recent accounting experience with a CPA or public-accounting firm. Hands-on experience preparing individual and business tax returns required. Experience with Forms 1040 and at least one of Forms 1065 or 1120-S strongly preferred. Ability to prepare organized, accurate and review-ready workpapers. Experience with client books, reconciliations, journal entries or financial statements preferred. Exposure to audit, review, compilation or other attestation engagements is a plus. Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial statements. Proficiency with Microsoft Excel. QuickBooks and professional tax-software experience preferred. Strong communication, organizational and problem-solving skills. Ability to work independently, use sound judgment and escalate questions appropriately. Willingness to work on-site in Fairfield, New Jersey. Must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship. WHO WILL SUCCEED HERE The firm is looking for someone who is dependable, hands-on and comfortable taking responsibility for their work. The right person can manage assignments with limited oversight while knowing when to ask questions or raise an issue. This position may be particularly appealing to someone at a larger or regional CPA firm who wants broader exposure, more direct client interaction and a stronger connection between their work and the overall success of each engagement.