Senior Tax Associate

The Agency; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The Agency seeks a Senior Tax Associate to lead complex client work on federal and state returns and to mentor junior staff. This hands-on role combines technical tax work with client interaction and opportunities to streamline processes.

You’ll prepare and review returns for individuals, partnerships, S corporations, and corporations, while staying current on tax law changes and providing proactive planning guidance to clients.

Qualifications

• CPA license or eligibility required.
• 28?
• Minimum 2–3 years of recent public accounting experience.
• Experience preparing and reviewing returns for individuals, partnerships, S corporations, and C corporations.
• Experience with trust/estate and gift tax returns preferred.
• Proficiency with tax software and MS Office; QuickBooks a plus.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with firm leadership to advise individuals and privately held businesses on tax strategies, compliance, and financial planning.
• Lead the preparation and review of federal and state tax filings across various entity types.
• Support trust, estate, and gift tax engagements.
• Conduct technical tax research and identify planning opportunities.

Skills

Mentoring

Client communication

Attention to detail

Time management

Analytical thinking

Education

CPA license or eligibility

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Tools

Tax software

Microsoft Office

QuickBooks

Job description

We’re looking for a knowledgeable and proactive Senior Tax Associate to join our dynamic team. In this role, you’ll take the lead on complex client work related to tax matters, while also serving as a mentor and resource for junior staff. This is a hands‑on position ideal for someone who enjoys both technical work and client interaction.

What You’ll Do:

• Collaborate with firm leadership to advise individuals and privately held businesses on tax strategies, compliance, and financial planning.
• Lead the preparation and review of a wide range of federal and state tax filings, including complex individual, partnership, S corporation, C corporation, and consolidated/multi‑state returns.
• Support trust, estate, and gift tax engagements—including Forms 1041, 706, and 709—as part of a broader client service portfolio.
• Conduct technical tax research, identify planning opportunities, and resolve complex issues across various entity types.
• Interpret financial and legal documents to determine appropriate tax treatment and filing requirements when necessary.
• Participate in recurring accounting and tax projects, occasionally working onsite at client locations.
• Mentor and support staff by providing guidance, review feedback, and technical training.
• Identify ways to improve engagement efficiency, client service, and overall workflow.
• Stay current on tax law changes and best practices, applying knowledge to enhance client outcomes.
• Contribute to client relationship development and firm growth initiatives.

What You’ll Need:

• CPA license or eligibility required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum 2-3 years of recent experience in public accounting.
• Proven experience preparing and reviewing:
• Individual (Form 1040)
• Partnership (Form 1065)
• S corporation (Form 1120S)
• C corporation (Form 1120)
• Trust and fiduciary (Form 1041) (preferred)
• Gift (Form 709) and estate (Form 706) returns (preferred)
• Proficiency with tax software and Microsoft Office; QuickBooks a plus.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities under deadlines.
• Clear, professional communication skills with a collaborative, client‑focused approach.
• Strong analytical thinking and a proactive problem‑solving mindset.
• A passion for learning, continuous improvement, and delivering high‑quality work.