Senior Tax Accountant / Public Accountant

Job Description

Job Description

About the Opportunity

An established public accounting firm in Monmouth County, NJ, is seeking an experienced, well-rounded Senior Tax Accountant / Public Accountant to join its growing team.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in public accounting, hands-on experience with QuickBooks Online, and the ability to manage a variety of accounting and tax responsibilities for small to mid-sized privately held businesses.

This opportunity is best suited for someone who enjoys working in a smaller firm environment, values direct client interaction, and is comfortable handling multiple aspects of accounting rather than specializing in one narrow area.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and review individual, corporate, partnership, trust, and estate tax returns, as applicable.

• Manage year-end closing procedures and ensure accurate financial reporting.

• Perform bank and account reconciliations, prepare adjusting journal entries, and maintain general ledgers.

• Prepare and maintain depreciation schedules and fixed asset records.

• Utilize QuickBooks Online for accounting, reconciliations, and financial reporting.

• Review client financial records, identify discrepancies, and resolve accounting issues.

• Assist with tax planning, compliance, and research.

• Work directly with clients to gather financial information, answer questions, and provide accounting guidance.

• Manage multiple client engagements while meeting deadlines, particularly during tax season.

• Collaborate with partners and team members to ensure timely, accurate client service.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of recent public accounting experience within a CPA firm or similar public accounting environment.

• Strong working knowledge of QuickBooks Online.

• Demonstrated experience with year-end closings, bank reconciliations, journal entries, and depreciation schedules.

• Experience preparing business and individual tax returns.

• Strong understanding of general accounting principles and tax compliance.

• Ability to independently manage accounting responsibilities across multiple clients.

• Excellent communication, organizational, and client service skills.

• Comfortable working fully on-site in Monmouth County, NJ.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA designation or progress toward certification is a plus, but not required.

• Experience working at a small to mid-sized public accounting firm.

• Exposure to a diverse client base of privately owned businesses.

• Experience preparing trust and estate tax returns.

• Ability to handle both accounting and tax responsibilities rather than specializing exclusively in audit.

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The firm is looking for a versatile, hands-on accounting professional who understands the demands of public accounting and can contribute with minimal training.

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• A strong foundation in both tax preparation and general accounting.

• Practical experience beyond basic bookkeeping or data entry.

• Confidence communicating directly with business owners and clients.

• The ability to balance multiple priorities and meet seasonal deadlines.

• A team-oriented attitude and genuine interest in building a long-term career with an established firm.

Please Note: This is not an audit-focused position or a traditional bookkeeping role. Candidates must have meaningful public accounting experience and the technical ability to handle complex accounting and tax responsibilities.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience.

• Health insurance benefits (employer contribution to be confirmed).

• Dental and vision coverage under consideration.

• Long-term growth opportunities within an established accounting firm.

• Collaborative, in-office working environment.

Interview Process

Qualified candidates will participate in an initial video interview followed by an in-person interview with the firm's leadership team.

The firm may also consider a contract-to-hire arrangement to ensure a strong mutual fit before transitioning into a permanent position.