Tax Associate

Jobtailor; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor in San Jose, CA is seeking candidates pursuing an accounting degree to join our tax team. You will prepare federal, state, and local tax returns under supervision and assist with extensions, estimated payments, and amended returns.

You will conduct basic tax research, develop tax workpapers, and maintain precise workpaper documentation while coordinating with clients. Strong communication and detail orientation are essential as you progress toward CPA licensure.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled at an accredited university pursuing a bachelor’s degree with Accounting major
• Expected graduation between December 2026 and June 2027
• CA CPA eligible
• Master’s in Taxation or Accountancy preferred
• GPA 3.0+ preferred
• Strong attention to detail and analytical abilities
• Motivation to learn and produce high-quality work
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Public accounting experience helpful but not required

Responsibilities

• Prepare federal, state, and local income tax returns under supervision
• Assist with tax extensions, estimated tax payments, and amended returns
• Conduct basic tax research and summarize findings
• Compile and analyze client financial information to develop tax workpapers
• Maintain accurate, indexed workpaper documentation
• Identify missing or incomplete information and communicate follow-up needs
• Communicate with clients to request information and clarify documentation requirements
• Participate in client meetings, take notes, and prepare follow-up tasks
• Engage in formal training, self-study, and continuing education
• Take steps toward CPA licensure through exam preparation and meeting requirements

Skills

Tax Return Preparation

Tax Research

Client Communication

Attention to Detail

CPA Exam Preparation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting

Master’s degree in Taxation

CA CPA eligible

Job description

• Prepare federal, state, and local income tax returns for individuals, partnerships, corporations, S-corporations, and trusts under supervision
• Assist with tax extensions, estimated tax payments, and amended returns
• Conduct basic tax research and summarize findings
• Compile, organize, and analyze client financial information to develop tax workpapers
• Maintain accurate, properly indexed and cross-referenced workpaper documentation
• Identify missing or incomplete information and communicate follow-up needs
• Communicate with clients to request information and clarify documentation requirements
• Participate in virtual or in-person client meetings, take notes, and prepare follow-up tasks
• Participate in formal training, self-study, and continuing education
• Take steps toward CPA licensure through exam preparation and meeting requirements

Requirements

• Current or completed enrollment at an accredited university pursuing a bachelor’s degree with a major or emphasis in Accounting
• Expected completion of a bachelor’s or master’s degree between December 2026 and June 2027
• CA CPA eligible
• Master’s degree in Taxation or Accountancy preferred
• Minimum accounting GPA of 3.0 preferred
• Strong attention to detail and analytical abilities
• High motivation to learn and produce high-quality work
• Effective interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with colleagues and clients
• Ability to work flexibly as part of a team to meet periodic and project-based client deadlines
• Prior public accounting experience helpful but not required
• Clear and professional verbal and written communication skills

Core Competencies

Demonstrates proficiency in preparing federal, state, and local income tax returns while maintaining accurate documentation and effective communication with clients. Strong analytical abilities and attention to detail are essential for developing tax workpapers and conducting tax research.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Tax Return Preparation
• Tax Research
• Client Communication
• Attention to Detail
• CPA Exam Preparation

ATS Optimization Keywords

Hard Skills

• Income Tax Returns
• Tax Extensions
• Amended Returns
• Financial Analysis
• Workpaper Documentation
• Accounting Principles
• Tax Compliance
• GPA of 3.0
• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting
• Master’s Degree in Taxation

Soft Skills

• Interpersonal Skills
• Collaboration
• Motivation to Learn
• Effective Communication
• Teamwork

Certifications & Qualifications

• CA CPA Eligible

Industry Keywords

• Public Accounting
• Taxation
• Client Meetings
• Continuing Education
• Accounting Standards