Tax Senior
Location: South Bay
Onsite. Hybrid flexibility may be considered on a case-by-case basis once familiarity with staff and client base is established.
Compensation: DOE
The Opportunity:
Looking for a Senior who is ready to own their files, develop the staff around them, and grow into a future Manager. This is not a heads-down preparation role. At the Senior level, you are a lead producer on complex engagements, the first line of review for Tax Staff work, and a meaningful presence in our client relationships. You will work on the kind of work that actually requires judgment, not just execution.
What You Will Do:
Complex Tax Preparation and Review:
- Prepare and review complex individual returns (Form 1040 including investment activity, rental properties, business interests, and multi-state filings).
- Prepare and review business returns (Forms 1120-S, 1065, 1120) including M-1 reconciliations and entity-level workpapers.
- Review Tax Staff preparation work for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to firm standards.
- Perform detailed review of outsourced and AI-assisted prepared returns; identify and resolve discrepancies before Manager escalation.
- Identify technical issues, research positions using Blue J, and present findings clearly to the reviewing Manager or Partner.
Develop Tax Staff:
- Provide clear, direct, and timely feedback to Tax Staff on their preparation work.
- Train Tax Staff on firm procedures, software, and preparation standards through hands-on guidance.
- Identify knowledge gaps in Tax Staff and surface development needs to the Manager.
Communicate With Clients:
- Communicate with clients on document requests, open items, and routine technical questions.
- Develop an understanding of each client's business, ownership structure, and tax profile.
- Identify opportunities for additional services and bring them to the Manager's attention.
- Escalate complex or sensitive client matters to the Manager or Partner.
Own Your Workflow:
- Manage multiple simultaneous engagements through XCM with accurate status and deadline tracking.
- Prepare and review work in CCH Axcess Tax, CCH Engagement, and Excel.
- Communicate proactively with Managers on engagement status, timing risks, and open issues.
- Participate in tax department meetings prepared and with something to contribute.
What We're Looking For:
- Minimum 3 years of public accounting experience with a focus on tax.
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a related field satisfying California CPA or EA licensing requirements.
- Technical depth in individual and business tax, with the ability to handle complex returns independently.
- A genuine eagerness to keep growing and understanding client situations.
- Ability to give direct, constructive feedback to Tax Staff.
- Ownership mindset: you take responsibility for the full quality of your files from setup to delivery.
- Professional communication with clients and colleagues at all levels.
License and Certification:
- CPA Candidate with at least 2 parts passed, CPA licensed, or EA licensed.
- You should be actively pursuing or have completed CPA or EA licensure at this level.