Senior Tax Accountant​/Tax Accountant

Why This Role Is Different

This is not a narrow, assembly-line tax prep position.

We work primarily with small business owners, so the work often involves more than entering numbers into software.

You may be helping clients understand entity structure, reasonable compensation, deductions, retirement plan options, bookkeeping issues, cash flow, tax notices, or planning opportunities.

Tax season is busy, and deadlines matter. But we try to run the firm in a way that avoids unnecessary chaos, last‑minute fire drills, and constant interruption. The goal is to give experienced people the flexibility and autonomy to do good work without a corporate‑style management structure getting in the way.

Core responsibilities include:

• Preparing individual and business tax returns
• Preparing or assisting with fiduciary and nonprofit tax returns, depending on experience
• Communicating with clients to gather information, explain issues, and resolve questions
• Identifying missing information, unusual items, and potential tax issues before returns are finalized
• Reviewing client financial statements and identifying bookkeeping issues before tax preparation begins
• Coordinating with bookkeepers on client accounting questions
• Drafting IRS and state tax agency correspondence
• Helping clients understand practical tax issues related to their businesses

Depending on experience, higher‑level responsibilities may include:

• Reviewing tax returns prepared by other staff
• Handling more complex tax analysis and planning
• Meeting with clients to discuss tax planning and tax return issues
• Helping business owners think through entity structure, compensation, deductions, and broader tax strategy
• Helping improve internal tax processes, checklists, templates, and review procedures

The ideal candidate will have:

• 3+ years of tax preparation or tax accounting experience
• 5+ years preferred
• CPA or EA preferred, but not required
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting preferred, but not required
• Experience with individual and business tax returns
• Experience with S‑Corps and partnerships preferred
• Ability to explain tax issues clearly to clients
• High attention to detail
• Ability to work independently with minimal oversight
• Comfort managing deadlines, priorities, and client follow‑up
• A practical, problem‑solving mindset

Prior return review experience is helpful, but not required. For candidates who can operate closer to a tax manager level – including reviewing returns, handling client relationships, and managing more complex planning work – compensation and responsibilities may be adjusted accordingly.

This is a client‑facing position. Technical ability matters, but so does communication. We need someone who can communicate directly with clients, explain what is going on, and help them feel confident that their tax work is being handled carefully.

This may not be the right role for someone looking for a highly structured corporate environment, daily task‑by‑task supervision, or a narrow return‑preparation‑only position.

It also may not be the right fit for someone who is uncomfortable working remotely, managing their own deadlines, or communicating directly with clients.

Compensation will depend on experience, skill level, and ability to manage work independently.

Expected range:

• $50,000–$80,000 per year
• Bonus opportunities may be available depending on production, client management, and planning work
• Retirement plan with employer match
• Remote work available, including fully remote work for the right candidate

Fraim, Cawley & Company, Certified Public Accountants PLLC is a Roanoke, VA CPA firm established in 2013.

We focus primarily on small business owners, tax planning, business structure, and more complex tax issues. Our goal is not simply to prepare tax returns. We help clients understand the bigger picture, make better decisions, and avoid costly tax mistakes.

We are a small firm, so the right person will have a real opportunity to make an impact. This is not a corporate tax department where you are stuck in one narrow lane. The work can involve tax preparation, planning, client communication, business advisory, IRS correspondence, and process improvement.

If you think you may be a fit, please send your name, email address, resume, and a short description of your relevant work history.

You may also include anything else you think we should know in considering you for the position.

All inquiries will be kept completely confidential. Your name will not be shared, and we will not contact your current employer without your permission.