Associate

Wagner, Ferber, Fine & Ackerman, PLLC; Village of Floral Park (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Wagner, Ferber, Fine & Ackerman, PLLC (WFFA) is a relationship-based accounting firm where associates contribute to tax, accounting, audit and advisory services while developing niche specializations. Associates work closely with partners and managers, serving clients on a monthly, quarterly, annual or ad-hoc basis, and are encouraged to take on responsibility from day one.

The role emphasizes client service, problem-solving and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Engage in tax, accounting, audit and advisory services
• Develop niche specializations based on client needs
• Interact with partners and managers to deliver client service

Responsibilities

• Have full responsibility for small-business clients, including preparing write-ups, closings and tax returns
• Review clients' books on a monthly/quarterly basis
• Work with clients' controller/CFO to maintain accounting systems and processes
• Prepare business, fiduciary and individual tax returns
• Participate in the audit planning and engagement process
• Demonstrate initiative and creative thinking
• Work as a team member and understand roles
• Identify client needs and build relationships with clients

Job description

WFFA accountants are specialized generalists, contributing to all aspects of the services provided by the firm, but developing niche specializations based on the clients with whom they work most closely. Associates are expected to engage in tax, accounting, audit and advisory services, adapting their skillset to the requirements of their clients and leaning on the firm’s infrastructure and experienced personnel for training and guidance.

Associates work closely with partners and managers, engaging clients on a monthly, quarterly, annually or ad-hoc basis, and are regularly tackling a broad range of tasks in a variety of areas in any given week. Working at WFFA provides the unique opportunity for an Associate to have a profound effect on their clients from day one.

Associates will be expected to:

• Have full responsibility for small-business clients, including preparing write-ups, closings and tax returns
• Review clients' books on a monthly/quarterly basis
• Work with clients' controller/CFO to maintain the clients' accounting systems and processes
• Prepare business, fiduciary and individual tax returns
• Participate in the audit planning and engagement process
• Consistently demonstrate individual initiative and creative thinking
• Work as a team member, understanding personal and team roles
• Identify and address client needs and build and maintain relationships with clients

Our Culture

WFFA is a relationship-based firm, placing a strong emphasis on client services and relationship-building. Employees at all levels are expected to be problem solvers, creative thinkers and engaging advisors to their clients.

As a small firm, WFFA has created a workplace with a "small-business" feel. A strong non-corporate culture creates a friendly air of flexibility, allowing associates to buck the typical chain of command. Associates regularly work in one-on-one situations with partners and managers both in the office and in the field, and are constantly encouraged to take on additional responsibilities and to grow both within the firm and along with the steady growth of the firm itself.

Unlike some larger firms, WFFA does not treat its employees like expendable drones who can be burnt out and replaced. A typical day ranges from 9:00 AM to 5:30/6 PM, and Associates can expect a busy-season that is significantly "milder" than that of a typical "Big-4" employee. WFFA's busy season is generally limited to January 15th - April 15th, and includes working Saturdays from 9 AM to 5 PM, and late nights on Mondays (until 9 PM). Late nights on Thursdays (until 9 PM) are added in late February. It is important to the firm that employees are not forced to sacrifice their personal lives for 1/4 of every year. Employees, particularly associates, are a long-term investment, and it is the firm's goal to create and nurture an environment where associates can lay out and follow a clear career path as their experience and knowledge-base continues to grow.