Tax Associate

Cerity Partners; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance – day 1!

401(k) with 4% match

Flexible PTO policy

Parental Leave

Financial assistance for education

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Cerity Partners, located in El Segundo, California, is seeking a detail-oriented Tax Associate to provide tax preparation and compliance services to high-net-worth individuals and business clients. The ideal candidate needs 1–3 years of experience and a Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.

In this role, you'll prepare various tax returns, assist with tax calculations, and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations. A strong work ethic and problem-solving skills are essential. The position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of experience in tax return preparation or a related financial/accounting field.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local tax laws, especially as they relate to individuals and business entities.
• Understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and strong financial analysis skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare federal, state, and local tax returns for individuals and businesses.
• Assist with estimated tax calculations and tax planning projects.
• Research tax issues as necessary to address client-specific situations.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

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

Tools

CCH Axcess

UltraTax

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

QuickBooks Online

Job description

Position Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented Tax Associate with 1–3 years of experience to join our team. In this role, you will provide tax preparation and compliance services for high-net-worth individuals and business clients across a broad range of entity types. The ideal candidate has a strong work ethic, a solid understanding of federal and state tax regulations, and the ability to prepare returns accurately and efficiently.

Primary Responsibilities

• Prepare federal, state, and local tax returns for individuals, corporations, partnerships, LLCs, and other business entities with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Prepare extension calculations and requests, and assist with estimated tax calculations and tax planning projects.
• Prepare and review quarterly tax projections.
• Assist in the preparation of 1099s and other year-end related benefit calculations.
• Organize, review, and analyze financial statements for accuracy and adjust as needed.
• Prepare supporting tax workpapers, including tax provisions, capital and/or basis calculations, and depreciation schedules.
• Complete accounting functions such as reconciliations, accruals, and journal entries.
• Keep client documents and supporting workpapers organized for easier review.
• Research tax issues as necessary to address client-specific situations or tax law changes.
• Assist with tax audits as needed.
• Ensure clients comply with applicable tax regulations to meet their federal and state income tax obligations.
• Answer client questions and respond to client inquiries, providing superior service and ensuring successful resolution of any client need.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• 1–3 years of experience in tax return preparation or a related financial/accounting field.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local tax laws, especially as they relate to individuals and business entities.
• Understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and strong financial analysis skills.
• Strong attention to detail, exceptional problem-solving skills, and ability to organize and prioritize work to meet deadlines proactively with minimal supervision.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, professional presentation, and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA license, candidate, or actively pursuing CPA licensure preferred.
• Proficiency in CCH Axcess or UltraTax tax preparation software strongly preferred.
• Experience with Sure Prep and Safe Send a plus.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word; experience with QuickBooks Online a plus.
• Tax research experience a plus.

Skills and Competencies

• Demonstrate strong and effective communication, organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work in a team based/collaborative environment.
• Must accept and thrive in a fast‑paced, changing environment.
• Adherence to all compliance policies & procedures.
• Demonstrate the Cerity Partners culture.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Compensation Range

$72,000 - $82,000

Why Cerity Partners

Our people drive our success by working together to deliver exceptional service to our clients. Below is a glimpse of the key elements of our total rewards package:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance – day 1!
• 401(k) savings and investment plan options with 4% match
• Flexible PTO policy
• Parental Leave
• Financial assistance for advanced education and professional designations
• Opportunity to give back time to local communities
• Commuter benefits

Cerity Partners is committed to providing an environment where all individuals can be their authentic selves. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer who respects each individual and supports the diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences of our colleagues. We are dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate based on race, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.

Cerity Partners is committed to working with and providing accommodations to applicants with disabilities or special needs. For those needing accommodations, please reach out to [e-mail]. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.