What are the responsibilities and job description for the Certified Public Accountant position at Drake & Associates, LLC?
Drake & Associates is a growing financial planning firm dedicated to helping clients achieve financial confidence through comprehensive planning and an exceptional client experience. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a Certified Public Accountant who is passionate about serving clients, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and takes pride in delivering accurate, high-quality work.
About This Opportunity
The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) provides proactive tax planning, strategic consulting, and tax preparation services to our clients. The role is designed to balance year-round tax strategy and client consulting with seasonal tax preparation and compliance.
Working closely with Financial Advisors, the CPA helps clients make tax-efficient decisions that support their broader financial goals. The ideal candidate is a relationship-focused tax professional who enjoys solving complex tax issues and delivering value beyond tax season.
Position Responsibilities
Tax Strategy & Consulting
- Meet with clients throughout the year to identify tax planning opportunities and strategies to minimize current and future tax liabilities.
- Partner with Financial Advisors to integrate tax strategies into comprehensive financial plans.
- Prepare tax projections, estimated payments, and scenario analyses.
- Research federal and state tax laws and provide guidance on complex tax matters.
- Identify planning opportunities involving retirement distributions, Roth conversions, charitable giving, capital gains, business entities, estate planning, and other tax-efficient strategies.
- Assist with IRS and state notices, examinations, and tax-related issues.
- Clearly communicate tax recommendations, risks, and planning opportunities to clients.
Tax Preparation & Compliance
- Prepare and review federal, state, and local tax returns for individuals, trusts, partnerships, corporations, and other business entities.
- Gather and analyze client financial information to ensure accurate and timely filings.
- Utilize tax preparation and research software to prepare returns, supporting schedules, and documentation.
- Identify potential tax issues and ensure significant tax positions are appropriately researched and documented.
- Respond to client questions regarding filings, estimated payments, and compliance requirements.
- Stay current on changes in tax laws and regulations.
Client Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
- Build trusted client relationships through responsive, high-quality service.
- Participate in client meetings and explain complex tax concepts in a clear, understandable manner.
- Maintain confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive client information.
- Identify opportunities to improve tax workflows, technology, automation, and overall client service.
- Contribute ideas that strengthen the firm's tax practice and create additional value for clients.
Qualifications
- Active CPA license in good standing.
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting; Master's degree preferred.
- 5 years of public accounting or tax advisory experience.
- Experience preparing complex individual and business tax returns.
- Strong knowledge of federal and state tax laws and regulations.
- Experience with tax preparation and research software.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain technical tax concepts to clients.