Small Business Associate - 2026

RKL LLP•Mechanicsburg, PA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate is responsible for working with clients on general bookkeeping, financial statement preparation, business and individual tax returns. They ensure all work papers, journal entries and tax documents are completed diligently, in a timely manner and as efficiently as possible. Associates provide exceptional client service as a trusted business advisor.

Requirements

Excellent organization skills and strong attention to detail
Multitasker with the ability to prioritize work accordingly
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with strong client service focus
Strong analytical and interpersonal skills
Ability to work autonomously under the pressure of tight deadlines and multiple priorities
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting; graduating students should have 150 credit hours and a GPA of 3.0 or above
Actively pursuing CPA licensure, if not already obtained
Understanding of general accounting principles and willingness to learn, drive for self- improvement
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite products
Some knowledge of QuickBooks and Payroll software a plus
Self-motivated and willingness to enhance accounting and advisory knowledge, including knowledge on taxation matters
Excellent attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple projects

Nice To Haves

Must be able to remain in a stationary position as needed
The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office and at client offices to access file cabinets, office machinery etc.
Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer
Ability to communicate in a professional manner and exchange information with internal and external actors as needed
Ability to lift/carry up to 20 pounds
Ability to travel to local and non-local clients as needed, overnight travel may be required

Responsibilities

Prepare necessary work papers, journal entries, financial statements and prepare tax returns for review by the in-charge
Onsite client work as deemed necessary
Answer client calls and emails in timely manner and with a solution-oriented approach
Produce quality documentation, financial statements and tax returns for review with minimal corrections
Develop understanding of relationship of financial statement outcome to tax implications to client
Read prior year financial statements, tax returns and client website and actively seek out information from team members to gain understanding of client business and industry
Prepare tax returns and conduct self-review of work before submission to in- charge/reviewer
Proactively inform engagement team of work status and request information from client as needed
Ensure client deliverables are met within expectations
Develop an understanding of other firm services and application in relationship to client needs
Keep up to date with local and national business and economic issues
Participate in continuous learning activities and active research to improve and develop technical expertise; apply learned concepts
Collaborate with leader to identify opportunities for efficiencies and proactive engagement management
Take initiative to be a team player (proactively seek opportunities to help others)
Treat everyone with respect
Develop loyalty and trust within the team
Successfully adapt to different personalities and working styles
Proactively and effectively communicate information regarding status issues
Hold self accountable for assigned work; seek continuous feedback to learn and develop in role; open to new ideas and suggestions