The Associate Tax Advisor is an entry-level position focused on tax preparation, data management, and team support. You’ll work under the supervision of senior tax professionals to prepare individual, business, trust, and nonprofit tax returns, while learning tax regulations, software, and firm processes. This role emphasizes skill development, accuracy, and professionalism, with opportunities to grow into more complex responsibilities. Expected workload is split as 75% of the time spent on tax preparation, 20% on administrative and support, and 5% on training and research.

1. Tax Preparation

  • Return Preparation: Prepare 100-200 basic to moderately complex tax returns per year, including individual (Form 1040 with Schedules A, B, C, D), small business (partnerships, S-Corps), trust, and nonprofit returns, under senior supervision. Moderately complex returns may include multiple income streams, basic deductions or credits, and simple basis calculations.
  • Data Entry & Organization: Input client data accurately into tax software (Lacerte) and organize supporting documentation.
  • Research: Identify and research basic tax issues (e.g., material participation test, depreciation and capitalization rules, retirement contribution eligibility, etc) using IRS publications, state resources, or internal firm guidelines, with guidance from senior staff.
  • Tax Planning Assistance: Learn tax planning strategies and assist with quarterly estimates and tax planning services to clients.

2. Learning & Development

  • Training Participation: Attend and actively participate in all assigned training sessions, workshops, and tax season onboarding, applying learned concepts to daily tasks.
  • Skill Development: Actively improve accuracy, efficiency, and understanding of tax regulations, forms, and software through hands-on practice and mentorship. Proactively researching updates within the industry as it relates to the job function.
  • Feedback Utilization: Respond constructively to feedback from supervisors and integrate corrections to enhance performance.

3. Team Collaboration

  • Support Role: Assist senior team members with administrative and preparatory tasks during tax season.
  • Communication: Ask thoughtful questions, provide clear updates on task progress, and promptly report issues to supervisors.
  • Dependability: Complete assigned tasks timely, accurately, and with professionalism.

4. Documentation and Interaction

  • Document Requests: Request and organize client documents through secure portals, email, or other firm-approved methods.
  • Follow-Up: Draft basic client communications (i.e. status updates, document requests) under supervision, ensuring clarity and professionalism.
  • Confidentiality: Maintain strict client confidentiality and handle sensitive information with care.

5. Compliance & Knowledge Development

  • Foundational Knowledge: Develop an understanding of individual and business tax forms and schedules.
  • Ethics & Responsibility: Adhere to ethical guidelines, IRS regulations, and follow firm procedures to ensure accurate and secure work.
  • Progress Tracking: Document task completion, issues encountered, and questions for review and learning.

6. Technology & Workflow

  • Software Proficiency: Learn to use tax software (Lacerte), document management systems (TaxDome & Monday), and firm communication platforms (Teams and Outlook).
  • Process Improvement: Offer suggestions to streamline workflows or identify bottlenecks from a new user’s perspective.
  • Workflow Support: Assist with organizing digital files and managing assigned work queues.