Tax Preparation & Compliance Accountant
Job Description
About the Role
We are seeking a detail-oriented Tax Preparation & Compliance Accountant to manage financial operations using Individual Tax Returns, Corporate Tax Filing, Sales Tax Management. This role requires both technical platform expertise and solid accounting fundamentals — you'll handle day-to-day bookkeeping, monthly close, and financial reporting with precision. The ideal candidate has experience with Drake Tax and Lacerte, understands US GAAP or IFRS standards, and can work independently while meeting strict deadlines. You'll be trusted with maintaining accurate financial records, preparing reports for management, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Own Individual Tax Returns implementation and optimization — configuration, customization, and ongoing enhancement based on business needs
- Manage Corporate Tax Filing workflows including setup, user training, and continuous improvement of processes
- Implement and maintain Sales Tax Management ensuring seamless integration with existing systems and workflows
- Perform day-to-day bookkeeping in Tax Preparation & Compliance — transaction recording, categorization, and bank reconciliation
- Prepare monthly close — journal entries, accruals, deferrals, and reconciliation of all accounts
- Generate financial reports — P&L, balance sheet, cash flow, and custom management reports
- Manage accounts payable and receivable workflows with timely processing and follow-up
- Prepare tax workpapers and support quarterly and annual tax filing processes
- Maintain Tax Preparation & Compliance configuration — chart of accounts, automated rules, and user permissions
- Identify discrepancies and resolve them through investigation and correcting entries
Must-Have Qualifications
- Hands-on experience with Individual Tax Returns — configuration, customization, and troubleshooting in production environments
- Proficiency with Drake Tax as part of the Tax Preparation & Compliance development/operations workflow
- 2+ years of experience using Tax Preparation & Compliance in a professional accounting environment
- Understanding of US GAAP or IFRS accounting standards
- Proficiency with monthly close processes, bank reconciliation, and financial reporting
- Strong attention to detail and ability to work with large volumes of financial data
- Excellent organizational skills with ability to meet strict deadlines consistently
Nice-to-Have Skills
- IRS Enrolled Agent (EA) certification or equivalent validated credential
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification or equivalent validated credential
- Experience with advanced Tax Preparation & Compliance features: Corporate Tax Filing, Sales Tax Management, International Tax
- Familiarity with the broader Tax Preparation & Compliance ecosystem including Lacerte and ProConnect Tax
- CPA, CMA, or equivalent accounting certification
- Experience with multi-currency, multi-entity accounting and consolidation
Interview Tips
Live Tax Preparation & Compliance Exercise
Give them access to a test Tax Preparation & Compliance account and ask them to perform a bank reconciliation or record a set of transactions. Watch their process and accuracy.
Financial Scenario
Present a scenario with common accounting complications (multi-currency, prepaid expenses, unearned revenue) and ask how they'd handle them in Tax Preparation & Compliance.
Error Detection
Present a trial balance with intentional errors and ask them to find and explain the discrepancies. Tests attention to detail and accounting knowledge.
Process Walkthrough
Ask them to describe their complete monthly close process step by step. Look for thoroughness, organization, and awareness of common pitfalls.
Typical Team Structure
Team Size
1-3 Tax Preparation & Compliance professionals
Reports To
Controller, CFO, or Finance Manager
Collaborates With
Operations, HR/Payroll, Tax Advisors, External Auditors
Skip the JD — Get Matched Instead
Tell us your Tax Preparation & Compliance requirements and we'll send pre-vetted profiles with video intros in 24-48 hours.
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