What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Tax Accountant position at Smith, Stohlman, James & Gardere CPAs | Advisors?
Job Description – Experienced Tax Staff / Preparer
We are seeking an Experienced Tax Staff / Preparer to join our growing team. While many technical skills can be taught, what sets the right candidate apart is their pride in the quality of their work, accountability, and commitment to excellence. If you are a CPA or actively pursuing your CPA license and want to be part of a firm that holds itself to the highest standards, we want to hear from you.
Responsibilities
- Prepare and review individual, business, and fiduciary tax returns with accuracy, clarity, and attention to detail.
- Take ownership of assignments, ensuring workpapers and returns are complete, organized, and client-ready.
- Stay current with tax law changes and apply them appropriately to client situations.
- Communicate directly with clients to gather necessary information and provide timely responses to inquiries.
- Support tax planning, projections, and advisory opportunities under supervision of senior team members.
- Collaborate with colleagues to solve complex tax and accounting issues, contributing to a team-first culture.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in public accounting or equivalent tax preparation role.
- Strong foundation in federal and state tax law; partnership and S corporation experience preferred.
- Proficient in tax preparation software (UltraTax or comparable systems) and Microsoft Office Suite.
- CPA license preferred, or currently sitting for/actively pursuing the CPA exam.
- Demonstrates exceptional attention to detail and produces work that reflects pride and ownership.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to explain technical concepts in plain terms.
- Works well independently and as part of a team, with accountability for deadlines and quality.
Intangibles We Value
- Pride in producing an accurate, polished, and professional work product.
- Strong sense of responsibility and accountability — “good enough” is not acceptable.
- Proactive, dependable, and willing to go the extra mile during deadlines.
- Positive, team-oriented attitude with a willingness to learn and grow.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonus opportunities.
- Health, dental, vision, and retirement benefits.
- Continuing education and professional development support.
- Collaborative team environment with mentorship and growth opportunities.
- Clear career path for advancement within the firm.