Senior Accountant - Tax

About HBE

Since 1974, HBE has built a story of solid growth, premier service, quality work, employee satisfaction, and business diversification. We strive to create a warm and friendly atmosphere where employees feel at home and comfortable. We're as down-to-earth as our deep Nebraska roots, while utilizing sophisticated tools and technology to serve our clients.

HBE is a leading provider of professional accounting and consulting services throughout Nebraska, with offices in Lincoln, Omaha, and Norfolk. We offer a complete range of financial management services for businesses, nonprofit and governmental organizations, specialty industries, and individuals. Our services include audit, tax, business consulting, outsourced accounting and CFO solutions, personal financial planning, and wealth management.

HBE is recognized as one of the nation's Top 100 Firms to Work For by Accounting Today.

Position Summary

The Senior Accountant – Tax provides higher-level tax and accounting services to a wide variety of clients, including individual taxpayers, large businesses, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions. This position is responsible for preparing and reviewing complex tax returns, supporting tax planning initiatives, conducting tax research, and providing guidance to staff while maintaining strong client relationships and delivering high-quality service.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provides higher-level tax and accounting services to a wide variety of clients, including individual taxpayers, large businesses, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions.
• Researches tax and accounting issues and presents pertinent guidance in support of recommended alternatives.
• Prepares complex tax returns with minimal supervision.
• Proactively participates in tax planning for clients.
• Demonstrates an understanding of client tax needs, including organizational structure and any related entities that may be impacted by the work.
• Maintains a basic understanding of applicable Internal Revenue Code sections and regulations.
• Performs tax research and demonstrates knowledge of the reference sources available to the Firm.
• Assumes responsibility for the supervision of tax return preparation engagements.
• Conducts detailed reviews of tax returns and provides appropriate review notes for preparers.
• Communicates with clients regarding tax requirements, accounting questions, information requests, and other engagement matters.
• Builds and maintains strong client relationships and provides excellent client service.
• Identifies significant or unusual tax and accounting matters and communicates them to the appropriate manager or partner.
• Maintains current knowledge of applicable tax laws, accounting principles, and professional standards.
• Ensures tax returns and related workpapers are complete, accurate, and meet Firm standards.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate with clients in a professional manner.
• Working knowledge of accounting and financial processes.
• Working knowledge of applicable tax principles, Internal Revenue Code sections, and regulations.
• Proficiency in tax research and familiarity with tax research resources available to the Firm.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple deadlines.
• Strong critical-thinking skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot issues and propose appropriate solutions.
• Ability to provide direction, guidance, and feedback to staff.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively as part of a team.

Education and Experience

• Accounting degree or equivalent work experience is required.
• 3–6+ years of experience performing accounting functions of varying complexity is preferred.
• Experience working in a public accounting firm is preferred.
• CPA designation or CPA eligibility is preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 15 pounds.

What We Offer

• Full-time position with competitive compensation based on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, vision, and dental coverage, disability and supplemental coverages, and 401(k) contributions.
• Generous time off and flexible scheduling opportunities.
• Work flexibility designed to support both professional and personal needs
• Opportunities for career growth and advancement within the company.
• Collaborative, team-oriented work environment with a strong commitment to nonprofit and community involvement.
• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: HBE has been recognized as one of the Best CPA Firms for Equity Leadership by the Accounting MOVE Project since 2015.

This job description outlines the primary responsibilities of the position but is not intended to be all-inclusive. Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the Firm.