Certified Public Accountant

Drake & Associates, LLC; Waukesha (WI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Drake & Associates, LLC in Wisconsin is seeking a Certified Public Accountant who thrives in a fast-paced environment and delivers accurate, high-quality work. You will provide proactive tax planning, strategic consulting, and tax preparation services, balancing year-round tax strategy with seasonal compliance.

The ideal candidate has an active CPA license, a Bachelor's in Accounting (Master's preferred), and at least 5 years in public accounting or tax advisory.

Qualifications

• Active CPA license in good standing.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting; Master's degree preferred.
• 5+ years of public accounting or tax advisory experience.
• Experience preparing complex individual and business tax returns.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state tax laws and regulations.
• Experience with tax preparation and research software.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Meet with clients throughout the year to identify tax planning opportunities and strategies.
• Partner with Financial Advisors to integrate tax strategies into comprehensive financial plans.
• Prepare tax projections, estimated payments, and scenario analyses.
• Research federal and state tax laws and provide guidance on complex tax matters.
• Identify planning opportunities involving retirement distributions, Roth conversions, charitable giving, and estates.
• Assist with IRS and state notices, examinations, and tax-related issues.
• Clearly communicate tax recommendations, risks, and planning opportunities to clients.
• Stay current on changes in tax laws and regulations.

Skills

Tax planning

Client consulting

Tax research

Communication skills

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Tax preparation software

Job description

Drake & Associates is a growing financial planning firm dedicated to helping clients achieve financial confidence through comprehensive planning and an exceptional client experience. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a Certified Public Accountant who is passionate about serving clients, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and takes pride in delivering accurate, high-quality work.

About This Opportunity

The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) provides proactive tax planning, strategic consulting, and tax preparation services to our clients. The role is designed to balance year-round tax strategy and client consulting with seasonal tax preparation and compliance.

Working closely with Financial Advisors, the CPA helps clients make tax-efficient decisions that support their broader financial goals. The ideal candidate is a relationship-focused tax professional who enjoys solving complex tax issues and delivering value beyond tax season.

Position Responsibilities

• Meet with clients throughout the year to identify tax planning opportunities and strategies to minimize current and future tax liabilities.
• Partner with Financial Advisors to integrate tax strategies into comprehensive financial plans.
• Prepare tax projections, estimated payments, and scenario analyses.
• Research federal and state tax laws and provide guidance on complex tax matters.
• Identify planning opportunities involving retirement distributions, Roth conversions, charitable giving, capital gains, business entities, estate planning, and other tax-efficient strategies.
• Assist with IRS and state notices, examinations, and tax-related issues.
• Clearly communicate tax recommendations, risks, and planning opportunities to clients.

Tax Preparation & Compliance

• Prepare and review federal, state, and local tax returns for individuals, trusts, partnerships, corporations, and other business entities.
• Gather and analyze client financial information to ensure accurate and timely filings.
• Utilize tax preparation and research software to prepare returns, supporting schedules, and documentation.
• Identify potential tax issues and ensure significant tax positions are appropriately researched and documented.
• Respond to client questions regarding filings, estimated payments, and compliance requirements.
• Stay current on changes in tax laws and regulations.
• Build trusted client relationships through responsive, high-quality service.
• Participate in client meetings and explain complex tax concepts in a clear, understandable manner.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive client information.
• Identify opportunities to improve tax workflows, technology, automation, and overall client service.
• Contribute ideas that strengthen the firm's tax practice and create additional value for clients.

Qualifications

• Active CPA license in good standing.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting; Master's degree preferred.
• 5+ years of public accounting or tax advisory experience.
• Experience preparing complex individual and business tax returns.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state tax laws and regulations.
• Experience with tax preparation and research software.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain technical tax concepts to clients.