Staff Tax Accountant

Cascade CPA; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

401k

Unlimited PTO

Flexible schedule

Job summary

Cascade CPA in Madison, WI seeks a motivated Staff Tax Accountant to build a solid foundation in public accounting while developing tax knowledge, client service skills, and professional judgment. The Staff Tax Accountant will work with experienced professionals to prepare individual and business tax returns, assist with planning and compliance, and support the Tax department during busy season.

We value eagerness to learn, ownership of work, and growth within a collaborative, flexible team

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Accounting coursework necessary to pursue CPA or EA eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Prepare federal and state individual income tax returns.
• Assist with preparation of business tax returns including partnerships, S corporations, and corporations.
• Prepare workpapers and schedules per firm standards.
• Assist with tax estimates, extensions, and planning calculations.
• Research basic tax issues and document conclusions.
• Respond to basic federal and state tax notices.
• Gather and organize information for client engagements.
• Communicate professionally with clients and teammates.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Written and verbal communication

Time management

Analytical and problem-solving

Professional growth

Team collaboration

Willingness to learn

Education

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

CPA/EA coursework for eligibility

Job description

At Cascade CPA, we help organizations and businesses feel confident about their finances so they can focus on making an impact. We're a modern, people-first accounting firm that believes great work happens when smart humans are supported by strong systems, clear processes, and a collaborative team.

We value flexibility, accountability, and continuous improvement—and we genuinely enjoy working together. We believe in a place where you can learn and grow without having to give up your personal time outside of the office. Many call this work-life balance, we call it the Cascade way of life.

Position Summary

Cascade CPA is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Staff Tax Accountant to join our Tax team. This is an entry-level position designed for someone who wants to build a strong foundation in public accounting while developing technical tax knowledge, client service skills, and professional judgment.

The Staff Tax Accountant will work closely with experienced tax professionals and firm leadership to prepare individual and business tax returns, assist with tax planning and compliance projects, communicate with clients, and support the Tax department during busy season.

We are looking for someone who is eager to learn, takes ownership of their work, asks thoughtful questions, and wants to grow professionally.

Key Responsibilities

Tax Preparation & Compliance

• Prepare federal and state individual income tax returns.
• Assist with preparation of business tax returns, including partnerships, S corporations, and corporations.
• Prepare workpapers and supporting schedules in accordance with firm standards.
• Assist with tax estimates, extensions, and tax planning calculations.
• Research basic tax issues and document conclusions.
• Assist with responding to basic federal and state tax notices.

Client Service

• Gather and organize information needed to complete client engagements.
• Communicate professionally with clients regarding questions and outstanding information.
• Develop an understanding of each client's business and tax situation.
• Provide timely updates to supervisors regarding the status of assigned work.
• Build strong working relationships with clients and team members.

Team & Professional Development

• Work collaboratively with senior accountants, managers, and partners.
• Respond constructively to review comments and incorporate feedback into future work.
• Ask questions when issues are identified rather than making unsupported assumptions.
• Participate in firm training and continuing professional education.
• Develop technical knowledge through hands-on experience, training, and self-directed learning.
• Demonstrate increasing ownership and independence as experience grows.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Accounting coursework necessary to pursue CPA or EA eligibility is preferred.
• 0-2 years of accounting or tax experience.
• Previous public accounting or tax internship experience is a plus but not required.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines.
• Comfortable learning new accounting and tax technology.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to professional growth and continuous learning.

What Success Looks Like

A successful Staff Tax Accountant will demonstrate increasing capability in the following areas:

• Technical skills: Produces accurate work and develops a solid understanding of tax concepts.
• Quality: Prepares organized, well-supported workpapers and learns from review comments.
• Ownership: Takes responsibility for assigned work and follows through on commitments.
• Efficiency: Learns to complete assignments within reasonable time expectations and communicates when additional time is needed.
• Communication: Communicates clearly and professionally with clients and team members. Isn't afraid to ask questions or for help.
• Problem solving: Researches questions, thinks through issues, and brings potential solutions rather than simply identifying problems.
• Teamwork: Supports colleagues and contributes positively to the team.
• Client service: Develops an understanding of client needs and provides responsive, professional service.
• Growth: Actively seeks feedback and demonstrates continued technical and professional development.

The Staff Tax Accountant position is intended to provide a foundation for advancement within the Tax department. As Staff Accountants gain experience, they will be expected to take on increasingly complex assignments, work more independently, communicate directly with clients, assist newer team members, and develop the technical and professional skills required for advancement to Senior Tax Accountant. Promotion decisions are based on demonstrated readiness for the responsibilities and expectations of the next level, rather than tenure alone.

Why Cascade CPA?

• A supportive, collaborative team that genuinely enjoys working together
• Room to grow, lead, and shape how we do things
• Flexibility, autonomy, and trust
• Full benefits including medical, dental, 401k, unlimited PTO, and more

If you're looking for a place where your work matters, your voice is heard, and your growth is supported—we'd love to meet you.