2027 Tax Internship Program

Kieckhafer Schiffer LLP; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Kieckhafer Schiffer LLP is seeking a Tax Intern to support engagement teams in preparing individual, corporate, partnership and trust returns. Interns will gain practical experience with tax software and organize client documents and workbooks under supervision.

The program emphasizes collaboration with staff, seniors, managers and partners to deliver high-quality work while developing a foundation for a career in accounting.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in accounting.
• CPA or working toward CPA certificate is required.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or governmental regulations.
• Ability to compose reports and business correspondence.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from colleagues and clients when necessary.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, Excel and Explorer Internet software.

Responsibilities

• Prepare federal and state income tax returns including estimated payments.
• Proactively manage project deadlines to ensure timely delivery of work product.
• Research and prepare work papers for book-to-tax differences.
• Self-review work before submission for mid and top-level review.
• Master firm software for level of experience and manage client information in Practice Management and XCM.
• Communicate status, timeline, issues, and progress with partners and staff.

Skills

Problem Solving

Time Management

Attention to Detail

Communication

Team Collaboration

Professionalism

Initiative

Dedication to client service

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting (in progress)

CPA or CPA candidate

Tools

Microsoft Office

Tax software

Practice Management

XCM

Job description

TAX INTERN

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVES:

Participants in the Kieckhafer Schiffer LLP Internship program will work on projects for multiple entity types, assisting client engagement teams with the preparation of individual, corporation, partnership, and trust returns. In addition, participants gain on-the-job, practical experience calculating returns and organizing client documents and workbooks using tax preparation software.

KS Interns become an integral part of the engagement team - collaborating with staff, seniors, managers and partners to deliver high quality work product to clients. Participants finish the program with having received a valuable job preview, and a strong foundation on which to build a successful career in accounting.

INTERN'S ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Proactively manage project deadlines to ensure delivery of work product based on client and management team expectations and statutory deadlines.
• Under supervision, prepare federal and state income tax returns including estimated federal and state income tax payments.
• Research and prepare work papers for various book to tax differences.
• Self-review work before submission to management team for mid and top-level review.

• Master firm software for level of experience.

• Management of client information in Practice Management and XCM.

• Openly communicate with partners, managers, senior associates and staff associates about the status, timeline, issues, and progress of projects and tasks.

• Enter time on a daily basis.

INTERN'S TECHNICAL SKILL DEVELOPMENT / REQUIREMENTS

• Begin to develop a command of pertinent Internal Revenue Code (IRC) and Generally Accepted Accounting Principle (GAAP) sections, regulations, and guidance.

• Exposure to tax research and documentation.
• Maintain required level of technical knowledge.
• Become familiar with the Firm's tax preparation software.

INTERN'S COMPETENCIES

• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations; able to deploy objective reasoning in high stress situations.
• Technical skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; shares expertise with others.
• Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment; supports and explains reasoning for decision; includes appropriate people in decision-making process; makes timely decisions.

• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments.

• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions; keeps commitments; commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.

• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality; applies feedback to improve performance; monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Initiative - Volunteers readily; undertakes self-development activities; seeks increased responsibilities; takes independent actions and calculated risks; looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; asks for and offers help when needed.

INTERN'S REQUIRED QUALITIES

• Dedicated to providing personalized attention and service

• Accountable
• Proactive and strategic solution provider

• Relationship builder

• Collaborative
• Trustworthy

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Interns at this level are working towards obtaining a Bachelor's degree in accounting.

• Working towards obtaining a bachelor's degree in accounting or business related field, must have completed credits / coursework as outlined by California Board of Accountancy's requirements for licensure.

• CPA or working toward CPA certificate is required.

• Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or governmental regulations.

• Ability to compose reports and business correspondence.

• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from colleagues and clients when necessary.

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, Excel and Explorer Internet software.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS

None required for this position.

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

USE OF EQUIPMENT

Includes, but is not limited to: computer, standard office software, specific accounting software, scanner, and various technology and equipment.

POSITION INTERACTS WITH:

The Tax Intern will have daily contact with Tax Associates, Senior Tax Associates and Tax Managers, members of the professional and administrative staff, and Partners. Direct interaction with clients may be periodically required.

Courtesy and respect toward clients and members of the team are expected and required at all times.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION

The key physical requirements of this position include the ability to travel from time to time; lift up to 30 pounds; use of standard office equipment, including personal computers; and movement within a standard office, sometimes with stairs.

WORKING CONDITIONS / TRAVEL

Typical workweek is 40-50 hours during busy seasons. Position requires additional hours when necessary to complete special projects and various engagements. Position also requires additional work hours during busy season. Tax busy seasons are typically February 15 to April 15 and August 15 to October 15.

Travel is minimal and is usually restricted to same day with overnight requirements very infrequently. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Some flexibility in hours is available. All Employees must be available during Firm's primary operating hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and must work 40.0 hours each week to maintain full time status.

ADHERENCE TO FIRM POLICIES

Employees are expected to adhere to the Firm's policies and procedures at all times.