Tax Associate

Job Summary:

Associate is responsible for utilizing his or her educational background as well as communication and organizational skills by assisting with the preparation of tax returns and research. In this role, the Associate will be charged with utilizing basic research skills and working with tax software applications to complete simple tax returns for review.

Job Duties:

Tax Compliance

Ensures both that (a) clients comply with all applicable authorities, while at the same time minimizing their tax and reporting burdens, and (b) self and client service teams comply with all Firm policies, standards, and the Schmitz-Holmstrom Tax Quality Manual (TQM).

* Tax return preparation.

* Applies understanding of clients unique set of circumstances, documentation, and/or other requirements mandated by law and prepares required filings (tax returns) using a system of review and documentation to ensure that the client is in full compliance, while keeping the clients tax and reporting burdens as low as possible.

* Ensures all data needed to comply with filing requirements are collected; identifies and properly communicates missing items to prepare return.

* Utilizes Firm compliance software to maximize efficiency in tax prep process.

* Effectively teams with Senior on completion of project, follow-up with Open items list.

* Assists with projections of year-end filings (tax planning.)

* Documents all significant tax positions.

* Assist with responses to notices from the Internal Revenue Service and State authority.

Tax Consulting

* Assists with developing, recommending, and implementing efficient and effective methods to maximize client benefits, especially by decreasing clients current and future taxes.

* Applies knowledge of home state corporate, partnership and individual tax structure and filing requirements in completing assigned work.

* Effectively drafts clear and concise general memorandums and correspondence.

* Identifies potentially relevant tax issues or opportunities as part of the tax compliance process.

Other duties as required

Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A

Qualifications, Knowledge, Sills & Abilities:

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or other relevant field required.

Experience:

Leadership experience preferred.

License/Certifications:

CPA preferred.

Software:

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel and PowerPoint, QuickBooks.

Other Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to follow instructions as directed.

Ability to work effectively in a team setting.

Takes appropriate actions without being asked.

Seeks advice of appropriate superiors regarding issues related to compliance.

Ability to prepare basic tax returns.

Train/mentor interns