Senior Tax Accountant

Senior Tax Accountant

Location: Bethesda, MD (Hybrid: 3 days in office, 2 days remote)

Department: Tax & Accounting

Reports to: Tax Manager / Director of Tax

Employment type: Full-time

Salary range: $85,000 – $115,000 per year, depending on experience and credentials

About

A growing accounting firm based in Bethesda, Maryland, serving individuals, closely held businesses, and mid-market companies across the DC metro area. We value technical excellence, clear communication, and a supportive team culture that invests in professional growth.

Position Summary

The Senior Tax Accountant plays a key role in preparing and reviewing federal, state, and local tax filings for a diverse client or entity base. This position combines hands-on technical work with review responsibilities, mentoring of junior staff, and direct client interaction. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, comfortable managing multiple deadlines, and eager to take on increasing responsibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and review complex federal and multi-state income tax returns for corporations, partnerships, S corporations, and high-net-worth individuals (Forms 1120, 1120-S, 1065, 1040)
• Prepare Maryland, DC, and Virginia state and local filings, including pass-through entity elections and composite or withholding returns
• Compute quarterly estimated tax payments and extension calculations
• Prepare and review tax provisions and supporting work papers, including deferred taxes and book-to-tax reconciliations
• Research and document technical tax issues, and communicate findings clearly to clients and management
• Review work prepared by staff and associate accountants, providing constructive feedback and coaching
• Respond to IRS and state tax notices and assist with audit support
• Identify tax planning and savings opportunities for clients
• Maintain current knowledge of federal, Maryland, and DC tax law changes and assess their impact
• Help improve tax workflows, document-management processes, and use of tax software
• Collaborate with the audit, advisory, and accounting teams as needed

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Taxation, or Finance
• 4+ years of progressive tax preparation and review experience in public accounting or corporate tax
• Strong working knowledge of partnership (Subchapter K), S corporation, and C corporation taxation
• Experience with tax preparation software (such as CCH Axcess, GoSystem Tax RS, Ultra Tax CS, or Lacerte) and Microsoft Excel
• Excellent analytical, research, and written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently, prioritize competing deadlines, and thrive during busy season

Preferred Qualifications

• Active CPA license, or CPA candidate with credits to sit for the exam; EA considered
• Master's degree in Taxation or an MBA
• Experience with multi-state (SALT) issues, real estate, nonprofit, or government-contracting clients
• Familiarity with research tools such as Checkpoint, CCH Intelli Connect, or Bloomberg Tax
• Prior experience supervising or mentoring junior staff

Skills and Competencies

• Technical accuracy and strong attention to detail
• Sound professional judgment and integrity
• Clear, client-friendly communication
• Leadership potential and a collaborative approach
• Adaptability and a continuous-learning mindset

Work Environment

Office located in downtown Bethesda, close to the Bethesda Metro (Red Line) and public parking. Extended hours are expected during peak filing seasons (typically January–April and September–October), with flexibility and recognition during those periods.