SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

JEFF BAKER & ASSOCIATES, P.S.•Puyallup, WA

2d•$85,000 - $115,000

About The Position

This position is designed for an accountant with a strong foundation in tax preparation who is ready to handle more complex engagements with greater independence. The Senior Accountant prepares individual and business tax returns, researches technical issues, communicates directly with clients, and identifies tax-planning opportunities. Depending on experience, the role may include reviewing work prepared by less experienced staff and helping develop their capabilities. The position requires taking responsibility for assigned engagements from preparation through review and completion, balancing technical accuracy with efficiency and client service, and managing deadlines and communications. The accountant is expected to recognize when an issue requires further investigation, research and apply findings, and continue developing technical judgment, client communication, and review capabilities.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field.
At least three years of recent public accounting tax experience.
Strong experience preparing individual and business income tax returns.
Working knowledge of federal taxation for individuals, partnerships, S corporations, and C corporations.
Ability to independently research unfamiliar tax issues and apply findings.
Experience preparing supporting workpapers and reconciling financial information.
Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and professional communication.
Ability to manage assigned work with appropriate independence.
Willingness to accept feedback, learn from review comments, and continue developing professional judgment.

Nice To Haves

Active CPA or Enrolled Agent credential, or progress toward obtaining one.
Experience with CCH Axcess Tax.
Experience with multistate taxation, real estate transactions, and business tax planning.
Familiarity with fiduciary and estate taxation.
Experience reviewing work prepared by junior accountants.
Experience with QuickBooks and financial statement analysis.
Interest in developing toward a supervisory or advanced technical role.

Responsibilities

Independently prepare individual, partnership, S corporation, and C corporation income tax returns.
Prepare complex returns involving multiple income sources, business activities, investments, and real estate transactions.
Prepare fiduciary, estate, and trust tax returns as experience permits.
Analyze financial statements, reconcile book and tax differences, and prepare supporting tax workpapers.
Research federal and state tax issues and document findings and conclusions.
Identify potential tax-planning opportunities and bring recommendations to supervisors or partners.
Recognize unusual transactions, inconsistencies, and tax positions requiring additional consideration.
Assist with tax projections, estimated tax calculations, and year-round planning engagements.
Take responsibility for assigned engagements from initial preparation through review and completion.
Communicate directly with clients about tax information, outstanding questions, and engagement progress.
Follow through on client requests and internal assignments.
Manage competing deadlines and communicate potential delays in advance.
Use professional judgment when requesting information and balance accuracy with efficiency and the cost of services.
Coordinate with accounting and bookkeeping professionals to resolve financial reporting issues affecting tax returns.
Review selected work prepared by staff accountants, depending on experience.
Provide constructive feedback and explain the reasoning behind corrections.
Support developing accountants with research, software questions, and technical concepts.
Participate in internal training and contribute to improvements in tax workpapers and procedures.
Remain current on federal and state tax law changes.