Senior Tax Preparer

Dower & Associates; Boonton (NJ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

CPE support

Job summary

Dower & Associates in Boonton, NJ is seeking a Senior Tax Preparer to prepare and review federal, state, and local returns for individuals and small businesses. The role also involves mentoring junior staff and staying current on tax laws.

You will manage busy season workloads, ensure accuracy, communicate with clients, and collaborate with bookkeeping and payroll teams to ensure clean year-end records. A strong background in tax software and CPA-ready credentials is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of hands-on tax preparation experience in public accounting or CPA firms.
• Active IRS PTIN required.
• Strong knowledge of individual and business tax returns, including pass-through entities.
• Proficiency with tax software such as UltraTax, Lacerte, Drake, ProConnect, or CCH Axcess.
• Familiarity with QuickBooks Online, Xero or similar platforms.
• Excellent Excel and Office skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare federal and multi-state tax returns for individuals and various entities.
• Review returns prepared by junior staff for accuracy and compliance.
• Handle state nexus, apportionment, and residency issues for NJ and beyond.
• Prepare state returns (Washington mention in source is irrelevant; focus on NJ/NY guidance as needed).
• Compute quarterly estimated taxes and year-end projections.
• Research tax issues and stay current on federal and state laws.
• Respond to IRS/state notices and assist with audits.
• Communicate with clients to gather documents and explain filings.
• Mentor junior staff and seasonal preparers.

Skills

Tax preparation

Client communication

Attention to detail

Team mentoring

Research tax issues

Time management

Experience with audits

Education

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

Active IRS PTIN

Tools

UltraTax

Lacerte

Drake

ProConnect

CCH Axcess

QuickBooks Online

Xero

Job description

Who We Are

Dower & Associates serves clients across the U.S. and we’re proud to carry forward the legacy and relationships of the firms that have joined our network. From Washington to Texas to New Jersey, our goal is to combine trusted local service with the strength of a nationwide team—all under the Dower & Associates parent brand. Get to know our people and locations below.

Who You Are

We are seeking an experienced Senior Tax Preparer to join our accounting and tax practice in Burien, Washington. The Senior Tax Preparer prepares and reviews federal, state, and local tax returns for individuals and small businesses, serves as a go-to resource for complex tax questions, and helps train and support junior staff. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, comfortable working directly with clients, and able to manage a full workload during busy season while keeping quality high.

What You’ll Do

• Prepare federal and multi-state tax returns for individuals (Form 1040), partnerships (Form 1065), S corporations (Form 1120-S), C corporations (Form 1120), and fiduciaries (Form 1041).
• Review returns prepared by junior preparers for accuracy, completeness, and compliance, and provide constructive feedback.
• Prepare multi-state returns and handle state nexus, apportionment, and residency issues, including clients who live or do business outside Washington.
• Prepare or review Washington State Combined Excise Tax Returns (B&O and retail sales tax) and Washington capital gains excise tax returns.
• Prepare quarterly estimated tax calculations and year-end tax projections.
• Research tax issues and stay current on federal and Washington State tax law changes.
• Respond to IRS and state tax notices, and assist with audits and correspondence.
• Communicate directly with clients to gather documents, explain filings, and answer questions.
• Work with bookkeeping and payroll teams to make sure year-end records are accurate before returns are prepared.
• Manage deadlines, extensions, and workflow using the firm's practice management software.
• Mentor and train junior tax staff and seasonal preparers.
• Help identify tax planning opportunities and suggest ways to improve client service and internal processes.

What You Bring

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of hands‑on tax preparation experience, ideally in a public accounting or CPA firm setting.
• Active IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN).
• Strong working knowledge of individual and business tax returns, including pass‑through entities.
• Experience with professional tax software (such as UltraTax, Lacerte, Drake, ProConnect, or CCH Axcess).
• Familiarity with QuickBooks Online, Xero, or similar accounting platforms.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Office tools.
• Excellent attention to detail, organization, and time management.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with a client‑focused attitude.

Preferred Qualifications

• Enrolled Agent (EA) or CPA license, or actively pursuing one.
• Experience preparing New Jersey and New York returns, including nonresident filings.
• Experience supervising or reviewing the work of others.
• Knowledge of payroll tax and sales tax compliance.

What We Offer

Work Environment & Schedule

This role is based in an office environment in Boonton, NJ. Extended hours, including some evenings and Saturdays, may be required during peak tax season (January through April) and around extension deadlines in September and October.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range: $65,000 – $85,000 per year, based on experience. Benefits may include health, dental, and vision insurance, a retirement plan, paid time off, and continuing professional education (CPE) support.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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