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

BDO USA, P.C. • Los Angeles, CA

12d • $85,000 - $120,000

About The Position

The SALT Associate conducts basic research and analysis of state and local tax issues and uses tax software to complete basic tax returns, filings, and related documents. The role applies the associate’s 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, and planning assignments for clients. Work includes preparing returns and filings, researching tax issues, drafting memorandums and responses, analyzing tax exposures, supporting audit defense, and gathering and retaining documentation. The role also develops technical knowledge of SALT matters and applies relevant tax standards, firm policies, and quality requirements. 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, attention to detail, and ability to meet project deadlines.
• Ability to multitask successfully, both independently and 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 applying tax standards to deliver tax services effectively and efficiently.
• Basic knowledge of information sources used in tax filings, commonly used filing forms, and awareness of less widely used forms.
• Basic understanding of how taxable conditions affect clients and of 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 an equivalent designation.

Responsibilities

• Identify simple situations requiring tax research, outline the issues, and identify appropriate research sources.
• Analyze researched facts and sources and prepare detailed reports of findings.
• Prepare WTA and tax returns as appropriate.
• Participate in preparing, filing, and completing voluntary disclosure agreements related to 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 models for tax and unclaimed property exposure analysis.
• Participate in the audit defense of client returns and tax positions.
• Obtain data required for filing compliance and identify missing information needed to prepare assigned returns.
• Monitor tax law changes and apply them to assigned tax returns.
• Manage the collection and retention of appropriate workpapers for assigned clients.
• Develop, recommend, and implement standard tax methods to help clients obtain tax benefits related to current and future obligations.
• Gather relevant client tax information using online research tools, prior 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 SALT tax benefits, issues, and opportunities.
• Apply industry standards, firm policies, and BDO Tax Quality Manual requirements relating to FAS 109, FIN48, and FAS5 for sales tax and unclaimed property.
• Assist in preparing studies of tax implications and identifying alternative courses of action that benefit clients.
• Develop an understanding of how client business objectives affect their tax situations.
• Perform other duties as required.

Benefits

• BDO is an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) company; participants have a beneficial ownership stake in the firm’s success.
• Comprehensive compensation and Total Rewards benefits offerings, subject to eligibility requirements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level