Global Employer Services-Expatriate Tax Experienced Senior Associate

BDO USA•Houston, TX

2d•$74,550 - $147,000

About The Position

Job Summary: The Expatriate Services Senior Associate is responsible for performing research to prepare tax returns, tax equalizations, completing assignment cost projections and work project reviews. In this role, the Expatriate Services Senior Associate is charged with gathering required client information necessary to prepare tax filings, participating in tax planning and recognizing potential risks. Job Duties: Research Identifies most situations when research is necessary providing an outline of the issue(s) and the appropriate source of research to be conducted Analyzes researched facts and the sources utilized prior to composing a detailed report of the research findings Tax Compliance Ensures client compliance with applicable authorities while identifying options for minimizing the client’s tax and reporting burdens Obtains required client information to utilize in the preparation of tax filings Conducts detailed reviews on basic returns, prepares review notes and identifies potential tax issues Plans the tax process and the procedures to be performed Identifies “gray areas” and communicates related risk potential for contingent tax liabilities Tax Consulting Develops, recommends and implements standard tax methods to provide clients with maximum tax benefits related to current and future tax obligations Documents all significant tax positions, as well as issues, findings and deliverables in accordance with firm policies Assists in the development of client consulting project plans for assigned clients and provides support in the completion of those consulting projects Tax Controversy Represents clients before any tax authority on contested issues with assistance and guidance from senior STS R&D professionals, , as appropriate. Tax Specialization Applies expatriate tax compliance, planning and global implications to technical and practical issues for assigned clients Identifies and applies income tax treaties and totalization agreements Provides basic advice on US payroll reporting for expatriate compensation and hypo tax and housing norm deductions Administers pre-assignment and post-arrival consultations with assignees through data gathering interviews Identifies basic tax planning opportunities Tax Related Software Utilizes Caseware, GoSystems, tax research databases and other tax-related software in the completion of assigned tasks Accounting for Income Taxes – SFAS109 Prepares tax accrual workpapers ASC740-10 Understands and applies industry standards, along with firm policies and BDO Tax Quality Manual requirements as they relate to FAS 109 and FIN48 Strategy Development Assists in the preparation of studies of tax implications to identify alternative courses of actions to benefits clients Develops new or improved ideas to improve the position of license, the firm or firm personnel Partners with other tax disciplines to identify and recommend other services or benefits to meet client needs Other duties as required

Requirements

Bachelors degree in Accounting, Business Administration, International Business, Human Resource Management, International Human Resource Manager or other related field required
Three (3) to five (5) years of experience in individual income tax preparation, expatriate tax experience preferred
Prior experience preparing individual income tax return, involved in VITA required
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel and Word
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Possesses superior customer service skills
Ability to provide a high level of confidentiality
Capable of working and communicating effectively with professionals at all levels
Ablility to work in a deadline-driven environment and handle multiple projects / tasks with an attention to detail
Superior analytical and diagnostic skills and the ability to apply analysis in determining appropriate next steps
Ability to successfully multi-task while working independently or within a group environment
Excellent computer skills and the aptitude to learn new software applications
Knowledge of appropriate information required in the tax return filing process
Possesses knowledge ofand a familiarity with commonly utilized individual income tax forms
Capable of effective managing a team of tax professionals and delegating work assignments as needed
Capacity to build and maintain strong relationships with client personnel

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in Accounting or Tax preferred
Prior experience in a customer / client service environment, preferred
Prior study abroad or international work experience, preferred
Prior supervisory experience, preferred
Enrolled Agent or CPA, preferred
Experience working with Go Systems, preferred
Fluency in foreign languages highly desired

Responsibilities

performing research to prepare tax returns, tax equalizations, completing assignment cost projections and work project reviews
gathering required client information necessary to prepare tax filings
participating in tax planning and recognizing potential risks
Identifies most situations when research is necessary providing an outline of the issue(s) and the appropriate source of research to be conducted
Analyzes researched facts and the sources utilized prior to composing a detailed report of the research findings
Ensures client compliance with applicable authorities while identifying options for minimizing the client’s tax and reporting burdens
Obtains required client information to utilize in the preparation of tax filings
Conducts detailed reviews on basic returns, prepares review notes and identifies potential tax issues
Plans the tax process and the procedures to be performed
Identifies “gray areas” and communicates related risk potential for contingent tax liabilities
Develops, recommends and implements standard tax methods to provide clients with maximum tax benefits related to current and future tax obligations
Documents all significant tax positions, as well as issues, findings and deliverables in accordance with firm policies
Assists in the development of client consulting project plans for assigned clients and provides support in the completion of those consulting projects
Represents clients before any tax authority on contested issues with assistance and guidance from senior STS R&D professionals, , as appropriate.
Applies expatriate tax compliance, planning and global implications to technical and practical issues for assigned clients
Identifies and applies income tax treaties and totalization agreements
Provides basic advice on US payroll reporting for expatriate compensation and hypo tax and housing norm deductions
Administers pre-assignment and post-arrival consultations with assignees through data gathering interviews
Identifies basic tax planning opportunities
Utilizes Caseware, GoSystems, tax research databases and other tax-related software in the completion of assigned tasks
Prepares tax accrual workpapers
Understands and applies industry standards, along with firm policies and BDO Tax Quality Manual requirements as they relate to FAS 109 and FIN48
Assists in the preparation of studies of tax implications to identify alternative courses of actions to benefits clients
Develops new or improved ideas to improve the position of license, the firm or firm personnel
Partners with other tax disciplines to identify and recommend other services or benefits to meet client needs
Provides guidance and mentoring to associates and interns on the team