Senior Tax Accountant- Complex Business Returns

Tax Alchemy•Irvine, CA

3d•$80,000 - $120,000•Remote

About The Position

We are seeking a technically advanced Senior Tax Preparer with substantial experience preparing complex business and individual tax returns. The role requires independently resolving complicated tax issues, managing client engagements, and maintaining accuracy and productivity in a fast-paced environment. The position requires completing 15–20 complex tax returns per week, with assignments evaluated based on return complexity, completeness of client documentation, and review responsibilities. The Senior Tax Preparer works under the direction of the Tax Manager and provides technical guidance to other team members. The role includes preparing complex federal, state, and local returns for partnerships, S corporations, C corporations, and individuals, along with supporting schedules and workpapers. The position manages engagements from document collection through filing, communicates directly with clients, identifies tax planning opportunities, supports notices and audits, and contributes to mentoring, technical training, and process improvements. The role is remote and full time.

Requirements

Three to six years of progressively responsible tax preparation experience, including substantial hands-on experience with complex business and individual returns.
Advanced technical proficiency in partnership, S corporation, C corporation, and individual taxation.
Ability to independently prepare complicated client returns with limited supervision and minimal substantive corrections.
Strong working knowledge of multistate taxation, pass-through entities, basis calculations, capital accounts, depreciation, passive activity rules, and book-to-tax adjustments.
Ability to interpret financial statements, reconcile accounts, and identify accounting issues affecting tax preparation.
Ability to manage a high-volume workload, adapt to changing priorities, and meet deadlines while maintaining quality.
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Taxation, or a related field.
Active pursuit of a CPA license or Enrolled Agent (EA) credential; completed credential preferred.
Proficiency with professional tax preparation software, Microsoft Excel, Google Workspace, and workflow or CRM systems.
Strong analytical, tax research, organizational, and client communication skills.
Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with a remote team.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex tax matters, address client questions professionally, and build effective client relationships.

Nice To Haves

Completed CPA or Enrolled Agent credential; an active CPA license or EA credential is preferred.
Master’s degree in Taxation.
Public accounting experience serving closely held businesses and high-net-worth individuals.
Experience using UltraTax, Canopy, and Sureprep.
Experience mentoring junior tax professionals and improving preparation workflows.

Responsibilities

Prepare complex federal, state, and local returns for partnerships (Form 1065), S corporations (Form 1120-S), C corporations (Form 1120), and individuals (Form 1040), including supporting schedules and workpapers.
Handle complicated returns involving multiple entities, multistate operations, high-net-worth individuals, rental real estate, ownership changes, and business transactions.
Review financial statements, trial balances, and general ledger activity; identify discrepancies and prepare adjusting entries and book-to-tax reconciliations.
Calculate and maintain depreciation schedules, shareholder and partner basis, capital accounts, loss limitations, and tax carryforwards.
Prepare estimated tax calculations, extensions, amended returns, and tax projections as assigned.
Produce organized, review-ready returns and workpapers and promptly and accurately resolve review comments.
Research complex tax issues, document conclusions, and escalate significant risks or uncertain positions to the Tax Manager.
Manage assigned engagements from document collection through filing, address missing information proactively, and communicate potential delays.
Maintain accurate workflow records and meet production targets, internal deadlines, and filing deadlines.
Communicate with clients about documentation, tax implications, payment obligations, and filing status; explain complex tax matters clearly and professionally.
Identify tax planning opportunities and coordinate recommendations with the Tax Manager and advisory team.
Prepare responses to federal and state tax notices and assist with audit support.
Mentor team members and contribute to technical training, the company knowledge base, and process improvements.
Stay current on tax law changes and maintain client confidentiality and secure handling of financial information.
Build effective client relationships through strong verbal and written communication and professional responses to client questions.