Tax Intern, State and Local Tax

BDO USA•Houston, TX

About The Position

BDO is seeking energetic self-starters who can think and act like entrepreneurs for the Tax Intern, State and Local Tax role. This position involves basic research and analysis of state and local tax (SALT) issues, and the utilization of tax software for completing basic tax returns and other tax filings. The intern will apply their educational background while working alongside experienced Tax members, receiving direction and coaching on state and local tax laws and resources. This opportunity provides hands-on experience with the firm's practices and people, fostering critical relationships for career success.

Requirements

Enrolled in a Bachelors or Masters program in Accounting, Taxation, Finance or other relevant field, Juris Doctorate (J.D) program, or Master of Laws (LLM) program, required.
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to follow instructions as directed.
Ability to successfully multi-task while working independently or within a team.
Positive attitude and willingness to learn.
Ability to research taxation topics and communicate or compose written analysis effectively.
Basic knowledge of accounting and tax theory.
Seeks advice of approximately superiors regarding issues related to compliance.
Ability to prepare simple tax returns as well as drafting other tax related documents.

Nice To Haves

Leadership experience, preferred.
Prior internship or other work experience within an accounting setting or public accounting, preferred.
Membership and participation in accounting or finance organizations at the college level, preferred.

Responsibilities

Applies general understanding of knowledge and application of standards to effectively and efficiently deliver quality tax services.
Ensures clients comply with all applicable authorities while minimizing tax and reporting burdens, and that self and client service teams comply with all Firm policies, standards, and the BDO Tax Quality Manual (“TQM”).
Participates in the preparation, filing and completion of voluntary disclosure agreements for sales and use tax, income tax and unclaimed property.
Drafts tax memoranda, and other documents on various tax issues.
Assists in drafting responses to notices from state taxing authorities.
Prepares models for tax and unclaimed property exposure analysis.
Participates in the audit defense of client returns and tax positions.
Ensures all data needed to comply with filing requirements is obtained and identifies missing items needed to prepare assigned tax returns.
Monitors current tax law changes and applies appropriately to the preparation of assigned tax returns.
Manages collection and retention of all appropriate workpapers for assigned clients.
Completes basic research on federal and state tax issues.
Partners with experienced SALT tax professionals to learn the basics of state tax planning.
Participates in client meetings with experienced tax professionals, as appropriate.
Establishes relationships with Core Tax Services and other Specialized Tax Services client service professionals.
Develops an in-depth understanding of the technical and practical issues and opportunities regarding one or more areas of taxation.
Assists in the preparation of tax presentations for client meetings.
Utilizes Caseware, Go Systems, and other tax-related software in the completion of basic tax returns with appropriate supervision, as applicable.
Other duties as required.