Full-time Senior Tax Preparer

Cornerstone Tax Service, Inc. | Frankfort, Illinois Full-Time | In-Person Salary: $90,000-$115,000 per year

Cornerstone Tax Service, Inc. is a growing, full-service tax and accounting firm located in Frankfort, Illinois. We serve individuals, families, business owners, trusts, estates, and nonprofit organizations with a strong commitment to technical excellence, personal service, and professional integrity.As our firm continues to grow, we are looking for an experienced tax professional who wants more than simply another tax-season position. We are looking for someone interested in building a long-term career with our firm, taking ownership of their work, and becoming an important part of our continued growth.This is a senior-level position for an experienced tax professional who is capable of independently managing tax returns from start to finish.This is not an entry-level or training position.At the same time, we recognize that complex tax work often benefits from collaboration. As our tax team grows, this position will also be responsible for reviewing returns prepared by interns or less‑experienced tax staff and providing technical guidance and feedback.

Independently prepare federal and state tax returns for individuals, partnerships, corporations, S corporations, trusts, estates, and nonprofit organizations

Manage assigned tax returns from the initial review of client information through completion

Review source documents and financial information to identify missing information, inconsistencies, potential tax issues, and planning opportunities

Exercise professional judgment in resolving tax matters independently and determining when additional research or collaboration is appropriate

Research complex federal and state tax issues and apply findings to client‑specific situations

Collaborate with the firm's owner on significant transactions, unusual tax matters, complex tax issues, and advanced planning opportunities

Communicate directly and professionally with clients to obtain necessary information and resolve tax‑related questions

Review client‑prepared financial statements, general ledgers, and accounting records for accuracy and tax‑reporting implications

Assist with IRS and state tax notices, examinations, correspondence, and other tax authority matters

Represent clients before the IRS and other taxing authorities when appropriate

Identify tax‑planning opportunities and assist in developing strategies for individual and business clients

Stay current on changes in federal and state tax laws and regulations

As the tax team grows, review tax returns prepared by interns and less‑experienced preparers, identify errors or omissions, and provide constructive technical guidance

Serve as a technical resource to less‑experienced staff while recognizing when complex matters should be escalated for additional analysis or collaboration

Our ideal candidate is an experienced tax professional who is comfortable being trusted with their own work.You should be able to receive an assigned return, evaluate the information provided, identify what is missing, resolve ordinary tax issues, communicate with the client when necessary, and bring the return to completion without requiring another preparer to retrace each step of your work. We do not expect one person to know the answer to every unusual tax question.We do expect our senior tax professionals to recognize when an issue requires additional research or discussion, develop their own analysis, and collaborate when appropriate.Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a related field

Active CPA license or Enrolled Agent (EA) credential required

Minimum of 7 years of recent tax preparation experience required; Significant experience independently preparing individual and business tax returns

Ability to represent clients before the IRS and assist with IRS examinations, notices, correspondence, and other tax matters

Ability to review tax returns prepared by less‑experienced staff, identify errors or omissions, and provide constructive technical guidance

Strong working knowledge of federal and state taxation Strong understanding of accounting principles and the ability to analyze general ledgers, balance sheets, and financial statements

Proficiency with QuickBooks Online and/or QuickBooks Desktop is required

Strong tax research, analytical, and problem‑solving skills

Excellent attention to detail and commitment to quality

Ability to manage multiple engagements and deadlines in a fast‑paced tax‑season environment

Success in this position means becoming a trusted member of our tax team who can take ownership of assigned work and consistently move returns from receipt through completion.We value professionals who exercise sound tax judgment, take responsibility for the quality and completeness of their work, know when to research an issue and when to seek another experienced perspective, and communicate effectively with clients and coworkers.As our tax team expands, this position has the opportunity to take on increased responsibility for reviewing and mentoring less‑experienced preparers and contributing to the continued development of the firm's tax practice.

Off Season Monday through Friday, approximately 8:30 a.m.-Tax Season Tax-season hours increase as workload builds.

January generally begins near our regular schedule, with additional hours added as necessary.

From approximately March 1 through April 15 , employees should generally expect approximately 50-60 hours per week, including Saturdays.

We believe tax‑season hours should be driven by workload rather than simply by the calendar. If returns are current and turnaround times permit, tax‑season hours may be reduced.

This position is also eligible for a performance‑based bonus based on overall contribution to the firm, including productivity, quality of work, professional judgment, client service, independence, and teamwork.

Mileage reimbursement for business‑related travel

Candidates must be able to reliably commute to Frankfort or relocate before beginning employment.

If you are an experienced tax professional who enjoys taking ownership of your work, appreciates the autonomy of a smaller firm, values collaboration on complex issues, and wants the opportunity to grow along with the firm, we would like to hear from you.

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