Client Accounting Services (CAS) Experienced Professional

harperrainsknight; Ridgeland (MS); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

HarperRainsKnight is seeking an experienced accounting professional to join our Client Accounting Services team. You will manage full-cycle accounting for a diverse client portfolio, including GL maintenance, reconciliations, and financial statement prep.

You will lead tax filings, resolve payroll tax issues with federal/state/local authorities, and support income tax preparation as needed. This role offers flexible work arrangements (on-site, remote, or hybrid) with a focus on accuracy and

Qualifications

• At least five years of progressively responsible accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and full-cycle accounting processes.
• Experience preparing and reconciling payroll tax returns and resolving payroll tax issues.
• Experience communicating with IRS and state/local tax authorities.
• Proficiency with QuickBooks Online; Desktop preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Manage full-cycle accounting activities for assigned clients, including GL maintenance, reconciliations, adjusting entries, and financial statement prep.
• Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Lead month-end and year-end closing processes.
• Prepare, review, and reconcile payroll tax filings at federal, state, and local levels.
• Communicate with IRS and state/local agencies to resolve payroll tax issues.
• Coordinate with payroll providers and tax professionals to ensure accurate financial information.
• Support income tax preparation and compliance activities as needed.
• Manage multiple client engagements and deadlines with high accuracy.

Skills

Full-cycle accounting

Payroll tax filings

IRS communications

QuickBooks Online

Excel proficiency

Analytical skills

Education

Associate degree in accounting

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance

Tools

QuickBooks Desktop

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Overview

We are seeking a well-rounded and experienced accounting professional to join our Client Accounting Services (CAS) team. This position is responsible for delivering accurate, timely, and responsive accounting services to a diverse portfolio of clients.

The ideal candidate has strong full-cycle accounting experience, advanced knowledge of general ledger and financial reporting processes, and hands‑on experience managing payroll tax filings and resolving complex payroll tax matters. The ability to communicate effectively with clients and work directly with federal, state, and local taxing authorities is essential. Experience with income tax preparation or compliance is a plus. This job has the potential to be fully on site, fully remote or hybrid.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage full-cycle accounting activities for assigned clients, including general ledger maintenance, account reconciliation, adjusting entries, and financial statement preparation.
• Prepare and review accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Lead month-end and year-end closing processes, ensuring all transactions are properly recorded and supported.
• Prepare, review, and reconcile federal, state, and local payroll tax filings.
• Research and resolve payroll tax discrepancies, late or missing filings, payment application issues, penalties, notices, and other compliance matters.
• Communicate directly with the IRS and state and local agencies to resolve client payroll tax issues.
• Assist clients with payroll tax registrations, account closures, amended returns, and multistate filing requirements.
• Reconcile payroll reports, tax filings, general ledger accounts, and related liability balances.
• Perform variance analysis, investigate discrepancies, and recommend appropriate corrective action.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen clients’ accounting processes, internal controls, and financial reporting practices.
• Maintain organized and complete workpapers and supporting documentation.
• Communicate with clients regularly regarding financial results, outstanding items, compliance deadlines, and recommended actions.
• Coordinate with payroll providers, tax professionals, and other internal and external stakeholders to ensure accurate and consistent financial information.
• Support income tax preparation and compliance activities, as experience permits.
• Manage multiple client engagements and deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy and service.

Required Qualifications

• At least five years of progressively responsible accounting experience, preferably in a public accounting, outsourced accounting, bookkeeping, or Client Accounting Services environment.
• Strong knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and full-cycle accounting processes.
• Demonstrated experience preparing and reconciling payroll tax returns and resolving payroll tax notices or compliance issues.
• Experience communicating and working with the IRS and state and local taxing authorities.
• Proficiency with Intuit QuickBooks Online; experience with QuickBooks Desktop is also preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong analytical, research, reconciliation, and problem‑solving skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to producing accurate, timely work.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills, with the ability to manage multiple clients, priorities, and deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain accounting and compliance matters clearly to clients.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound professional judgment, and collaborate effectively as part of a team.
• Demonstrated discretion when handling confidential financial, payroll, and taxpayer information.
• Ability to adapt to new accounting systems, payroll platforms, and other technology.

Education and Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree in accounting or a related field required; bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related discipline preferred.
• Experience with individual or business income tax preparation and compliance is a plus.
• Experience supporting clients with multistate payroll tax obligations is strongly preferred.
• Professional certifications or credentials are valued but not required.
• U.S. citizenship may be required for assignments involving contracts with security‑clearance or citizenship requirements.

In compliance with federal law, all individuals hired must verify their identity and authorization to work in the United States and complete the required employment eligibility verification documentation upon hire. Certain client contracts or assignments may require U.S. citizenship or eligibility to obtain a security clearance.