Staff Accountant

Fenner Melstrom & Dooling•Birmingham, MI

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

FMD is seeking a curious, detail-oriented Entry-Level Staff Accountant who is ready to build a career in public accounting. This role is primarily tax-focused and also provides meaningful exposure to accounting, audit and assurance engagements. Working alongside experienced professionals, you will serve privately held businesses, high-income and net-worth individuals, and employee benefit plan clients while developing the technical knowledge, business judgment and client-service skills needed for long-term success. You will contribute to real client work from the start, receive hands-on coaching, and learn how the numbers connect to each client's business, goals and decisions. The right candidate will bring a strong accounting foundation, a collaborative mindset, sound judgment and a genuine interest in helping clients succeed.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in accounting or a closely related field
Foundational knowledge of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and basic federal income tax concepts.
Strong analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills with careful attention to accuracy and detail.
Clear written and verbal communication skills and the judgment to ask timely, thoughtful questions.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and the ability to learn new accounting, tax and audit applications quickly.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively, manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a professional-services environment.
Availability to work additional hours during peak client-service periods and to travel locally to client locations as needed.

Nice To Haves

Accounting internship, public accounting experience or comparable project-based experience.
CPA exam eligibility, progress toward eligibility or a demonstrated commitment to pursue CPA licensure.
Coursework or experience in individual and business taxation, auditing, accounting information systems or data analytics.
Experience with tax preparation software, accounting platforms or audit workpaper applications.

Responsibilities

Prepare federal, state and local income tax returns for individuals, partnerships, S corporations, C corporations and other entities under the guidance of experienced team members.
Organize, analyze and validate client financial information; prepare accurate workpapers; and reconcile accounts and supporting schedules.
Assist with tax estimates, extensions, projections, notices and planning engagements, including identifying items that require follow-up or additional research.
Research tax questions using firm-approved resources and clearly document facts, authorities, analysis and conclusions at an appropriate level for the assignment.
Develop an understanding of each client's business and tax profile so the team can provide thoughtful, proactive and practical service throughout the year.
Assist with audits, reviews, compilations, agreed-upon procedures and other accounting and assurance engagements for privately held businesses.
Support employee benefit plan audits through engagement planning, document review, testing, workpaper preparation and follow-up on open items.
Perform assigned audit and review procedures, which may include confirmations, sampling, analytical procedures, account testing and documentation of processes and internal controls.
Prepare or update trial balances, adjusting entries, financial statement support and related workpapers in accordance with firm methodology and applicable professional standards.
Communicate questions, exceptions and status updates promptly, and respond constructively to review notes and coaching.
Build professional relationships with clients and colleagues through responsive, respectful and clear communication.
Manage multiple assignments, maintain organized files, track deadlines and keep the engagement team informed of progress and potential issues.
Maintain the highest standards of integrity, objectivity, confidentiality and professional conduct.
Use accounting, tax, audit and productivity technology effectively, and look for practical ways to improve quality and efficiency.
Participate in training, continuing education, firm activities and professional-development discussions; actively seek and apply feedback.
Contribute to a positive, collaborative culture and assist team members during periods of increased workload.