Tax Associate

Annex Wealth Management; Libertyville (IL); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) plan with employer contribution

PTO

Job summary

Annex Wealth Management in Libertyville, IL is seeking a Tax Associate to prepare individual and business tax returns and gain experience in tax planning within a collaborative team.

The role is hybrid, focusing on a balanced workload, mentorship from experienced CPA/wealth planning staff, and opportunities for professional growth in tax and wealth management.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of experience preparing individual tax returns.
• On track to become a CPA or JD with tax specialization; Enrolled Agent may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Prepare individual tax returns using CCH Axcess; reviewed by seniors.
• Learn and apply tax planning and wealth management strategies.
• Assist financial advisors with tax planning advice for clients.
• Shadow client meetings and participate in tax-related discussions.
• Stay updated on current tax laws and annual changes.
• Compute estimated tax payments and withholdings.
• No sales, marketing, or business development responsibilities.

Skills

Tax preparation

CPA/JD track

Financial planning interest

Learning agility

Tax law knowledge

Education

CPA or JD with tax

Enrolled Agent considered

Tools

CCH Axcess

Job description

Description

Tax Associate

Libertyville, IL (Hybrid)

Tax Associate

Have you started gaining experience preparing individual and/or business tax returns and discovered you enjoy the work, but want something different? Maybe you’re after a more reasonable workload, a truly collaborative team environment, or the opportunity to move beyond high-volume compliance into proactive tax planning that adds greater value. If that resonates, please read on.

Annex Wealth Management – Know the Difference

This role is hybrid based in Libertyville, with a team that spans HQ/LV/remote employees.

Are you in search of an employer that prioritizes a positive culture and encourages outstanding teamwork? “Know the Difference” applies to our employees too. We are a proud seven‑time recipient of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Top Workplaces Award. Our employees list our vibrant culture and engaged teams as two of our best features!

Annex Wealth Management is a privately held, full‑service registered investment advisor acting as a fiduciary for individuals, families, and businesses. Our team approach means our clients consistently interact with a group of experienced professionals boasting key credentials, certifications, and achievements in investment, tax, insurance, estate planning, and more.

Communication and Education are key to Annex Wealth Management’s growth. Check us out on YouTube, our multiple podcasts, "Money Talk" on WTMJ; "The Investment Show" on WISN; and "The Annex Wealth Management Show" on WHBY and WFSX.

At Annex Wealth Management, our values aren't just words – they guide how we work every day:

• Knowledge
• Accountability
• Integrity
• Courage
• Respect
• Ownership

Does this resonate with you?

We're looking for positive, talented individuals who naturally embody these principles in their work and interactions. If you're ready to join a culture where these values are the foundation of everything you do.

What You’ll Do

This role’s primary purpose is to prepare individual tax returns while spending significant time gaining experience with tax planning and financial planning strategies. We pride ourselves in providing a working environment which is collaborative and team-oriented, and a workload which is reasonable and balanced.

• Tax Preparation Support – Help with tax preparation, including data entry and initial preparation of individual tax returns in CCH Axcess to be reviewed by senior resources.
• No Time Tracking – You will NOT be required to track your time.
• Planning Software Utilization – Learn to use tax planning and financial planning software to analyze tax situations and identify proactive tax strategies, from a collaborative planning team that has many other CPA's who have transitioned.
• Tax Strategy Development – Under the mentorship of an experienced tax and financial planning team, learn and execute tax planning strategies used in wealth management such as Roth conversions, charitable giving strategies, equity compensation strategies, capital gain harvesting, and more.
• Advisor Collaboration – Assist financial advisors who are not tax experts in understanding and delivering effective tax planning advice to wealth management clients.
• Client Interaction – Shadow and work toward potentially meeting with clients directly to answer tax questions and provide tax advice (optional and in the future).
• Ongoing Education – Stay informed on current tax laws and annual changes.
• Payment & Withholding Assistance – Help calculate estimated payments and withholding.
• Focused Role – No sales, marketing, or business development responsibilities of any kind.

Requirements

What You’ll Need to Succeed

• Tax Preparation Experience – At least 1‑3 years of experience preparing individual tax returns.
• Professional Aspirations – Must be on track to become a CPA or JD with tax specialization. Enrolled Agent may be considered in some cases.
• Financial Planning Interest – Ideal candidate will be intrigued by financial planning and wealth management, and willing to study and learn in this area (company paid)
• Career Development Motivation – Must have a true desire to enhance technical knowledge and further develop your career.
• Advanced Credentials – Interest in pursuing advanced credentials and training (company paid).
• Learning Agility – Fast learner with the ability to adapt quickly.
• Technical Comfort – Comfortable with learning new software and systems.
• Tax Law Knowledge – Working knowledge of current tax laws, and enthusiasm for keeping up with annual changes.

Comprehensive Benefits

We deeply value your leadership, talent, time, and commitment. In return, we offer a total rewards package designed to recognize and appreciate your contributions.

This Includes a Comprehensive Suite Of

• Benefits: Our benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a 401(k) plan to help you secure your financial future
• Life & Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan: Build your future with our 401(k) plan and employer contribution
• Company Events: We believe in celebrating wins and creating connections – whether it’s through get togethers, our Annual Picnic, or company milestones
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Summer hours
• Casual Friday's

We are committed to providing an environment where you can thrive and achieve your full potential.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Annex Wealth Management is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply.