Tax Preparer CPA Required

Job Description
Job Description Position Overview:
We are seeking an experienced and client-focused Tax Associate to join a growing tax and accounting practice. The ideal candidate will have at least 4 years of hands-on tax preparation experience and be comfortable preparing both individual and business tax returns with increasing independence.

This position offers the opportunity to manage a portfolio of clients, provide direct client support, research tax matters, assist with tax planning, and continue developing toward a senior-level or management position.

Key Responsibilities:
Prepare individual and business tax returns from initial intake through filing.
Work with a variety of business entity types and client situations.
Build and maintain direct relationships with an assigned portfolio of clients.
Communicate directly with clients to gather information, answer routine questions, and provide status updates.
Research tax-related questions and assist with resolving routine tax notices.
Escalate complex tax matters with appropriate research and background information.
Support tax planning activities by gathering financial information and preparing relevant calculations and scenarios.
Review or spot-check tax returns prepared by newer staff members when requested.
Maintain accurate and organized client files and documentation.
Ensure timely client communication and follow-up, particularly during tax season.
Stay current with changes in tax laws, regulations, and filing requirements.

Required Qualifications:

• 4+ years of hands-on tax preparation experience, preferably within public accounting or a multi-client tax practice.
• Demonstrated experience preparing both individual and business tax returns.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of federal and state tax regulations and filing requirements.
• Comfortable communicating directly with clients and managing client relationships.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a team.
• Ability to work a hybrid schedule from the Mesa, AZ office.
• Willingness to work extended hours during tax season as needed.

Preferred Qualifications
Actively pursuing or holding a CPA or EA credential, or willingness to begin pursuing one.
Experience with CCH tax software is a plus.
Experience with QuickBooks.
Experience with multi-entity tax returns.
Exposure to trust and estate tax returns.
Experience with tax research and tax planning.

Ideal Candidate:
The ideal candidate is an experienced tax professional who is ready to take greater ownership of client relationships and tax engagements. You should be comfortable working independently, handling a diverse client base, solving routine tax issues, and continuously expanding your technical knowledge.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to progress toward a Senior Tax Associate or Tax Manager position.

Compensation & Benefits:
Hybrid work arrangement
Professional growth and advancement opportunities
Collaborative team environment
Opportunity to work with a diverse individual and business client base
CPA/EA development encouraged