Senior Tax Preparer & Mentor for Multi-State Returns

Dower & Associates; Burien (WA); 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 Burien, WA is seeking an experienced Senior Tax Preparer to prepare and review federal, state, and local returns for individuals and small businesses. You will mentor junior staff, handle complex tax questions, and ensure high quality during busy season.

You'll review returns prepared by juniors, stay current on tax law changes, interact directly with clients, and collaborate with bookkeeping and payroll teams to ensure accurate year-end records.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Tax prep experience

Attention to detail

Client communication

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

UltraTax

Lacerte

Drake

ProConnect

CCH Axcess

QuickBooks Online

Xero

Excel

Job description

Dower & Associates in Burien, WA is seeking an experienced Senior Tax Preparer to prepare and review federal, state, and local returns for individuals and small businesses. You will mentor junior staff, handle complex tax questions, and ensure high quality during busy season.

You'll review returns prepared by juniors, stay current on tax law changes, interact directly with clients, and collaborate with bookkeeping and payroll teams to ensure accurate year-end records.