Tax Associate, Core Tax Services - Summer 2027 (Phoenix)

BDO USA; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

BDO USA is seeking a Tax Associate for Core Tax Services to assist in preparing tax returns and performing essential research. You will work with tax software, support ASC 740 processes, and collaborate with a senior team to ensure accurate, compliant filings.

The role emphasizes strong communication, organizational skills, and the ability to follow firm policies while developing your CPA trajectory and tax expertise in a client-facing environment.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, economics or statistics; CPA eligibility or progress toward CPA is required/preferred.
• Preferred: Master’s in accountancy or taxation; prior internship or leadership experience is a plus.
• Proficiency with tax software and MS Office is expected.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparation and review of simple tax returns.
• Conduct basic tax research and document significant tax positions.
• Support with ASC 740/FAS 109/FIN 48 tax provisions and tax compliance.
• Collaborate with seniors to complete assignments and meet deadlines.

Skills

Strong written and verbal comms

Team collaboration

Ability to follow instructions

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Economics or Statistics

CPA certification or progress toward CPA

Master’s in accounting or taxation

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The Tax Associate, Core Tax Services is responsible for utilizing their educational background as well as communication and organizational skills by assisting with the preparation of tax returns and research. In this role, the Tax Associate, Core Tax Services will be charged with utilizing basic research skills and working with tax software applications to complete simple tax returns for review.

Job Duties

Tax Compliance

• Ensures both that (a) clients comply with all applicable authorities, while at the same time minimizing their tax and reporting burdens, and (b) self and client service teams comply with all Firm policies, standards, and the BDO Tax Quality Manual (“TQM”)
• Applies understanding of client’s unique set of circumstances, documentation, and/or other requirements mandated by law and prepares required filings (tax returns) using a system of review and documentation to ensure that the client is in full compliance, while keeping the client’s tax and reporting burden’s as low as possible
• Ensures all data needed to comply with filing requirements are collected; identifies and properly communicates missing items to prepare return
• Utilizes Firm compliance software to maximize efficiency in tax prep process
• Effectively teams with Senior on completion of project (follow-up with Open items list
• Documents all significant tax positions

ASC 740 (FAS 109 and FIN 48) Tax Accruals

• Correctly and proactively applies Firm policies, standards, and the BDO Tax Quality Manual (TQM) regarding FAS 109 and FIN 48
• Assists with prep and/or review of income tax provisions

Tax Consulting

• Assists with developing, recommending, and implementing efficient and effective methods to maximize client benefits, especially by decreasing clients’ current and future taxes
• Applies knowledge of home state corporate, partnership and individual tax structure and filing requirements in completing assigned work
• Effectively drafts clear and concise general memorandums and correspondence
• Identifies potentially relevant tax issues or opportunities as part of the tax compliance process

Other duties as required

• N/A

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Economics or Statistics OR Bachelor’s degree in other focus area and CPA certification required (or Authorization to Test for the CPA exam, or equivalent documentation, prior to start date in your state of employment), required
• Master’s in accountancy or taxation, preferred

Experience

• Leadership experience, preferred
• Accounting based internship, preferred

License/Certifications

• Eligible to sit for the CPA exams; progress towards admission to practice in a U.S. jurisdiction; progress towards Internal Revenue Service Enrolled Agent (“EA”) (or progress towards the equivalent of one of these designations) upon starting employment, preferred

Software

• Proficient with the Microsoft Office Suite, preferred

Language

• N/A

Other Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to follow instructions as directed
• Ability to work effectively in a team setting
• Takes appropriate actions without being asked
• Seeks advice of appropriate superiors regarding issues related to compliance
• Ability to prepare simple tax returns

California Range: $85,000 - $90,000

Colorado Range: $73,000 - $77,000

Illinois Range: $78,000 - $82,000

Maryland Range: $83,000 - $87,000

Massachusetts Range: $83,000 - $87,000

Minnesota Range: $70,000 - $74,000

New Jersey Range: $78,000 - $82,000

NYC/Long Island/Westchester Range: $83,000 - $87,000

Ohio Range: $71,000 - $75,000

Virginia Range: $83,000 - $87,000

Washington Range: $78,000 - $80,000

Washington DC Range: $83,000 - $87,000

About Us

At BDO, how we show up matters. We build strong relationships by supporting one another, our clients, and our communities with care, curiosity, and a commitment to helping one another grow and succeed. Here, you’ll find meaningful work, leaders invested in your success, and opportunities to build a career around what matters most to you.

Our purpose is to be the people our clients count on to grow with confidence and achieve what matters most. Our values guide how we bring that purpose to life each day. Together, they shape how we work with one another, serve our clients, and create meaningful impact.

BDO provides assurance, tax, and advisory services to clients across the U.S. and around the world. No matter your role, you’ll be part of a team helping clients navigate complexity and move forward with clarity.

We are proud to be an ESOP company, offering participants a stake in the firm’s success through beneficial ownership and a unique opportunity to enhance their financial well-being. As a qualified retirement plan, the ESOP is a meaningful addition to our comprehensive compensation and Total Rewards benefits* offerings. It also reinforces an ownership mindset that strengthens our connection to one another, our clients, and the future we’re building together.

• Benefits may be subject to eligibility requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

BDO USA, P.A. is an EO employer M/F/Veteran/Disability