
Senior Tax & Accounting Accountant
Role description
From the employer**Who we are**
At McConnell Jones, we aim to be a catalyst for positive growth fostering an environment where unique perspectives come together to enhance client solutions. As the largest majority African American-owned and controlled public accounting firm in the U.S., we pride ourselves on the quality of our work, the tenure of our clients, and our own diversity—nearly two-thirds of our people are from an ethnically diverse background. The diversity of our people empowers the diversity of our client solutions, as captured by the firm’s tagline, Diverse Thinking | Unique Perspectives.
**Our Mission:** To foster an environment where unique perspectives come together to enhance client solutions.
**Our Vision:** To be a catalyst for positive growth through the power of diverse thinking.
**Our Values:** Creativity, Inclusion, Transparency, Accountability
**Position is based in Columbus, GA with hybrid / onsite requirements**
**What you will do**
The **Senior Tax & Accounting Accountant** is responsible for the preparation and review of complex tax returns, financial statements, and accounting engagements for individuals, businesses, fiduciaries, and nonprofit organizations. This position serves as a technical resource to clients and firm personnel, supervises and mentors staff, manages client relationships, performs tax research and planning, and ensures the timely delivery of high-quality accounting and tax services. The Senior Tax & Accounting Accountant plays a key role in client service, staff development, workflow management, and the overall success of the firm's tax and accounting practice.
**Tax Compliance & Planning**
- Prepare complex federal and multi-state income tax returns for C Corporations, S Corporations, Partnerships, Fiduciaries, Nonprofit Organizations, and individual taxpayers.
- Prepare complex individual income tax, gift tax, and estate tax returns.
- Prepare tax planning projections and estimated tax calculations for individual and business clients.
- Perform tax research and summarize findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
- Research federal, state, and local tax matters and interpret new and existing tax legislation.
- Analyze IRS and state tax authority notices and prepare draft responses.
- Review tax notice responses prepared by staff and provide guidance as necessary.
- Represent and communicate with taxing authorities regarding client matters and correspondence.
- Monitor tax return deadlines and ensure timely completion of assigned engagements.
- Review, monitor, and supervise tax-related due date deliverables.
**Accounting & Financial Reporting**
- Prepare compiled financial statements for corporations, partnerships, individuals, and other business entities.
- Prepare and review complex working trial balances from source documents.
- Review and perform account analyses and reconciliations.
- Review, oversee, or perform month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closing processes.
- Prepare complete sets of financial statements when necessary.
- Summarize financial activities and prepare financial reporting packages, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and other management reports.
- Ensure accounting work complies with applicable professional standards and regulatory requirements.
**Client Service & Relationship Management**
- Serve as the primary client contact for smaller accounting and tax engagements.
- Develop and maintain strong client relationships through proactive communication and exceptional service.
- Respond promptly to client accounting, tax, and financial inquiries.
- Meet directly with clients to discuss tax, accounting, financial, and operational matters.
- Contribute to the client service team by delivering quality work, meeting deadlines, and providing attentive service.
- Communicate directly with clients regarding engagement status, project requirements, and recommendations.
**Leadership, Supervision & Staff Development**
- Delegate assignments to tax and accounting staff based on skill level and workload capacity.
- Supervise, train, and review the work of staff accountants and other team members.
- Assist staff with tax and accounting issues and serve as a resource for problem resolution.
- Coordinate workflow and monitor project progress to ensure timely delivery of services.
- Conduct quality reviews of work prepared by staff and provide constructive feedback.
**Technical Resource & Firm Support**
- Serve as a technical resource for tax and accounting questions from firm personnel.
- Develop expertise in firm software and technology platforms, including CCH Axcess Tax, QuickBooks, ProSystem fx Engagement, and related applications.
- Participate in tax administration and process improvement initiatives.
- Assist supervisors, managers, and partners with special projects and client engagements.
- Participate in firm committees and contribute to firm-wide initiatives.
- Establish and maintain productive working relationships across departments.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, workflow processes, and client service delivery.
**Professional Responsibilities**
- Exhibit strong organizational, project management, and time management skills.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding client and firm information.
- Stay current on developments in accounting, taxation, and professional standards.
- Comply with all firm policies, professional standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Perform other accounting, tax, and administrative duties as assigned
- As part of our compliance program, all team members are required to follow industry leading data and system security practices.
**What you will need**
- Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in accounting, tax, or other related program.
- Three to four years’ experience in accounting matters completion and tax return preparation.
- Proficiency in use of computers, Microsoft office, and tax software programs.
**What we offer**
- Hybrid and remote (determined by position) work arrangements available.
- Stipend reimbursement for home office equipment, cell phone and home internet.
- Paid Time Off (PTO) is awarded each pay period.
- 11 paid company holidays with 3 floating.
- Medical plan with HSA employer contribution, Dental, Vision available 1st of the month after start date.
- Company paid Long Term Disability.
- Company paid Life Insurance.
- Paid Parental Leave.
- 401k with company match up to 4% and 100% vested from day one.
- CPA and professional license & certification bonus.
- CPA exam review benefit with Becker CPA.
- Certification Reimbursement for CPA, CIA, CFE, CISA.
- CPE paid for 40 hours per year.
- Paid Volunteer Time Off.
- Fitness center available to Houston office employees.
- Employee Referral bonus opportunities from $1,000 to $5,000 per hired referral.
- We are committed to helping you thrive. Our wellness programs offer comprehensive tools, resources, and support to ensure you can be your best self.