Senior Tax Associate

Cynch AI; Pleasanton (CA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental &  V

Retirement Plan (401k)

Life Insurance (Basic)

Paid Time Off (Unlimited Vacation, etc

Disability

Work From Home (Hybrid)

Stock Option Plan

Job summary

Aardvark Tax Advisors, the accounting and client services practice of Cynch AI, is seeking a Tax Associate to prepare returns, perform research, and build a solid tax foundation. This hybrid role is based in the Pleasanton, Cupertino, or Santa Cruz offices with additional North Bay locations.

Responsibilities include preparing federal, state, and local returns for individuals and entities, gathering financial data, researching tax issues, and maintaining audit-ready files.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance required.
• 3+ years in tax, accounting, or related field.
• Working understanding of federal, state, and local tax laws.
• Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple returns.
• Clear written and verbal communication with clients and colleagues.
• Proficiency in Excel and Word.

Responsibilities

• Prepare federal, state, and local returns for individuals, corporations, partnerships, and other entities.
• Gather and organize client financial information and flag gaps before review.
• Turn complex tax information into accurate, review-ready returns.
• Hit filing deadlines for returns and extensions; deadlines are not negotiable.
• Research federal, state, and local tax issues and cite sources.
• Maintain client files and records to audit-ready standards.

Skills

Excel

Word

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance

Tools

UltraTax

Axcess Tax

Drake

Lacerte

Job description

Aardvark Tax Advisors is a full-service tax, accounting, and advisory firmserving small businesses and entrepreneurs. We’re the accounting and client services practice of Cynch AI.

We’re growing fast.As the accounting profession faces a growing succession challenge, we’re partnering with retiring practitioners and thoughtfully bringing their clients into Aardvark, preserving the trusted relationships and personal service those clients value.

We use proprietary AI to amplify your expertise while always deferring to your judgment.By shifting routine work to AI, Cynch’s platform gives our accounting and tax teams more time for complex problem-solving, proactive planning, and building client relationships that last.

We’re looking for a Tax Associate to prepare returns, do the research behind them, and build the technical foundation that carries a career in tax. That means working across entity types from day one, learning to find the answer rather than waiting for it, and treating accuracy as the baseline rather than the goal.

The role is hybrid, based out of ourPleasanton, Cupertino, or Santa Cruzoffices, with additional work locations in the North Bay.

What You'll Do:

Tax Preparation & Compliance

• Prepare federal, state, and local returns for individuals, corporations, partnerships, and other entities.
• Gather and organize client financial information, and notice when something is missing before it becomes a problem at review.
• Turn complex tax information into accurate, review-ready returns.
• Hit filing deadlines for returns and extensions. Deadlines are not a negotiation.
• Research federal, state, and local tax issues — regulations, open questions, and savings opportunities — and be able to show your source.
• Track changes in tax law and apply them to the engagements in front of you.
• Maintain client files and records to a standard that holds up under audit.

Client Support

• Handle client questions on returns, notices, and general tax matters, and elevate what’s above your level rather than guessing.
• Collect what’s needed from clients to keep filings on schedule.
• Communicate professionally, protect confidentiality, and be someone clients are glad to hear from.

Learning & Development

• Expand your depth in tax law, regulations, and how the work actually gets done.
• Use internal training and professional development to close the gaps you and your reviewer identify.
• Turn what you learn into better ways of working for everyone.

Core Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
• 3+ years in tax, accounting, or a related field.
• Working understanding of federal, state, and local tax laws and regulations.
• Attention to detail, and the organizational discipline to hold several returns at different stages at once.
• Clear written and verbal communication with clients and colleagues.
• Fearless about asking the right questions and getting to the right answers.
• Proficiency in Excel and Word.

Helpful additions

• Actively pursuing CPA or EA.
• Internship or entry-level experience in a public accounting firm or an accounting department.
• Experience with professional tax software (UltraTax, Axcess Tax, Drake, Lacerte, or similar).
• Strong research skills and the ability to read a regulation and interpret its meaning.

Work Environment

• Hybrid: Cupertino, Santa Cruz, or Pleasanton, CA
• Extended hours during peak tax season and as needed to meet client deadlines.
• Occasional travel for client meetings or practice events.

Bay Area Salary Range: 85000 - 115000

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)

• Retirement Plan (401k))
• Life Insurance (Basic)
• Paid Time Off (Unlimited Vacation, plus Sick & Public Holidays)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Work From Home (Hybrid)
• Stock Option Plan

Work Environment:

• Hybrid: San Francisco area, 3 days/week

California Salary Range: 85,000 - 115,000