Tax Senior

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

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

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

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

• 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.
• If licensed, should be a member in good standing with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
• Proficiency in use of computers and computer accounting and tax software programs.