Tax Associate

Verital Advisory Search; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid schedule

Job summary

Verital Advisory Search is helping a boutique CPA firm in the North Chicago area who plans to relocate to Skokie in January. The Tax Associate will focus on business tax work, primarily Form 1065 partnerships, while developing technical skills in a collaborative, hands-on environment.

The role offers a flexible hybrid schedule and opportunities to work with firm leadership and clients, with emphasis on learning and professional growth.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of public accounting or tax preparation experience.
• Experience preparing Form 1065 partnership returns.
• Strong understanding of accounting fundamentals and the ability to work from trial balances and financial statements.
• CPA or CPA eligibility is preferred but not required.
• Experience with AI tools in an accounting or tax environment is a plus.
• Healthcare, skilled nursing, assisted living, or commercial real estate tax experience is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to continue learning.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating closely with firm leadership.

Responsibilities

• Prepare business tax returns, with a strong focus on Form 1065 partnership returns
• Work from general ledgers, trial balances, income statements, and balance sheets to prepare tax returns
• Map trial balances and translate accounting information into accurate tax filings
• Prepare supporting workpapers and documentation
• Work directly with firm leadership on complex tax matters and client engagements
• Communicate with clients and gain exposure to their businesses and financials
• Assist with personal tax preparation as needed
• Support the team during periods of increased review and deadline activity
• Leverage emerging AI tools and technology to improve tax preparation and workflow efficiency
• Continue developing technical tax and accounting knowledge through hands‑on experience

Skills

Public accounting

Tax prep

Form 1065

Attention to detail

Independent work

Mentorship

Education

CPA eligibility

Tools

CCH Axcess

AI tools in tax

Job description

Our client is a boutique CPA firm in the North Chicago area, located near Peterson Park and planning to relocate to Skokie in January. The firm offers a more personal, collaborative environment than a traditional corporate accounting setting, with a strong emphasis on hands‑on learning, professional development, and direct exposure to firm leadership and clients.

This is an opportunity for a Tax Associate to take on meaningful business tax work while developing their technical skills in a supportive environment. The firm offers a flexible hybrid schedule and values flexibility and work‑life balance.

The Opportunity

The Tax Associate will primarily focus on business tax preparation, working closely with leadership and gaining substantial exposure to clients and their businesses. Approximately 80% of the firm's tax returns are Form 1065 partnership returns, making prior business tax preparation experience especially important.

This role is ideal for someone with 2+ years of public accounting experience who wants to move beyond a highly structured corporate environment and develop their tax expertise through hands‑on experience and mentorship.

Responsibilities

• Prepare business tax returns, with a strong focus on Form 1065 partnership returns
• Work from general ledgers, trial balances, income statements, and balance sheets to prepare tax returns
• Map trial balances and translate accounting information into accurate tax filings
• Prepare supporting workpapers and documentation
• Work directly with firm leadership on complex tax matters and client engagements
• Communicate with clients and gain exposure to their businesses and financials
• Assist with personal tax preparation as needed
• Support the team during periods of increased review and deadline activity
• Leverage emerging AI tools and technology to improve tax preparation and workflow efficiency
• Continue developing technical tax and accounting knowledge through hands‑on experience

Qualifications

• 2+ years of public accounting or tax preparation experience
• Experience preparing Form 1065 partnership returns
• Strong understanding of accounting fundamentals and the ability to work from trial balances and financial statements
• CCH Axcess experience is highly preferred
• Experience with AI tools in an accounting or tax environment is a plus
• Healthcare, skilled nursing, assisted living, or commercial real estate tax experience is a plus
• CPA or CPA eligibility is preferred but not required
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to continue learning
• Ability to work independently while collaborating closely with firm leadership