What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Tax Accountant / Experienced Tax Preparer position at Nelke & Co.?
Job Overview
Nelke & Co. is an established and growing CPA firm in Fort Smith, Arkansas, seeking an experienced Senior Tax Accountant / Tax Preparer to join our team.
We are looking for a knowledgeable, dependable professional who can independently prepare complex individual and business tax returns, communicate directly with clients, and manage assigned tax projects from start to finish.
Our firm serves a diverse client base, including individuals, small businesses, S corporations, partnerships, and corporations. This is a full-time, year-round, in-office position with an opportunity for long-term professional growth.
Responsibilities
- Independently prepare federal and state individual income tax returns (Form 1040), including complex and multistate filings.
- Prepare business income tax returns, including Forms 1120-S, 1065, and 1120.
- Analyze financial statements, depreciation schedules, K-1s, shareholder basis, and other supporting tax documentation.
- Identify potential tax planning opportunities and assist with estimated tax calculations.
- Communicate directly with clients to obtain necessary information, answer questions, and explain tax matters.
- Research federal and state tax issues and assist with IRS and state correspondence.
- Work closely with our bookkeeping team to ensure accurate financial information is available for tax preparation.
- Independently manage assigned tax returns, client communications, and filing deadlines.
- Maintain accurate workpapers and documentation while ensuring compliance with current tax laws.
Qualifications & Skills
- Minimum of 5 years of professional tax preparation experience required; 7 or more years preferred.
- Strong experience preparing S corporation and partnership tax returns required.
- Experience preparing complex individual returns, including multistate filings.
- Enrolled Agent (EA) or CPA designation strongly preferred, but not required.
- Previous experience working in a CPA firm or public accounting environment preferred.
- Experience with Drake Tax is a plus.
- Working knowledge of QuickBooks and business financial statements.
- Strong understanding of federal and state income tax regulations.
- Ability to work independently, exercise professional judgment, and manage multiple deadlines.
- Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and client communication abilities.
Compensation & Benefits
- Annual salary of $70,000–$90,000, depending on experience and qualifications.
- Full-time, year-round employment.
- Employer-sponsored health insurance, with the firm contributing 50% toward eligible coverage after 60 days.
- SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with a 3% employer match.
- Established client base and experienced bookkeeping support team.
- Professional office environment with opportunities for continued growth.
- Potential advancement into a tax leadership role as the firm continues to expand.
Work Schedule
Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with additional hours as needed during tax season.
Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas
Work Arrangement: In person. This is not a remote or hybrid position.
We are looking for an experienced tax professional who takes pride in their work, values client relationships, and wants to be part of a growing CPA firm.
Pay: $70,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Retirement plan
Application Question(s):
- How many years of professional tax preparation experience do you have?
- Have you independently prepared S corporation (1120-S) and partnership (1065) tax returns?
- Are you willing to work full-time, in person, in Fort Smith, Arkansas?
- Approximately how many S corporation and partnership tax returns did you personally prepare during the most recent tax season?
Work Location: In person
Salary : $70,000 - $90,000