Staff Tax Accountant

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary

The Staff Tax Accountant is responsible for preparing and supporting tax compliance and related accounting activities for individuals and businesses. This role supports accurate and timely preparation of individual and business tax returns, communicates with clients throughout the tax engagement process, and assists with tax research and other tax-related projects.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, able to maintain strict confidentiality, and skilled at managing multiple deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy and professionalism. This position requires strong communication skills (phone, email, and in-person), sound judgment, and the ability to work collaboratively with clients and internal team members.

Please note: This position is located in Harlingen, TX. No relocation assistance or remote options are available for this position.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare federal, state, and local individual and business tax returns (e.g., individuals, partnerships, and corporations), including extensions and estimated tax payments.
• Gather, organize, and analyze client financial data and tax documents; prepare accurate workpapers and supporting schedules.
• Communicate with clients via phone, email, and in-person meetings to obtain information, explain requests, and provide status updates.
• Respond to and communicate with the IRS regarding client notices, letters, and tax-related issues under appropriate supervision.
• Conduct tax research using authoritative sources and summarize findings clearly for supervisors and clients as needed.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of client and firm information and handle sensitive data with discretion.
• Ensure accuracy and attention to detail across all deliverables; identify discrepancies and follow up to resolve issues.
• Maintain current knowledge of applicable tax laws, regulations, and filing requirements.
• Use Microsoft products (including Excel), QuickBooks, and tax preparation software to complete assignments efficiently.
• Manage workload effectively, meet internal and external deadlines, and prioritize tasks during peak filing periods.
• Maintain organized documentation and workpapers in accordance with firm, regulatory, and professional standards.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Taxation, or a related field.
• Working knowledge of federal and state tax compliance requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and standard office productivity tools.
• Strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and ability to interpret financial information.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a deadline-driven environment.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities with strong time management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA license or actively working toward CPA eligibility.
• Master’s degree in Taxation, Accounting, or a related discipline.
• Experience preparing business, individual, partnership, or corporate returns.
• Experience in a CPA firm, corporate tax department, or professional services environment.
• Familiarity with tax preparation, research, workflow, and document management software.
• Experience with QuickBooks.
• Strong project management skills and experience working with multiple clients, entities, or business units.
• Prior internship, public accounting, or accounting-field experience preferred.

Skills and Competencies

• Tax Technical Knowledge: Understands applicable tax rules and applies them accurately to compliance, reporting, and planning matters.
• Analytical Thinking: Evaluates financial data, identifies discrepancies, and develops practical solutions.
• Accuracy and Quality: Produces complete, organized, and well-supported work with careful attention to detail.
• Communication: Communicates professionally with clients and team members via phone, email, and in-person meetings; explains tax matters clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Time Management: Prioritizes tasks effectively and meets deadlines, especially during peak filing periods.
• Research Ability: Uses authoritative resources and tax research tools to investigate and document tax positions.
• Ethics and Confidentiality: Maintains high standards of integrity, objectivity, and confidentiality.
• Technology Proficiency: Uses tax, accounting, spreadsheet, and workflow tools efficiently, including Microsoft products, QuickBooks, and tax software.
• Collaboration: Works effectively across teams and contributes to a positive, professional work environment.

Work Environment

This position typically operates in a professional office environment. The role involves regular use of computers, tax software, accounting systems, spreadsheets, and communication tools. Workloads may fluctuate based on filing deadlines, month-end or year-end activities, client needs, or special projects.

The Tax Accountant may be required to work extended hours during peak tax seasons or critical reporting periods.

Compensation and Benefits

Pay is dependent on experience. The organization offers health insurance and paid vacation and holiday benefits.