Experienced Tax Preparer / Staff Tax Accountant
CPA, EA, CPA Candidate, or Experienced Tax Professional
Confidential Employer | Established Public Accounting Firm | St. Louis Metropolitan Area
Salary: $65,000–$90,000 annually
Based on experience, credentials, and demonstrated technical ability
About the Position
We are an established public accounting firm serving individuals, businesses, trusts, estates, and nonprofit organizations throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area. We are seeking an experienced tax professional who can efficiently prepare a high volume of accurate tax returns during busy season.
This position is ideal for someone with recent public accounting tax experience who enjoys preparing individual and business returns while also assisting clients with payroll, sales tax, bookkeeping, and year-end accounting throughout the remainder of the year.
This is primarily a tax-preparation position. During tax season, the successful candidate must be able to prepare a large volume of returns accurately, independently, and on schedule.
Primary Responsibilities During Tax Season
· Prepare federal and state individual, partnership, S corporation, corporation, fiduciary, gift, and nonprofit tax returns, including Forms 1040, 1065, 1120S, 1120, 1041, 709, and 990.
· Prepare a high volume of returns efficiently while maintaining accuracy and meeting filing deadlines.
· Review client information and identify missing, incomplete, or inconsistent items before and during preparation.
· Communicate directly with clients regarding missing information and tax questions.
· Recognize tax issues, perform research when necessary, and know when to involve a partner.
· Assist with tax planning and responses to IRS and state tax notices.
Responsibilities Outside of Tax Season
· Process payroll for business clients.
· Prepare quarterly and annual payroll tax filings, including Forms 941, 940, W-2, W-3, and related state filings.
· Prepare and file monthly, quarterly, and annual sales and use tax returns.
· Perform bookkeeping, account reconciliations, and year-end accounting.
· Prepare adjusting journal entries and financial statements.
· Assist clients with QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online.
· Respond to IRS and state tax notices.
Qualifications
· Recent public accounting tax preparation experience strongly preferred.
· Experience preparing Forms 1040, 1065, 1120S, 1120, and 1041 highly desirable.
· CPA, Enrolled Agent (EA), CPA candidate, or equivalent practical tax experience.
· Experience with professional tax software such as Drake, Lacerte, UltraTax, or similar.
· Experience with QuickBooks Desktop and/or QuickBooks Online.
· Payroll and payroll tax filing experience preferred.
· Sales and use tax return experience preferred.
· Strong attention to detail, organization, and written and verbal communication skills.
· Ability to work in the St. Louis metropolitan area.
The Ideal Candidate
· Enjoys preparing tax returns and solving tax problems.
· Can prepare returns independently with minimal supervision.
· Produces accurate work while maintaining an efficient pace.
· Can manage competing deadlines during busy season.
· Is comfortable communicating directly with clients.
· Takes ownership of assigned work and works well as part of a small team.
Benefits
· Competitive salary based on experience.
· Paid vacation and holidays.
· Continuing education and professional development.
· Flexible scheduling outside of tax season.
· Supportive team environment and opportunity for long-term growth.
Important Fit Consideration
The majority of this position involves preparing tax returns. Applicants who prefer corporate accounting, audit, or management accounting over tax preparation may not find this position to be a good fit.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume along with a brief summary of your public accounting and tax preparation experience.
Pay: $65,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Continuing education credits
- Flexible schedule
Work Location: In person
