Global Employer Services-Expatriate Tax Senior Associate

BDO USA•Houston, TX

1d•$73,500 - $131,250

About The Position

The Expatriate Services Senior Associate is responsible for the review of inbound and outbound international assignee US income tax returns, some preparation of more advanced returns, as well as tax equalizations, completing assignment cost projections and compensation reviews and planning. In this role, the Expatriate Services Senior Associate will be charged with gathering required client information necessary to prepare tax filings, participating in tax planning and recognizing potential risks, in addition to communication with assignees and company administrators and tax research.

Requirements

Bachelors degree in Accounting, Business Administration, International Business, Human Resource Management, International Human Resource Manager or other related filed, required
Two (2) to three (3) years of experience in individual income tax preparation, expatriate tax experience preferred
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite
Proficient in the use of Adobe Reader and Writer
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Possesses superior customer service skills
Ability to maintain the highly confidential nature of information
Capable of working and communicating effectively with professionals at all levels
Able to work in a deadline-driven environment and handle multiple projects / tasks with an attention to detail
Ability to successfully multi-task while working independently or within a group environment
Superior analytical and diagnostic skills and the ability to apply analysis in determining appropriate next steps
Excellent computer skills and the aptitude to learn new software applications
Knowledge regarding appropriate information required in the tax return filing process
Knowledge and familiarity with commonly utilized individual income tax forms
Capable of 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
Enrolled Agent or CPA, preferred
Fluency in foreign languages highly desired

Responsibilities

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 clients comply 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 review on basic returns and prepares review notes and identifying potential tax issues
Plans the tax process and the procedures to be performed
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, as appropriate, and with assistance and guidance from senior STS professionals
Tax Specialization
Applies expatriate tax compliance, planning and global implications to technical and practical issues for assigned clients
Versed in transfer year residency issues and elections, including foreign earned income exclusion qualification
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
Tax Related Software
Utilizes GoSystems, tax research databases and other tax-related software in the completion of assigned tasks
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
Provides guidance and mentoring to associates and interns on the team