Tax Associate, State and Local Tax - Winter 2027 (Los Angeles)

BDO USA•Los Angeles, CA

11d

About The Position

The SALT Associate is responsible for basic research and analysis of state and local tax issues, as well as using tax software to complete basic tax returns and other tax filings and documents. The role offers the opportunity to apply an educational background while working alongside experienced Tax team members who provide direction and coaching on state and local tax laws and resources. The Associate supports tax research, compliance, consulting, specialization, and strategy development. The role includes preparing and analyzing tax filings and documentation, assisting with client tax matters and audit defense, and building technical knowledge of SALT benefits, tax laws, firm strategies, and applicable industry standards and firm policies. Other duties may be assigned as required.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required; an Accounting focus is preferred.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, required.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong analytical and basic research skills.
Solid organizational skills, particularly the ability to meet project deadlines with attention to detail.
Ability to multitask successfully while working independently or in a group environment.
Ability to work in a deadline-driven environment and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to prepare simple tax returns.
Basic knowledge of the appropriate application of tax standards to ensure effective and efficient delivery of tax services.
Basic knowledge of relevant information sources used in tax filings, widely used filing forms, and awareness of less widely used forms.
Basic understanding of cause and effect of taxable conditions on clients and potential tax issues.
Basic knowledge of accounting theory and sales tax return filing methodologies and frequencies.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Accounting or Taxation, or a J.D.
Prior internship or other work experience in an accounting setting or public accounting.
Upon starting employment, eligibility to sit for the CPA exams, progress toward admission to practice in a U.S. jurisdiction, progress toward IRS Enrolled Agent status, or progress toward the equivalent of one of these designations.

Responsibilities

Identify simple situations requiring research, outline the issues, and identify appropriate research sources.
Analyze researched facts and sources, then prepare detailed reports of research findings.
Prepare WTA and tax returns as appropriate.
Participate in preparing, filing, and completing voluntary disclosure agreements for sales and use tax, income tax, and unclaimed property.
Draft tax memorandums, tax opinions, and other documentation on tax issues.
Assist in drafting responses to notices from state taxing authorities.
Prepare tax and unclaimed property exposure analysis models.
Participate in audit defense of client returns and tax positions.
Obtain data needed to meet filing requirements and identify missing items for assigned tax returns.
Monitor tax law changes and apply them to assigned tax return preparation.
Manage collection and retention of appropriate workpapers for assigned clients.
Develop, recommend, and implement standard tax methods to provide clients with tax benefits related to current and future obligations.
Gather tax information for assigned clients using online research tools, prior tax returns, interviews with client personnel, and other resources.
Build tax knowledge by monitoring relevant tax laws and learning firm tax strategies and Tax Planning Ideas.
Use Caseware, GoSystems, tax research databases, and other tax-related software to complete assigned tasks.
Develop an in-depth understanding of technical and practical issues and opportunities related to SALT tax benefits.
Understand and apply industry standards, firm policies, and Tax Quality Manual requirements relating to FAS 109, FIN48, and FAS5 for sales tax and unclaimed property.
Assist in preparing studies of tax implications to identify alternative courses of action that benefit clients.
Develop an understanding of how a client's business objectives affect its tax situation.
Perform other duties as required.