Tax Senior Associate — Client‑Focused Tax & Planning Lead

Jackson Thornton; Montgomery (AL); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental and vision

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Flexible spending accounts

Paid time off

401(k) with match

Job summary

Jackson Thornton, an accounting and consulting firm with roots in Montgomery, Alabama, is seeking a Tax Senior Associate to join a client-focused team. The role emphasizes technical tax expertise, accurate and timely engagements, mentoring interns and Associates, and contributing to a positive team culture.

Based primarily in our Birmingham office with hybrid flexibility, this position offers opportunities for ongoing training, community involvement, and professional growth within Ascend and the

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting is required.
• CPA license preferred, or actively pursuing (at least two parts of the CPA exam passed).
• Two years of public accounting experience with a focus on tax.
• Strong technical knowledge of tax regulations and compliance.
• Proficiency with professional tax preparation software and Microsoft Excel, and the ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Interest in applying AI and automation tools to tax workflows, paired with the judgment to know when professional review is required.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Responsibilities

• Prepare individual, corporate, partnership, and trust tax returns.
• Review returns prepared by interns and provide constructive feedback.
• Communicate directly with clients to gather necessary tax information and resolve questions.
• Research tax issues and contribute to client tax planning strategies.
• Apply technical tax knowledge to identify planning opportunities and potential tax implications for clients.
• Stay current on changes in tax laws and regulations.
• Support the development and training of Tax Associates and Interns.
• Use firm tax software and automation tools to work efficiently, and apply professional judgment when reviewing technology- and AI-assisted output before it reaches the client.
• Collaborate with team members to ensure efficient workflow and exceptional client service.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Time management

AI tools awareness

Learning agility

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting

Tools

Tax software

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Jackson Thornton, an accounting and consulting firm with roots in Montgomery, Alabama, is seeking a Tax Senior Associate to join a client-focused team. The role emphasizes technical tax expertise, accurate and timely engagements, mentoring interns and Associates, and contributing to a positive team culture.

Based primarily in our Birmingham office with hybrid flexibility, this position offers opportunities for ongoing training, community involvement, and professional growth within Ascend and the