Tax Experienced Senior, Core Tax Services - Passthrough Focus

BDO USA; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

BDO USA seeks a Tax Experienced Senior in Core Tax Services to apply tax knowledge, gather client information, and assist in planning and reviewing returns. You will be the main client contact and may supervise Core Tax Services Associates.

Responsibilities span tax compliance, research, and advisory work, including ASC 740 considerations, footnotes, and memos, with potential mentoring duties.

Qualifications

• 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), prior to start date.
• Master’s in accountancy or taxation preferred.

Responsibilities

• Ensure clients comply with authorities while minimizing tax and reporting burdens and maintain firm policies.
• Manage tax process budgets, timelines, and resource planning for projects.
• Review returns for accuracy and discuss potential tax issues with preparers.
• Prepare provision workpapers and discuss with team members; identify uncertain positions.
• Draft tax provision memorandums and footnote disclosures per ASC 740.
• Supervise day-to-day work of associates and provide feedback/mentoring.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Research skills

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s in accounting/finance/economics/statistics or CPA required

Master’s in accounting or taxation, preferred

Tools

Tax research databases

Tax compliance software

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

A Tax Experienced Senior, Core Tax Services is responsible for utilizing research skills, applying tax foundational knowledge to understand potential tax issues, gathering client information necessary for filing, participating in tax planning, recognizing and communicating potential risks, preparing tax accrual workpapers and working with tax software applications to complete tax returns for review. In this role, the Tax Experienced Senior, Core Tax Services will act as the main client contact for general questions and information and may be charged with supervising and reviewing the work of Core Tax Services Associates.

Job Summary

A Tax Experienced Senior, Core Tax Services is responsible for utilizing research skills, applying tax foundational knowledge to understand potential tax issues, gathering client information necessary for filing, participating in tax planning, recognizing and communicating potential risks, preparing tax accrual workpapers and working with tax software applications to complete tax returns for review. In this role, the Tax Experienced Senior, Core Tax Services will act as the main client contact for general questions and information and may be charged with supervising and reviewing the work of Core Tax Services Associates.

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”)
• Manages projects by planning the tax process and the procedures to be performed with quality
• Answers preparer questions, and coordinates engagement from onset by communicating expectations and procedures with preparers
• Conducts detailed reviews on all returns and appropriate review notes for preparers; raises potential tax issues
• Meets internal deadlines to match the client expectations for timely delivery of service
• Identifies book-to-tax differences
• Manages projects by developing a budget; monitoring budget vs. actual; scheduling resources for project and identifying out-of-scope activity

Research

• Identifies when research is needed; clearly and concisely frames issues to be researched; and clearly and concisely reports the analysis
• Applies most Firm and professional standards for preparation of WTA and tax returns

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
• Prepares provision workpapers and discusses with the appropriate team members
• Identifies and discusses uncertain positions with team members
• Reviews & prepares footnote disclosures in compliance with ASC 740
• Utilizes and manages STS
• Drafts tax provision memorandums
• Communicates with Assurance counterparts to timely plan tax accrual reviews

Tax Consulting

• Assists with developing, recommending, and implementing efficient and effective methods to maximize client benefits, especially by decreasing clients’ current and future taxes
• Identifies consulting opportunities to reduce client’s tax liability
• Provides efficient and effective support for client consulting projects
• Gathers relevant information for controversy work, efficiently and effectively
• Documents all significant tax positions, clearly, correctly, and in accordance with Firm and office policies (by creating memorandums to the files – Tax issues Memos) and ensures that proper documentation is archived to GoFileRoom

Strategy Development

• Introduces and develops new or improved ideas to improve the position of clients, the Firm, or Firm personnel, e.g., by reducing taxes or expenses or providing non-tax benefits
• May be required to prepare studies of tax implications and offers clients alternative courses of action

Supervisory Responsibilities

Other duties as required

• May supervise and manage the day-to-day work assignments of Core Tax Services Associates
• Provides verbal and written performance feedback to Core Tax Associates, as necessary
• Acts as mentor to Core Tax Services Associates

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

• Three (3) or more years of prior relevant tax experience and/or public accounting, private industry accounting or consulting/professional services experience, preferred
• Industry expertise in one or more tax specialty, preferred
• Prior basic supervisory experience, preferred

License/Certifications

• CPA certification, Attorney (admitted to practice in a U.S. jurisdiction), or Internal Revenue Service Enrolled Agent (“EA”) (or the equivalent of one of these designations), preferred
• Possession of other professional degrees or certifications applicable to role, preferred

Software

• Proficient with the Microsoft Office Suite, preferred
• Experience with tax research databases and tax compliance process software, preferred

Language

• N/A

Other Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Solid verbal and written communication skills
• Able to follow instructions as directed by members of Tax Team
• Able to prepare simple tax returns
• Takes appropriate actions without being asked
• Seeks advice of appropriate superiors regarding issues, problems related to compliance
• Ability to effectively delegate work as needed
• Trains other team members
• Strong analytical, research and critical thinking skills
• Able to work well in a team environment

Individual salaries that are offered to a candidate are determined after consideration of numerous factors including but not limited to the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and geography.

California Range: $96,000 - $125,000

Colorado Range: $85,500 - $104,500

Illinois Range: $90,000 - $108,000

Maryland Range: $98,000 - $110,000

Massachusetts Range: $102,000 - $119,000

Minnesota Range: $80,000 - $95,000

New Jersey Range: $88,000 - $125,000

Ohio Range: $85,000 - $115,000

NYC/Long Island/Westchester Range: $110,000 - $125,000

Washington Range: $87,400 - $120,000

Washington DC Range: $105,000 - $117,000

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.

Learn more about our benefits: BDO Total Rewards encompass more than traditional benefits.

• 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"