Experienced Staff Accountant

Wipfli•Chicago, IL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Wipfli is hiring an Experienced Staff Accountant to provide accounting and tax services to clients and serve as a trusted business advisor. The role involves communicating professionally with clients and firm associates, building client relationships, meeting budgets and deadlines, developing technical competency, and identifying ways to improve processes and engagement outcomes. The position also uses data analysis to identify useful information and patterns that support recommendations. Tax responsibilities include preparing individual, business, and fiduciary tax returns and projections under the direction of engagement leaders; using current tax and accounting software; researching tax issues and preparing related financial reports; and conducting a limited number of tax return interviews as needed. The role includes continuing professional education and requires a hybrid arrangement, with work performed regularly in a Wipfli office, from home, and at client sites. Scheduled meetings at client and office locations require in-person attendance.

Requirements

Completed bachelor's degree in Accounting.
One to three years of job-related experience.
Above-average accounting competency, as demonstrated by college GPA; minimum GPA of 3.2.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office programs such as Excel and Word.
High level of organization, focus, attention to detail, and follow-up skills.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis upon hire; candidates requiring employment visa sponsorship now or in the future will not be considered.

Nice To Haves

CPA eligibility and actively pursuing CPA certification.
Accounting internship experience.
Coursework in Data Analytics or Big Data.
Experience with accounting software.

Responsibilities

Respond to client and firm associate requests in a timely, accurate, positive, and professional manner.
Establish and maintain effective client relationships through regular communication, including on-site visits.
Adhere to prescribed budgets and deadlines.
Develop technical competency and provide assistance to clients.
Participate in continuing professional education programs.
Serve as a trusted business advisor for clients and associates.
Identify process improvement opportunities, recognize potential engagement issues or opportunities, and discuss them with the engagement leader.
Use data analysis to discover useful information and patterns that support recommendations.
Prepare individual, business, and fiduciary tax returns and projections in accordance with firm and professional standards, as directed by engagement leaders.
Understand and effectively use current tax and accounting software applications.
Research tax-related issues and prepare other related financial reports.
Perform a limited number of tax return interviews as needed.

Benefits

Eight health plan options, including HMO and PPO plans.
Dental and vision coverage.
Health Savings Account enrollment, with potential firm contribution.
Employee Assistance Program, including access to free, confidential counseling.
Firm-sponsored basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage.
401(k) savings plan, profit sharing, and firm matching contribution.
Well-being incentive.
Education and certification assistance.
Flexible time off and paid sick leave.
Family care leave and parental leave.
Family formation benefits.
Cell phone reimbursement.
Travel rewards.
Voluntary critical illness and accident insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, legal coverage, long-term care insurance, pet insurance, identity theft protection, and supplemental life and AD&D insurance.