Tax Associate

ceritypartners; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Cerity Partners in El Segundo, CA is seeking a Tax Associate with 2-4 years of experience to prepare tax returns, manage client relationships, and provide tax planning for high-net-worth individuals, families, business owners, and real estate investors.

You will work in a collaborative team, applying GAAP basics and leveraging tax software (e.g., CCH Axcess). This role requires strong communication and time management in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 2–4 years of tax return prep, review, and compliance experience.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local tax laws for individuals and entities.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare federal, state, and local tax returns for various entities with accuracy.
• Prepare extension calculations and estimated tax projections.
• Prepare and review quarterly tax projections.
• Assist with 1099s and year-end tax calculations.
• Organize and analyze financial statements and adjust as needed.
• Prepare tax workpapers including tax provisions and depreciation schedules.
• Complete reconciliations, accruals, and journal entries.
• Research tax issues and assist with audits.
• Ensure client compliance with tax regulations.
• Respond to client inquiries with superior service.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

CCH Axcess

Sure Prep

Safe Send

Excel

Word

QuickBooks Online

Job description

Position Summary:

We are seeking a motivated Tax Associate with 2-4 years of experience to join our El Segundo team. In this role, you will prepare tax returns, help manage client relationships, and provide tax planning and compliance services for high-net-worth individuals, families, business owners, and real estate investors. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong technical knowledge, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple engagements while delivering exceptional client service.

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
• 2-4 years of experience in tax return preparation, review, and compliance in a public accounting firm or similar environment.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local tax laws, especially as they relate to individuals and business entities.
• Basic understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and the ability to analyze and interpret complex financial statements.
• Strong attention to detail, exceptional problem‑solving skills, and ability to organize and prioritize work to meet deadlines proactively with minimal supervision.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• CPA license, candidate, or actively pursuing CPA licensure preferred
• Proficiency in CCH Axcess 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:

• $80,000 - $95,000

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.