In-Charge Tax Accountant

• In-Charge Tax Accountant—Job Description

Is given a wide variety of diversified accounting and tax assignments. Performance is judged based on the quality of work, application of accounting knowledge, and ability to meet time constraints.

• Prepares complex tax returns and reviews returns prepared by staff.
• Performs supervised technical research in situations requiring judgment and formulation of alternative courses of action.
• Delegates and supervises tax staff and staff assistants.
• Reviews personal tax returns.
• Prepares the more complex corporate, partnership, S-corp, and individual returns, as well as other returns requested.
• Prepares trust returns.
• Reviews the less complex business tax returns.
• Reviews amended returns.
• Reviews carryback returns for NOLs and others.
• Is familiar with the Firm’s software packages to assist the tax staff accountant in doing individual projections.
• Responds to and assists the tax staff in responding to tax notices. Reviews letters drafted by the tax staff verifying technical accuracy.
• Reviews the less complex tax research projects prepared by tax staff.
• Does tax research projects requiring more advanced technical and research skills.
• Reviews the less complex employee benefit plan tax returns (Form 5500 Series).
• Initiates and reviews S-elections and requests for accounting changes as required.
• Reviews tax accruals prepared by audit staff to assist them in preparation of financial statements.
• Reviews tax working papers as may be required.
• Becomes involved in the planning of some of the less complex business and personal clients.
• Acts as a resource for tax and accounting staff regarding tax questions they may have.
• Assumes person in charge (PIC) responsibility on individual tax return clients assigned by the firm. (PIC communicates directly with the client and assumes billing and collection responsibilities.)
• Becomes the key client contact for small engagements to develop and practice entrepreneurial skills.
• Increases the frequency and scope of client relationships through business and social meetings with supervisory and junior management personnel.
• Learns about the firm’s service capabilities so they can be offered to clients in appropriate circumstances.
• Establishes performance, efficiency, and quality standards for the tax staff.
• Assists in developing tax staff by delegating work, supervising their activities and providing timely and complete evaluations and counseling.
• Assists with formal training programs.
• Maintains university contacts and participates in on-campus and office visits to recruit new staff.
• Grooms business contacts and participates in local community organizations to expand marketing network.
• Cultivates initiative and creativity by taking charge of assignments, ascertaining what needs to be done, and doing it imaginatively and well.
• Analyzes time charges, prepares proposed bills, and discusses fees with clients on small engagements.
• Monitors morale by maintaining relationships with staff, staying alert to their concerns, and becoming liaison between staff and managers.
• Develops management skills for staff supervision and training.
• Builds productive relationships with managers, senior managers and partners by keeping them informed about work progress, and by adapting to various management styles..

• Begins to develop a command of GAAP, other comprehensive bases of accounting, unique or specialized accounting principles, and financial statement presentations.
• Obtains a thorough understanding of generally accepted auditing standards and common audit procedures and techniques.
• Assumes responsibility for efficiently supervising both audit and nonaudit engagements.
• Effectively communicates with client to receive information necessary to complete the engagement with a minimum of disruption to client.

• Begins developing a command of pertinent IRC sections and regulations.
• Becomes proficient at tax research including a knowledge of the reference sources available to the
• Assumes responsibility for the supervision of tax return preparation engagements with a minimum of disruption to client.

• At least two (2) years’ experience preparing individual, corporate, partnership, and S-corp tax returns.
• At least one (1) year of experience using computerized tax preparation, tax planning, and tax research software

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, or bachelor’s degree in another discipline with various course work in taxes and accounting, through intermediate level.