Senior Tax Accountant

Career Legal; Columbia (SC); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Generous PTO and holidays

Hybrid work arrangements

CPE allowance and dues

Job summary

Career Legal is seeking an experienced Senior Tax Accountant to join its tax team in Columbia, SC. The role involves preparing and reviewing complex returns, researching technical issues, and mentoring staff, with a path toward Manager.

You will supervise staff, handle multi-state analyses, and interface with clients to explain results and build lasting relationships. The position offers hybrid work and opportunities for advancement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting (or higher) required.
• Public accounting tax experience with strong technical knowledge.
• Proficiency with tax software and Excel.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and review federal and state tax returns for individuals, partnerships, corporations, and trusts.
• Review staff work and provide feedback.
• Research and document technical tax conclusions.
• Prepare tax provisions, estimated payments, and multi-state analyses.
• Mentor staff and develop junior team members.
• Communicate with clients and manage engagements.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Analytical mindset

Research skills

Collaboration

Self-motivated

Ethics and integrity

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

Master's degree in accounting or taxation

Tools

CCH Axcess

UltraTax CS

GoSystem

Lacerte

Microsoft Excel

Job description

We are seeking an experienced tax professional to join our tax team as a Senior Tax Accountant. In this role you will prepare and review complex returns, research technical tax issues, and serve as a trusted point of contact for clients. You will also supervise and develop staff and prepare for advancement toward a Manager role.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and review federal and South Carolina returns for individuals (Form 1040), partnerships (1065), S corporations (1120-S), C corporations (1120), trusts and estates (1041), and exempt organizations (990)
• Review work prepared by staff and interns, providing clear, constructive feedback
• Research and resolve technical tax questions and document conclusions in memos
• Prepare tax provisions, estimated payments, extensions, and multi-state/nexus analyses
• Assist clients with tax planning, entity structuring, and year-round advisory needs
• Respond to IRS and South Carolina Department of Revenue notices and support audits
• Communicate directly with clients to gather information, explain results, and build relationships
• Manage a portfolio of engagements, meeting budgets and deadlines during busy season and throughout the year
• Mentor and train junior team members
• Stay current on tax law changes and share updates with the team
• Contribute to firm initiatives, business development, and community involvement

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, or a master's in accounting or taxation
• 2-5 years of public accounting tax experience
• Strong knowledge of federal income tax law and pass-through entity taxation
• Proficiency with tax preparation software (e.g., CCH Axcess, Thomson Reuters UltraTax CS, GoSystem, or Lacerte) and Microsoft Excel
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines

Preferred Qualifications

• Master of Science in Taxation or Master of Accountancy
• Experience with South Carolina and multi-state taxation
• Experience in real estate, construction, healthcare, manufacturing, or nonprofit industries
• Experience with partnership allocations, basis calculations, and business transactions
• Prior experience reviewing returns and supervising staff

Skills and Attributes

• Detail-oriented with sound professional judgment
• Curious, analytical, and comfortable with technical research (RIA Checkpoint, CCH, Bloomberg Tax)
• Collaborative team player with a client-service mindset
• Self-motivated and able to work independently
• Commitment to ethics and professional standards

Compensation and Benefits

• Performance-based bonus
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with firm match
• Generous PTO and paid holidays
• Flexible and hybrid work arrangements, with a seasonal busy-season schedule
• Annual CPE allowance and paid professional dues and exam support
• Clear path to Tax Manager and Partner

This position is based in our Columbia, SC office with hybrid flexibility. Extended hours are expected during tax season (roughly January through April and again before the October extension deadline), balanced by a lighter schedule in the off-season.