Senior Tax Preparer (Seasonal)

Job-ID: 116227Category: TaxLocation: Chicago, IL, United StatesSchedule: Full timePosted: 2026-10-27As the Transaction Tax Senior Associate, you’ll provide innovative tax planning, consulting, and compliance expertise on M&A projects for your multiple clients - all with the resources, environment, and support to help you excel. You’ll collaborate with the M&A team and assist with planning, execution, and direction of engagements because together is how we succeed.From day one, you’ll be empowered by high quality tools and resources to thrive in their role to meet client needs and help you achieve more, confidently. Manage, develop, train, and mentor Staff and Interns on M&A projects and assess performance for engagement and year-end reviewsMaintain active communication during engagement to manage expectations, ensure satisfaction, make sure deadlines are met, and lead change efforts effectively and efficientlyWork closely with our Transaction Services colleagues, focusing on the tax aspects of mergers and acquisitions and other transactions-related workAssist in conducting buy-side and sell-side tax due diligence, advising on tax efficient acquisitions and divestments, advising clients on tax efficient restructurings, reviewing taxes in financial models, and reviewing transaction documentsBe involved in researching tax issues, preparing written communication in a succinct and deal-driven manner, helping clients with responses to tax authorities, and assisting clients in strategizing on the tax aspects of the transactions. Assist Senior Managers/Managers on project development, client pursuit initiatives and the management of priority accountsPerform analysis of a client’s tax attributes surrounding certain business events including tax basis of assets and stock, tax accounting for M&A driven transaction costs and corporate earnings and profitsPerform detailed analyses of net operating loss/tax credit carry forward limitations pursuant to IRC Section 382 for both private and public clientsOther duties as assignedYou have the following technical skills and qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Accounting. D. in Economics, Statistics, Public Policy, Mathematics, Business, Finance, Financial Engineering, Management Science and Engineering, Financial Mathematics, Industrial Engineering or Operations ResearchMinimum two to six years of progressive federal tax consulting and/or compliance experience in public accounting or a combination of corporate and public accounting experience. Alternatively, two to three years of qualified Mergers and Acquisitions tax servicesCPA or JD/active law license preferredExperience in Corporate, S-Corp. and/or Partnership returnsExcellent analytical, technical, and tax accounting/technology skills with proficiency in US GAAP, tax compliance, corporate consolidated returns, consolidated federal tax returns, partnership returns, and combined state tax returnsExceptional client service and communication skills with a demonstrated ability to develop and maintain outstanding client relationshipsComputer expertise including knowledge of tax software, technology, including spreadsheet modelingCan travel as neededThe base salary range for this position is between $126,500 and $161,288. Placement within the pay range is at Grant Thornton’s discretion, and it is based on multiple factors, including but not limited to, job -related knowledge/skills, experience, business needs, progression within the role, geographic location, and internal equity. At Grant Thornton, compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate. #LI-TC1About the organizationThe team you’re about to join is ready to help you thrive. Whether it's your work location, weekly schedule, or flex time off, we empower you with the options to work the way that it best serves your clients and your life. Consistent with the firm's hybrid work model, this position will require in-person attendance at least three days per week, either at a GT office or client site.

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If you apply and are selected to interview, a Grant Thornton team member will reach out to you to schedule a time to connect. For an overview of our benefit offerings, please visit: for internship positions: Grant Thornton interns are eligible to participate in the firm’s medical, dental and vision insurance programs and the firm’s employee assistance program. Interns also receive a minimum of 72 hours of paid sick leave and are paid for firm holidays that fall within their internship period.Benefits for seasonal employee positions: Grant Thornton seasonal employees are eligible to participate in the firm’s medical, dental and vision insurance programs and the firm’s employee assistance program. Seasonal employees may also be eligible to participate in the firm’s 401(k) savings plan and employee retirement plan in accordance with applicable plan terms and eligibility requirements. Seasonal employees receive a minimum of 72 hours of paid sick leave.
Grant Thornton employees may be eligible for a discretionary, annual bonus based on individual and firm performance, subject to the terms, conditions and eligibility criteria of the applicable bonus plan or program. Interns and seasonal employees are not eligible for bonus compensation.
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About the companyAt Grant Thornton, we believe in making business more personal and building trust into every result - for our clients and you. Grant Thornton delivers professional services through two specialized entities: Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed, certified public accounting (CPA) firm that provides audit and assurance services ― and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC (not a licensed CPA firm), which exclusively provides non-attest offerings, including tax and advisory services. In 2025, Grant Thornton formed a multinational, multidisciplinary platform with Grant Thornton Ireland. The platform offers a premier Trans-Atlantic advisory and tax practice, as well as independent American and Irish audit practices. Ireland and other territories, the platform delivers a singular client experience that includes enhanced solutions and capabilities, backed by powerful technologies and a roster of 12,000 quality-driven professionals enjoying exceptional career-growth opportunities and a distinctive cross-border culture. Grant Thornton is part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, which provides access to its member firms in more than 150 global markets.