Tax Preparer

Tax Preparer

This role focuses on preparing accurate and compliant income tax returns for individuals and small businesses while maximizing allowable benefits under federal, state, and local tax laws. The tax preparer reviews financial records, identifies potential tax credits and deductions, and ensures that all returns are filed completely, accurately, and on time in accordance with applicable legislation, regulations, and internal policies.

Responsibilities

• Prepare or assist in preparing simple to complex income tax returns for individuals and small businesses.
• Identify potential tax credits, deductions, and liabilities to ensure clients receive the maximum benefit permitted under applicable laws.
• Complete tax forms in accordance with internal policies and in full compliance with federal, state, and local legislation and regulations.
• Use federal, state, and local tax codes to accurately prepare returns and address client-specific tax situations.
• Review financial records such as income statements, documentation of expenditures, and other supporting documents to ensure completeness and accuracy.
• Verify totals, figures, and calculations on current and past tax forms to confirm accuracy and consistency.
• Prepare and file tax returns using electronic filing software and related financial record software.
• Apply a solid working knowledge of accounting and financial statement preparation to support accurate tax reporting.
• Maintain confidentiality of all client financial information and documentation.
• Manage workload to meet deadlines, ensuring all assigned tax returns are completed and filed in a timely manner.
• Take ownership of assigned work, proactively identifying issues, resolving discrepancies, and escalating complex matters when necessary.
• Provide constructive feedback and coaching to colleagues when appropriate to help others grow and improve.
• Communicate with clients in a personable and professional manner, clarifying information and answering questions related to their tax returns.
• Utilize QuickBooks and Excel to organize, analyze, and reconcile financial data used in tax preparation.
• Incorporate tax-related adjustments where applicable, leveraging experience with such adjustments when available.

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of experience in tax preparation.
• Strong knowledge of income tax preparation for individuals and companies, including federal, state, and local codes.
• Proficiency in preparing simple to complex tax returns for individuals and small businesses.
• Solid working knowledge of accounting principles and financial statement preparation.
• Ability to review and interpret income statements, expenditure documentation, and other financial records.
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy in calculations, documentation, and form completion.
• Strong reporting skills, including the ability to clearly document and present financial information.
• Commitment to confidentiality and proper handling of sensitive financial information.
• Proficiency with PC-based tools and financial record software.
• Advanced experience with QuickBooks.
• Advanced experience with Microsoft Excel.
• Strong general math skills relevant to tax preparation and financial analysis.
• Strong work ethic, with a proven ability to meet deadlines and manage time effectively.
• Accountable and driven mindset, with a willingness to take ownership of responsibilities.
• Highly organized approach to managing multiple returns and client files.
• Ability to work well under deadlines and handle time-sensitive tasks.
• Proactive mindset, anticipating needs and addressing issues before they escalate.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a personable demeanor when interacting with clients and colleagues.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with tax-related adjustments is a plus.
• Ability to coach others and provide constructive feedback to support their professional growth.
• Comfort working with electronic filing software and other digital tax preparation tools.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to explain tax concepts and requirements to clients in an understandable way.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with team members while also working independently on assigned returns.

Work Environment

This is an on-site role, requiring presence at the office for all working hours. The position involves working extensively with electronic filing software, financial record software, QuickBooks, and Microsoft Excel. The work environment centers on handling detailed financial and tax documents, meeting filing deadlines, and collaborating with colleagues in a professional office setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Des Moines, IA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $31.20 - $39.71/hr.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Des Moines, IA.