Staff Accountant

Fenner, Melstrom & Dooling, PLC; Birmingham (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Fenner, Melstrom & Dooling, PLC (FMD) is seeking an entry-level Staff Accountant focused on tax to join our Birmingham, Michigan office. You will work with experienced professionals on private client engagements, building strong foundational skills in tax, accounting, and assurance.

This role emphasizes learning, accuracy and client service, with opportunities to contribute to tax compliance and planning while developing professional judgment in a collaborative, growth-minded firm.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or a closely related field.
• Foundational knowledge of U.S. GAAP and basic federal income tax concepts.
• Strong analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills with careful attention to accuracy and detail.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills and the judgment to ask timely, thoughtful questions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and the ability to learn new accounting, tax and audit applications quickly.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a professional-services environment.
• Availability to work additional hours during peak client-service periods and to travel locally to client locations as needed.

Responsibilities

• Prepare federal, state and local income tax returns for individuals, partnerships, S corporations, C corporations and other entities under guidance of experienced team members.
• Organize, analyze and validate client financial information; prepare accurate workpapers; and reconcile accounts and supporting schedules.
• Assist with tax estimates, extensions, projections, notices and planning engagements, including identifying items that require follow-up or additional research.
• Research tax questions using firm-approved resources and clearly document facts, authorities, analysis and conclusions at an appropriate level for the assignment.
• Develop an understanding of each client's business and tax profile to provide thoughtful, proactive and practical service.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Written and verbal communication

Time management

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Accounting software

Tax software

Job description

Description

About the Opportunity

FMD is seeking a curious, detail-oriented Entry-Level Staff Accountant who is ready to build a career in public accounting. This role is primarily tax-focused and also provides meaningful exposure to accounting, audit and assurance engagements. Working alongside experienced professionals, you will serve privately held businesses, high-income and net-worth individuals, and employee benefit plan clients while developing the technical knowledge, business judgment and client-service skills needed for long-term success.

About FMD

Fenner, Melstrom & Dooling, PLC (FMD) is an independent CPA and advisory firm based in Birmingham, Michigan. Since 1952, FMD has provided accounting, tax, audit and strategic advisory services with an entrepreneurial mindset, hands-on involvement and a commitment to understanding each client's business and goals.

Our clients include privately held businesses across construction, dealerships, distribution and logistics, manufacturing, professional services, real estate, technology and other industries, as well as high-income and net-worth individuals and employee benefit plan sponsors. FMD's core purpose is to perpetuate growth through collaboration, and our values - Strategic, Experienced and Connected - guide how we work with clients and one another.

What You Will Do

Tax Compliance and Planning

• Prepare federal, state and local income tax returns for individuals, partnerships, S corporations, C corporations and other entities under the guidance of experienced team members.
• Organize, analyze and validate client financial information; prepare accurate workpapers; and reconcile accounts and supporting schedules.
• Assist with tax estimates, extensions, projections, notices and planning engagements, including identifying items that require follow-up or additional research.
• Research tax questions using firm-approved resources and clearly document facts, authorities, analysis and conclusions at an appropriate level for the assignment.
• Develop an understanding of each client's business and tax profile so the team can provide thoughtful, proactive and practical service throughout the year.

Accounting, Audit and Assurance

• Assist with audits, reviews, compilations, agreed-upon procedures and other accounting and assurance engagements for privately held businesses.
• Support employee benefit plan audits through engagement planning, document review, testing, workpaper preparation and follow-up on open items.
• Perform assigned audit and review procedures, which may include confirmations, sampling, analytical procedures, account testing and documentation of processes and internal controls.
• Prepare or update trial balances, adjusting entries, financial statement support and related workpapers in accordance with firm methodology and applicable professional standards.
• Communicate questions, exceptions and status updates promptly, and respond constructively to review notes and coaching.

Client Service and Professional Growth

• Build professional relationships with clients and colleagues through responsive, respectful and clear communication.
• Manage multiple assignments, maintain organized files, track deadlines and keep the engagement team informed of progress and potential issues.
• Maintain the highest standards of integrity, objectivity, confidentiality and professional conduct.
• Use accounting, tax, audit and productivity technology effectively, and look for practical ways to improve quality and efficiency.
• Participate in training, continuing education, firm activities and professional-development discussions; actively seek and apply feedback.
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative culture and assist team members during periods of increased workload.

Requirements

What You Bring

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or a closely related field
• Foundational knowledge of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and basic federal income tax concepts.
• Strong analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills with careful attention to accuracy and detail.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills and the judgment to ask timely, thoughtful questions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and the ability to learn new accounting, tax and audit applications quickly.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a professional-services environment.
• Availability to work additional hours during peak client-service periods and to travel locally to client locations as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Accounting internship, public accounting experience or comparable project-based experience.
• CPA exam eligibility, progress toward eligibility or a demonstrated commitment to pursue CPA licensure.
• Coursework or experience in individual and business taxation, auditing, accounting information systems or data analytics.
• Experience with tax preparation software, accounting platforms or audit workpaper applications.

How You Will Succeed at FMD

Role

• Collaboration - sharing information, supporting the team and contributing to strong outcomes.
• Critical thinking - understanding the purpose behind an assignment, identifying inconsistencies and considering the broader business context.
• Growth mindset - welcoming feedback, learning from experience and taking ownership of continued development.
• Results focus - producing accurate, timely work and following through on commitments.
• Relationship orientation - communicating with professionalism, empathy and respect at every level.

Why Build Your Career at FMD

• Hands-on experience with meaningful client work and exposure to managers and partners early in your career.
• A tax-forward role with broader accounting, audit and assurance experience that supports well-rounded professional development.
• A customized growth path supported by coaching, training and continuous-improvement programs.
• A professional, friendly and team-oriented culture where your work matters and your development is supported.
• A flexible work approach that values collaboration, client service and the in-person relationships that accelerate learning and growth.
• Competitive compensation and benefits, modern technology and a diverse client base across multiple industries and service areas.
• A downtown Birmingham location and a firm repeatedly recognized by Crain's Detroit Business as one of Southeast Michigan's Best Places to Work.

Work Environment and Position Expectations

This position operates primarily in a professional office environment and involves frequent use of computers and standard office equipment, regular communication with colleagues and clients, and periods of sitting or standing. The role may require local travel and additional hours during peak client-service periods. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.