Tax Accountant

Clifford Chance LLP; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Competitive compensation

Job summary

Clifford Chance US LLP seeks a full-time U.S. Tax Accountant focused on state tax to join our New York-based tax team. The role involves preparing federal, state, and other income tax filings and supporting UK entity tax reporting and compliance.

You will contribute to broader tax strategy and planning within a global professional services environment. You will report to the Head of Tax, Americas, and work under the Firm's Agile Working Policy, with in-office presence required two to three days

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's in taxation preferred.
• CPA/EA or equivalent certification is preferred.
• Strong understanding of state tax laws and nexus considerations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain state tax filings and related workpapers.
• Support UK office with U.S. tax reporting requirements (Forms 1065, 1042, W-8).
• Analyze multistate tax exposure and ensure accurate application of state rules.
• Manage estimated payments, refunds, and PTET obligations.
• Review vendor-submitted IRS Forms W-8 prior to payments.

Skills

State tax compliance

Multistate tax

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance

Master's in taxation (preferred)

Tools

OneSource

CCH

SAP

Job description

As a global law firm our work spans jurisdictions, cultures, and languages – and so do our people.

Our culture is collaborative and inclusive, where diverse perspectives are recognised and valued. Where performing to your highest ability, unlocks equal access to opportunities to learn, thrive and grow.

We combine deep legal expertise and commercial intelligence to grow, transform, protect, and defend our clients' businesses, across every critical moment.

We operate in the sectors and regions that matter to our clients. With forward-thinking insights and innovative, tech-enabled solutions that combine deep knowledge of their sectors and markets.

You’ll build connections and work with colleagues as one global team. You’ll unlock opportunities for clients, across borders, cultures, legal and commercial disciplines.

Join us to work with colleagues as one global team – empowering each other to be exceptional and create advantage for our clients.

As a global law firm our work spans jurisdictions, cultures, and languages – and so do our people.

Our culture is collaborative and inclusive, where diverse perspectives are recognised and valued. Where performing to your highest ability, unlocks equal access to opportunities to learn, thrive and grow.

We combine deep legal expertise and commercial intelligence to grow, transform, protect, and defend our clients' businesses, across every critical moment.

We operate in the sectors and regions that matter to our clients. With forward-thinking insights and innovative, tech-enabled solutions that combine deep knowledge of their sectors and markets.

You’ll build connections and work with colleagues as one global team. You’ll unlock opportunities for clients, across borders, cultures, legal and commercial disciplines.

Join us to work with colleagues as one global team – empowering each other to be exceptional and create advantage for our clients.

Job Description

The role

Clifford Chance US LLP is seeking a full-time U.S. Tax Accountant with experience in state tax to join our dynamic tax team. This role is an integral part of our U.S. Tax Group, with primary responsibilities including the preparation of federal, state, and other income tax compliance filings. The position also involves supporting our UK entity with U.S. tax reporting and compliance requirements. In addition to compliance work, this role offers the opportunity to contribute to broader tax strategy and planning initiatives across the region.

We are looking for a detail-oriented and collaborative professional who is eager to grow within a global legal environment. This position is based in our New York office and will report to the Head of Tax, Americas.

Key responsibilities

• Evaluate U.S. and UK tax implications related to work-from-home (WFH) arrangements and partner/employee relocations to states where the Firm does not currently have a taxable presence.
• Advise on and outline the necessary steps and tax filings required for establishing a physical or taxable presence in new U.S. states, as business needs evolve.
• Analyze and interpret financial data to assess multistate tax exposure and ensure accurate application of state-specific tax rules.
• Prepare and maintain detailed state tax workpapers, and review state income and franchise tax returns prepared by external advisors to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Manage state-level tax processes, including estimated payments, refunds, and reconciliations, with a particular focus on Pass-Through Entity Tax (PTET) obligations.
• Review vendor-submitted IRS Forms W-8 prior to payment processing and assist with maintaining proper documentation for compliance and audit readiness.
• Support the UK office with U.S. tax reporting requirements, including preparation and review of Forms 1065, 1042, and W-8 series forms.
• Monitor vendor payments for potential U.S. sales and use tax obligations and ensure compliance with applicable rules.
• Serve as a key point of contact for external tax preparers, coordinating Firm tax filings, managing deliverables, and facilitating technical research as needed.
• Conduct in-depth research and maintain up-to-date knowledge of state and local tax regulations, legislative developments, and industry trends to proactively advise on risk and compliance matters.

Qualifications

Your experience

• 4+ years of tax experience with a strong focus on state tax compliance, within a law or professional services firm.
• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field required; Master's in taxation is a plus.
• Certifications such as CPA, EA, or equivalent certification preferred.
• Strong understanding of state tax laws, multi-state taxation, and tax nexus considerations.
• Ability to analyze complex tax issues, interpret legislation, and provide clear recommendations.
• High level of accuracy in tax calculations, compliance filings, and financial reporting.
• Proactive and resourceful in resolving tax-related challenges and identifying process improvements.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills, with attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure and able to multi-task, prioritize competing demands.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, prioritize competing demands, and navigate business challenges.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with internal stakeholder, external advisors, and regulatory agencies.
• Must have strong technical proficiency and expertise in tax software and financial reporting systems (e.g., OneSource, CCH, SAP, or similar).
• Must be able to adhere and comply with the Firm's Agile Working Policy which requires employees to work from the office two or three days each calendar week.
• Ability to work outside the core business hours as needed.
• Must be independently legally authorized to work in the United States.

Clifford Chance US LLP offers a comprehensive benefits and compensation package. The salary range for this role is $105,000 -$140,000. Actual salary will be commensurate with the candidate's qualifications and relevant experience.

Additional Information

Equal Opportunities

At Clifford Chance, we forge an inclusive culture, where all perspectives are recognised and valued. It’s a culture where everyone has equal access to opportunities to thrive and succeed, irrespective of background. We are guided by our values-based Code, which sets high standards of conduct and has a principle focused on being inclusive.

We are an equal opportunity employer and provide consideration to all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We comply with the law and regulations in every location where we operate and across all aspects of employment, from recruitment and selection to development, progression, and day-to-day working life.

Find out more about our inclusive culture here