Staff Tax Accountant

Staff Tax Accountant

Location: Aliso Viejo, CA
Employment Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire
Relocation: Not Available
Start Date: ASAP
Work Location: In Person

Position Overview:

We are seeking a Staff Tax Accountant to join a well-established CPA firm in South Orange County. This position is ideal for an accountant with hands-on experience in both full-cycle bookkeeping and tax return preparation who is motivated to grow professionally while providing high-quality service to clients.

The Staff Tax Accountant will divide their time between client bookkeeping, financial reporting, general ledger maintenance, and tax preparation. The role will also provide opportunities to assist with tax planning, research, notices, and strategic tax-saving initiatives.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, organized, analytical, and committed to maintaining strong client relationships while meeting deadlines and delivering accurate work.

Key Responsibilities:

Bookkeeping & Accounting

• Complete monthly bookkeeping for clients and prepare financial statements.
• Analyze client-prepared financial statements and make appropriate adjustments.
• Reconcile bank accounts and other balance sheet accounts.
• Prepare month-end financial reports.
• Process client accounts payable (AP) and accounts receivable (AR).
• Verify, allocate, and post financial transactions.
• Record cash receipts and maintain accurate accounting records.
• Maintain and reconcile general ledger accounts.
• Review financial statements, general ledgers, and accounting records for accuracy and tax reporting purposes.
• Collect, analyze, and summarize financial information.

Tax Preparation & Compliance:

• Prepare and review a variety of federal and state tax returns, including:
• • Individual
  • Corporate
  • S Corporation
  • Partnership
  • Trust
  • Nonprofit
  • Estate
• Assist with tax projections and tax planning.
• Identify and support strategic tax-saving opportunities.
• Respond to notices and correspondence from the IRS, FTB, EDD, and CDTFA.
• Research federal and multi-state tax issues as needed.
• Ensure tax returns and related work are accurate, timely, and compliant with applicable regulations.

Client Service:

• Maintain positive and professional relationships with clients, vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Respond to client questions and requests in a timely manner.
• Communicate accounting and tax information clearly and professionally.
• Support the firm's commitment to accurate, high-quality client service.

Required Qualifications:

• 2 years of hands-on bookkeeping experience.
• 2 years of hands-on tax preparation experience.
• Proficiency with QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online.
• Proficiency with CCH Axcess.
• Strong knowledge of accounting and bookkeeping procedures.
• Hands-on experience preparing income tax returns.
• Strong knowledge of federal and multi-state tax laws.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Excel, Word, and Microsoft 365.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, clients, and deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a team.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Business, Finance, or a related field preferred.
• An accounting degree is not required for candidates with strong, relevant hands-on experience.

Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate is a hands-on Staff Tax Accountant who can effectively handle both sides of the role: client bookkeeping/accounting and tax return preparation. Experience with QuickBooks Desktop/Online, CCH Axcess, individual and business tax returns, financial statements, reconciliations, and client communication is highly valuable.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Based on experience and qualifications.
• PPO health insurance, including vis

A well-established food manufacturing company focused on producing high-quality products while maintaining strong standards for food safety, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence. The company is committed to continuous improvement and follows industry standards including SQF, FDA, and USDA requirements.