Accounting Assistant - Tax Department
Position Summary:The Tax Assistant / Tax Preparer supports the preparation and filing of federal, state, and local tax returns for individuals and business clients. This role is responsible for organizing financial documentation, preparing tax returns with accuracy, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, and supporting client communication during tax season and throughout the year.
The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, knowledgeable in tax regulations, and comfortable working in a deadline-driven environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Tax Preparation
- Prepare individual (Form 1040) and business tax returns (including partnerships, S-corporations, and corporations) under supervision or independently based on experience.
- Prepare supporting schedules and documentation.
- Review financial records such as income statements, expense reports, and prior-year returns.
- Ensure timely and accurate filing of tax returns.
Client Support & Documentation
- Organize and review client documentation for completeness and accuracy.
- Communicate with clients to request missing information and clarify financial details.
- Maintain organized electronic and physical client files.
- Provide courteous and professional service to clients.
Compliance & Research
- Stay current on federal and California tax law changes.
- Assist with basic tax research and respond to notices from taxing authorities.
- Support audit documentation preparation if needed.
Administrative & Support Functions
- Assist with extensions and estimated tax calculations.
- Prepare payroll tax or sales tax filings if applicable.
- Support bookkeeping adjustments required for tax preparation.
- Assist with tax planning projections as directed by senior staff.
Qualifications:
- 2+ years of experience in tax preparation or public accounting preferred.
- Experience with multi state corporate returns.
- Familiarity with tax software (e.g., Lacerte, ProSeries, Drake, or similar).
- Strong understanding of federal and California tax regulations.
- High attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines during tax season.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
Preferred:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
- Enrolled Agent (EA) designation or CPA-track candidate preferred.
- Experience in a small to mid-sized accounting firm environment.
- Experience responding to IRS or FTB notices.
Benefits & Perks
We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support our employees’ health, financial security, and work-life balance, which may include:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance with employer contributions
- Paid Time Off (PTO) including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays
- Paid Family and Medical Leave in accordance with federal, state, and local laws
Benefits eligibility and offerings may vary based on position, location, employment status, and length of service. The Company reserves the right to modify or terminate benefits at any time, subject to applicable law.
At-Will Employment: Employment with the Company is at will. This means that either the employee or the Company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable law. Nothing in this job description creates a contract of employment or guarantees continued employment.
Job Description Disclaimer: This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. The Company reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties as business needs require.
Background Check: Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check conducted in compliance with the California Fair Chance Act and all other applicable laws. Criminal history will not be considered until after a conditional offer of employment has been made.
Work Authorization: Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be conducted in accordance with applicable law.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $25.00 - $29.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Experience:
- Tax Experience: 1 year (Preferred)
- Customer Service: 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- CPA (Preferred)
- Enrolled Agent (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
