Tax Staff - Public

Description We are looking for a tax specialist to join a public accounting team in Santa Barbara, California. This position focuses on preparing a variety of tax returns, supporting accounting activities, and helping maintain accurate financial records for a diverse client base. The role offers the opportunity to work with businesses and high-net-worth individuals in a collaborative environment that values precision, client service, and continued career development.

Responsibilities:

- Prepare federal and related tax returns for individuals, corporations, partnerships, and trusts with a strong focus on accuracy and timeliness.

- Examine client financial records and supporting documentation to identify missing information, resolve discrepancies, and support complete filings.

- Assist with accounting activities, including posting and refining journal entries as part of the month-end and year-end process.

- Use accounting and tax software such as Quick Books, Quick Books Online, Sage, and CCH products to manage financial data and return preparation.

- Organize and maintain detailed work papers that support tax positions and facilitate internal review procedures.

- Communicate with clients as needed to gather documents, clarify financial details, and follow up on outstanding items.

- Monitor tax work for compliance with current regulations and firm standards across multiple return types. Requirements - At least 5 years of practical experience preparing federal income tax returns in a public accounting or similar setting.

- Strong background handling tax matters for small businesses as well as high-net-worth individual clients.

- At least 5 years of experience working with Quick Books, Quick Books Online, and Sage in support of tax and accounting functions.

- Working knowledge of individual, corporate, partnership, and trust taxation.

- Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage documents, deadlines, and multiple client engagements effectively.

- CPA or Enrolled Agent credential preferred, or current progress toward one of these designations.

- Experience with CCH Axcess Suite, CCH Pro System, or related tax software is an advantage.

Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.

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All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit  for more information.

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