Tax Preparation Associate

Job Title: Tax Preparation Associate

Reports To: Owner

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt - 40 Hours per Week

Summary

Cuddy Financial Services is a premier boutique financial planning firm serving over 700 affluent households with over $300 million in assets under management. Established in 1992, we've built a reputation for combining personalized service with cutting-edge technology. We're recognized as a Stage 3 AI-Augmented business, leading our region in systematic AI integration while maintaining our boutique service quality.

The Tax Preparation Associate is responsible for preparing personal, business, and fiduciary tax returns while supporting accurate, timely, and efficient completion of client tax work. This position is intended to be primarily focused on tax preparation, tax return support and admin work, tax research, review support, and the appropriate use of firm technology and AI tools to improve the quality and efficiency of the tax preparation process.

Skills

· Experience preparing individual, business, and fiduciary tax returns.

· Ability to read, interpret, and organize tax documents, financial records, workpapers, and supporting schedules for tax return preparation.

· Proficient in computer programs, such as Microsoft Word and Excel, database systems, tax software, and document management systems.

· Ability to utilize and develop an understanding of various tax programs and tax software.

· Advanced organizational skills and strong attention to detail and accuracy.

· Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.

· Must be punctual and available to work flexible hours as needed during tax season.

· Be a good listener and exhibit sound judgment.

· Desire to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven work environment.

· Able to analyze situations and solve problems effectively.

· Ability to handle sensitive and confidential client information properly.

· Interest in utilizing AI and technology tools to improve tax preparation accuracy, efficiency, and consistency.

Essential Functions

· Prepare personal federal and state income tax returns.

· Prepare business tax returns, including partnership, S-Corporation, and corporate returns as experience and training permit.

· Prepare fiduciary returns and support other specialized tax returns as assigned and as experience and training permit.

· Input client tax data into tax software accurately and completely.

· Review client tax documentation, financial records, and supporting information for completeness, accuracy, and consistency before and during preparation and review.

· Identify missing, inconsistent, or unclear tax information and coordinate appropriate follow-up with the responsible team member or client contact.

· Prepare, update, and maintain tax workpapers, supporting schedules, spreadsheets, and reports for tax and accounting clients as needed.

· Perform tax research as needed and document findings for review.

· Assist with tax planning preparation and support tax projection work as assigned.

· Participate in peer review of individual and fiduciary tax returns as experience and training permit.

· Ensure client work is logged in and logged out in accordance with firm procedures.

· Ensure the project management system is current and up to date with relevant tax preparation status, client communications, and requests for information.

· Coordinate with tax, accounting, intake, and assembly team members to ensure returns move efficiently through the preparation and review process.

· Access financial records through various online systems as needed to support tax preparation.

· Support accounting staff with client accounting and special projects as assigned where the work directly supports tax preparation or tax reporting.

· Utilize AI and firm technology tools to improve tax preparation efficiency, accuracy, organization, and consistency.

· Collaborate with the Business Intelligence & Analytics Specialist to identify opportunities to automate or improve pieces of the tax preparation process.

· Support peers within the Accounting or Tax Departments on tax-related work tasks.

· Ensure the confidentiality of each client by following all firm procedures regarding information handling.

· Adheres to firm policies and procedures and maintains the highest level of professionalism on and off-site.

· Other duties as assigned.

Competencies

· Technical Capacity

· Accounting

· Tax Preparation

· Communication Proficiency

· Ethical Conduct

· Thoroughness

· Personal Effectiveness/Credibility

· Collaboration Skills

· Flexibility

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no supervisory responsibility.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, scanners, and filing cabinets.

Physical Demands

This is essentially a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require lifting files and boxes weighing up to 20 pounds, opening filing cabinets, going up and down stairs, and bending or standing on a stool as necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time, non-exempt, 40-hour week position. May be expected to work additional hours based on need.

Non-Tax Season: Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (after hours when necessary)

Tax Season: Second Monday in January through First Monday in May: Monday through Friday: 6 a.m. - 5 p.m. (and after hours when necessary) and Saturday: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Travel

Some travel may be required to customer locations as needed.

Education and Experience

· Associates Degree in Accounting, Taxation, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field (Required)

· Minimum 6 months of tax preparation experience (Required)

· Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Taxation, Finance, Business Administration, or related field (Preferred)

· Master's Degree in Accounting, Taxation, or related field (Preferred)

· CPA license or active pursuit of CPA licensure (Preferred)

Other Duties

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time without notice.

Starting Pay & Benefits

Hourly: $22 - $30 (Higher experience and education over what is required may merit higher compensation)

Firm contributions to Medical, Dental, Vision, Supplemental, and Life Insurances are offered after completion of a 90-day probationary period. 401(k) and IRA administration is also offered after the 90-day probationary period, with 401(k) matching beginning after 1 year of service.

Signatures

The employee signature below constitutes the employee's understanding of the requirements, essential functions, and duties of the position.

Pay: $22.00 - $30.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $22 - $30