Summary of Responsibilities

Performs most work assigned with a minimum of assistance. Often leads in the effective and efficient operations of the tax practice area. This practice area should reflect firm values: a quality process and outcome, IRS knowledge and compliance, excellent client communication that results in our firm’s reputation as a preferred partner in this area of service. This practice will be technology-driven and leadership is expected to identify best practices and consistently implement process improvements. Leadership for this practice area includes leading a team of individuals that will support this service and be competent in its delivery. Recommends tax strategies by researching, interpreting, and implementing tax laws

Essential Functions

    1. Reviews federal and state income tax returns for individuals, businesses, real estate and exempt organizations, including the most complex
    2. Approves all returns with the exception of those dealing with specialized issues that require the expertise of a partner
    3. Handles federal, state and local tax audits
    4. Acts as a resource for tax staff, senior tax accountants, tax supervisors and partners
    5. Performs complex tax research
    6. Prepares research memoranda, written correspondence/guidance, and other documents for submission to the IRS or other taxing authorities
    7. Prepares tax planning and estimates and becomes involved in planning for more complex clients
    8. Assists accounting and consulting staff members in client meetings
    9. Develops and models an understanding of firm philosophy, values and tax opinions
    10. Reviews tax accruals and associated working papers
    11. Analyzes IRS notices and drafts responses
    12. Reviews IRS notice responses prepared by other tax personnel
    13. Delegates work to tax staff, senior tax accountants, and tax supervisors and supervises their work
    14. May act as relationship manager for complex individual tax return clients
    15. Billing responsibility including discussing fees with clients
    16. Contributes to the client service team by producing quality work with quick turnaround and attentive service
    17. Responsible for establishing engagement letters and all related compliance framework
    18. Establishes workflow and timelines as it relates to projects
    19. Trains and supervises staff; reviews and evaluates their work
    20. Facilitates in-house tax training Solicits feedbacrforms diversified accounting, auditing, and tax assignments under the direction of supervisor, manager, and principal.
    21. Demonstrates competency in technical skills, work quality, and application of professional and firm standards.
    22. Meets time constraints and client deadlines.
    23. Participates in planning and scheduling client engagements.
    24. Directs and instructs assistants, where applicable, in work to be performed and working paper review.
    25. Prepares and indexes working papers; performs various procedures established under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) to verify accuracy and validity of client’s financial matters.
    26. Performs the broadest range of accountant tasks so that direct participation of supervisors, managers or principals is kept to a minimum.
    27. Prepares other reports, projects, and duties as may be assigned.
    28. Knows and understands the reason behind the firm’s policies and procedures.
    29. Possesses technical knowledge sufficient to supervise staff accountants.
    30. Begins developing a command of pertinent IRC sections and regulations.
    31. Assumes responsibility for the supervision of tax return preparation engagements with a minimum of disruption to client.

Required Experience

    1. Prior experience in public accounting and tax
    2. Minimum of 2 years in competently reviewing tax returns
    3.  Strong analytical skills
    4. Research proficiency
    5. Strong computer skills: proficiency preferred, but not required in Thompson Reuters and BNA 10
    6. Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
    7. Detail-oriented with ability to multi-task
    8. Well-rounded in dealing with high net worth individuals and businesses

Educational Requirements

    1. Bachelor’s degree in accounting, or master’s degree in accounting.
    2. Minimum of 40 hours of continuing professional education is required each year.

Required Licenses, Certificates, or Knowledge

    1. Either holds a current and valid certified public accountant’s license, or is working toward obtaining the license by taking and passing the applicable state CPA exam.
    2. If licensed, should be a member in good standing with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
    3. Proficiency in use of computers and computer accounting and tax software programs.