Tax and Accounting Senior

Salary: $83,200–$100,000+ per year, subject to skill and experience

Position Overview: A boutique CPA firm in San Diego is seeking an experienced, detail-oriented Tax and Accounting Senior to join our in-office team, to start with. This position is responsible for preparing a variety of tax returns, assisting with proactive tax planning, responding to client questions, and helping clients remain compliant with federal and state tax requirements. The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in tax preparation and accounting, communicates clearly, and is comfortable working directly with individual and business clients. We are looking for someone who can identify practical tax-planning opportunities, explain recommendations in understandable terms, and consistently provide accurate, thorough work.

Key Responsibilities: Prepare federal and state individual, corporate, partnership, and trust tax returns of varying complexity. Assist with tax-planning strategies and projections designed to help clients manage and minimize their tax liabilities. Identify practical tax-planning opportunities and provide clear recommendations and action items to clients. Serve as a primary point of contact for assigned clients and assist with tax and accounting questions. Prepare, review, and assist clients with accounting and bookkeeping matters. Research tax issues and remain informed about changes to applicable federal and state tax laws. Research, resolve, and respond to tax notices received from federal and state government agencies. Assist with payroll-related matters, Forms 1099, and Business Property Statements. Communicate clearly and professionally with clients, colleagues, and government agencies. Manage multiple assignments and deadlines while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

Qualifications: Three or more years of experience in tax preparation, tax planning, and accounting is preferred. Bachelor’s degree in accounting, taxation, finance, or a related field preferred; relevant professional experience may be considered in place of a degree. CPA or Enrolled Agent credential is preferred but not required. Working knowledge of individual and business tax returns. Proficiency with Microsoft Excel. Experience with Lacerte tax and planning software is preferred. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to communicate tax and accounting matters clearly to clients. Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing accurate, thorough work. Ability to work independently while collaborating with the firm’s owner and other team members.

What Success Looks Like: The successful candidate will prepare accurate and timely tax returns, recognize useful tax-planning opportunities, communicate effectively with clients, and manage assignments and deadlines with minimal supervision. They will be dependable, resourceful, thorough, and committed to providing responsive client service.