What are the responsibilities and job description for the Fiduciary (Trust & Estates) CPA Tax Accountant position at Apollonian Accounting, Inc.?
Position Overview
The Fiduciary (Trust & States) CPA Tax Accountant will be responsible for preparing and reviewing tax returns across a range of entities, with a focus on fiduciary, trust, estate, and partnership taxation. This position requires a strong understanding of federal, state, and local tax regulations and the ability to deliver accurate, timely, and strategic tax solutions to clients.
Educational Background
- Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
- Master’s Degree in Taxation or related field preferred.
- CPA License (Active) or Enrolled Agent Certification required.
Professional Experience
- Minimum of 3–5 years of hands-on experience in tax accounting, fiduciary taxation, and trust administration within a public accounting or financial services firm.
- Proven expertise in fiduciary (Form 1041), estate (706), partnership (1065), corporate (1120/1120S), and individual (1040) tax return preparation and review.
- Experience managing high-net-worth clients, trusts, and family estates, including multi-generational wealth transfer planning and coordination with attorneys and financial advisors.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze and prepare K-1s, 1099s, and related trust schedules with accuracy and compliance to IRS and state filing requirements.
- Skilled in basis calculations, capital gains reconciliation, and distributions tracking for complex fiduciary accounts.
- Prior experience representing clients before IRS and state taxing authorities, including responding to notices, compiling documentation, and drafting client position statements.
- Adept at performing tax research on advanced topics such as grantor vs. non-grantor trusts, charitable remainder trusts (CRTs), and income allocation between entities and beneficiaries.
- Comfortable coordinating with estate planning attorneys, financial planners, and investment advisors to align tax reporting with fiduciary objectives and long-term estate goals.
- Experience preparing trust accounting reports, including allocation of principal and income, in accordance with the Uniform Principal and Income Act (UPIA).
- Familiarity with multi-state fiduciary filings, estimated payment requirements, and apportionment rules for clients with diverse asset portfolios.
- Strong track record of implementing tax workflow efficiencies, process improvements, and software optimizations (Lacerte, QuickBooks, Excel modeling) to reduce turnaround time.
- Exposure to international tax matters involving foreign trusts, beneficiaries, and informational reporting (Form 3520/3520-A) a plus.
- History of maintaining long-term professional relationships with clients through proactive communication, confidentiality, and consistent delivery of high-quality tax and advisory services.
- Leadership experience preferred — mentoring junior accountants and reviewing staff-prepared returns for accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
Core Competencies
- Technical Expertise: Advanced knowledge of fiduciary, trust, and estate taxation; familiarity with partnership and basis calculations.
- Software Proficiency: Skilled in Lacerte, QuickBooks, and related tax software systems.
- Analytical Skills: Strong ability to interpret complex tax regulations, analyze financial statements, and ensure compliance.
- Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for client interaction and documentation.
- Attention to Detail: Demonstrated ability to deliver accurate, audit-ready tax work.
- Ethics & Confidentiality: Deep understanding of fiduciary duty and professional discretion in handling sensitive information.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare and Review Tax Returns: Fiduciary (Form 1041), Individual (1040), Corporate (1120/1120S), and Partnership (1065) returns.
- Conduct Fiduciary and Trust Tax Accounting: Manage trust accounting records, distributions, and beneficiary reporting.
- Research Complex Tax Matters: Identify issues and consult with senior tax advisors as needed for complex or unusual scenarios.
- Client Communication: Work directly with clients to collect documentation, clarify deductions, and identify tax-saving opportunities.
- Compliance & Documentation: Ensure accurate record-keeping and adherence to changing IRS and state fiduciary regulations.
- Audit & Review Support: Collaborate with team members and external auditors as required.
- Tax Planning: Assist with strategic tax and estate planning for fiduciary entities and high-net-worth clients.
- Quality Assurance: Review prior-year filings and financial statements to recommend improvements and ensure accuracy.
- Mentorship & Collaboration: Work closely with accounting and administrative teams to ensure seamless service delivery.
Qualifications
- Active CPA or EA License.
- Minimum 3–5 years of experience in tax preparation (fiduciary, individual, and business).
- Experience with trust accounting, basis tracking, and multi-state filings preferred.
- Excellent organizational and project management skills.
- Professional experience managing sensitive and confidential client data.
- Ability to communicate complex tax concepts in clear, accessible language.
Benefits include:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401(k) with matching contribution (safe harbor plan)
- Paid Vacation and Sick Time
We are a work to life balanced company and offer a competitive compensation package for our Team!
Job Type: Full-time
Physical setting: Office (In-Person)
Schedule: Monday to Friday
Education:
- Bachelor's (Required)
Experience:
- CPA FIRM: 2 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- CPA (Required)
Job Type: Full-time, IN PERSON
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance