Senior Tax Associate (CPA or EA or LTC)

Start‑to‑Finish Preparation & Quality Control

Pacific Northwest Tax Service — Portland, OR

Salary: $85,000–$110,000 DOE

In Office | Portland, OR

The Opportunity

We are hiring a Senior Tax Associate who will take ownership of moderately complex tax work, support Managers and Senior Managers, and serve as a reliable technical contributor within a boutique, collaborative firm of ~20 staff.

This role is ideal for someone ready to take ownership of start‑to‑finish preparation, perform first‑level quality control, support Managers through client interaction, and help maintain consistent workflow across engagements.

As a Senior Tax Associate, you will work closely with Managers and Senior Managers for technical guidance, review notes, and workflow coordination. You will not operate in isolation — you will be part of a hands‑on team with direct access to leadership, clear expectations, and opportunities to grow into a Manager role over time.

Work Environment

This is an in office role designed to support collaboration, client service, and staff development.

• Extended hours during tax season 50 -55 hours per week
• Outside tax season: ~35 hours per week
• No business development or client origination required
• Direct access to firm leadership for technical support and workflow guidance

What You’ll Do

Core Tax Work

• Prepare 1040, 1065, 1120S, and 1120 returns start to finish with minimal oversight
• Support Tax Managers and Senior Tax Managers, and the Tax Director in delivering high quality client work across a variety of engagements
• Assist with client correspondence and participate in client meetings as needed
• Organize workpapers, reconcile accounts, and maintain clean documentation
• Experience with specialty returns (990, 1041, 706, 709, foreign reporting) is welcome but not required

First Level Preparation & Quality Control

• Perform first level review by checking the accuracy and completeness of the returns you prepare start to finish for your assigned Tax Manager, Senior Tax Manager, or Tax Director to review and sign
• Provide clear, practical review notes and technical guidance
• Ensure accuracy, consistency, and adherence to firm standards
• Flag issues for Managers and Senior Managers when needed

Client Interaction & Communication

• Walk clients through basic process steps (documents, portal use, deadlines, and next steps) while Managers handle tax advice, review appointments, and signing
• Assist with client correspondence and provide clear, professional communication
• Participate in client meetings as requested by Tax Managers or Senior Tax Managers
• Comfortable communicating professionally with clients on process, documentation, and basic questions
• Maintain professional, clear, and timely communication

Workflow Ownership

• Manage deadlines, extensions, and deliverables for assigned work
• Keep engagements moving without micromanagement
• Coordinate with Managers on workload balancing
• Maintain consistency and quality across your assigned returns

Team Collaboration

• Support Associates through mentorship, review notes, and technical coaching
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative team environment
• Work directly with Managers and Senior Managers and Director for technical review and workflow planning

Required Experience

• Active CPA or EA or Oregon Tax Consultant License
• 2–4 years progressive public accounting experience
• Strong technical knowledge of 1040, 1065, 1120S, and 1120
• Demonstrated ability to prepare returns start to finish with minimal oversight
• Experience preparing moderately complex returns
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines with accuracy
• Clear communication and professional client interaction skills
• Comfort with paperless workflow and modern tax software
• Experience reviewing staff work is preferred but not required

Compensation & Benefits

• $85,000–$110,000 salary (DOE)
• Compensation increases with demonstrated proficiency and expanded responsibility
• Paid vacation and holidays
• 401(k) with employer match
• Health and dental insurance
• CPE support and paid continuing education time
• Predictable schedule outside tax season
• In office team environment with direct client interaction

How to Apply

Please send your resume and a brief note describing:

• Your experience preparing and reviewing core return types
• Your experience supporting staff or reviewing associate work
• Why a boutique, collaborative firm is the right next step for you

Pacific Northwest Tax Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Pay: $85,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Work from home

Work Location: In person

Salary : $85,000 - $110,000