Senior Tax Accountant

Senior Tax Accountant



Reston, Virginia


Position: Senior Tax Accountant
Location: Reston, VA
Employment Type: Full-time
Reports To: Tax Manager/Tax Partner



Position Summary


Our client is seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Tax Accountant to join their established public accounting firm in Reston, Virginia. The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing complex tax returns, conducting tax research, providing strategic tax planning advice, and supervising junior tax staff. This role offers significant growth opportunities within the tax practice and the chance to work with a diverse portfolio of clients in the greater Washington, DC metropolitan area.



Essential Duties and Responsibilities


Tax Preparation & Compliance

  • Prepare and review complex federal, state, and local tax returns for corporations (C-Corp, S-Corp), partnerships, LLCs, and high-net-worth individuals
  • Handle multi-state tax compliance issues and nexus determinations
  • Prepare quarterly estimated tax calculations and compliance filings
  • Manage tax provision calculations and book-to-tax reconciliations
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax laws and regulations
  • Handle tax notices, audits, and correspondence with taxing authorities


Tax Planning & Advisory Services

  • Develop and implement tax-efficient strategies for business and individual clients
  • Provide guidance on entity selection, restructuring, and succession planning
  • Advise clients on merger and acquisition tax implications
  • Conduct year-end tax planning sessions with clients
  • Analyze tax implications of business transactions and investments
  • Prepare tax projections and cash flow analysis for tax payments


Research & Technical Support

  • Research complex tax issues using RIA, BNA, CCH, and other professional databases
  • Prepare technical memoranda documenting research findings and recommendations
  • Stay current with changing tax laws, regulations, and court decisions
  • Interpret and apply new tax legislation to client situations
  • Provide technical guidance to junior staff on complex tax matters


Client Relations & Communication

  • Serve as primary tax contact for assigned client portfolio
  • Communicate tax strategies and recommendations clearly to clients
  • Present tax planning ideas and implementation strategies
  • Respond to client inquiries promptly and professionally
  • Coordinate with other service teams (audit, advisory) for integrated client solutions


Staff Management & Development

  • Supervise and mentor tax associates and interns
  • Review tax returns and supporting documentation prepared by junior staff
  • Provide training on tax software, research techniques, and technical issues
  • Assign work and monitor progress to meet client deadlines
  • Participate in performance evaluations and professional development planning


Quality Control & Risk Management

  • Ensure all tax work meets firm quality standards and professional requirements
  • Review work papers and documentation for completeness and accuracy
  • Participate in firm quality control processes and peer reviews
  • Identify and mitigate potential tax risks for clients
  • Maintain organized client files and supporting documentation


Required Qualifications


Education & Certification

  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Taxation, or related field required
  • Master's degree in Taxation (MST) or LLM in Taxation preferred
  • CPA license preferred but not required (EA or equivalent tax credentials acceptable)
  • 150 credit hours preferred for CPA track candidates


Experience

  • Minimum 4-6 years of tax experience in public accounting
  • Demonstrated experience with complex business and individual tax returns
  • Experience with multi-state tax compliance
  • Knowledge of tax planning strategies and implementation
  • Experience supervising junior staff members


Technical Skills

  • Proficiency in professional tax software (ProSystem fx, Lacerte, UltraTax, or similar)
  • Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel for tax analysis and projections
  • Experience with tax research databases (RIA, BNA, CCH)
  • Knowledge of QuickBooks, Sage, and other accounting software
  • Familiarity with tax workflow and document management systems


Specialized Knowledge

  • Strong understanding of federal tax code and regulations
  • Knowledge of state and local tax issues, particularly Virginia, DC, and Maryland
  • Understanding of partnership taxation and K-1 reporting
  • Experience with corporate tax provisions and ASC 740 preferred
  • Knowledge of estate and gift tax planning preferred


Preferred Qualifications


Advanced Credentials & Education

  • CPA license in Virginia (or ability to obtain reciprocity)
  • Enrolled Agent (EA) designation
  • Additional certifications (CMA, CIA) a plus
  • Continuing education in specialized tax areas


Specialized Experience

  • Experience with tax aspects of mergers and acquisitions
  • Knowledge of international tax issues and foreign reporting requirements
  • Estate and trust taxation experience
  • Non-profit and exempt organization taxation
  • Real estate taxation and 1031 exchanges
  • Employee benefit plan taxation


Industry Expertise

  • Construction and contractor taxation
  • Healthcare industry tax issues
  • Government contracting tax considerations
  • Technology and startup company taxation
  • Professional services firm taxation


Key Competencies


Technical Skills

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
  • Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
  • Ability to interpret complex tax regulations
  • Strong research and writing skills
  • Project management and organizational skills


Interpersonal Skills

  • Excellent verbal and written communication
  • Client service orientation and professional demeanor
  • Leadership and team collaboration abilities
  • Ability to explain complex tax concepts to non-tax professionals
  • Strong presentation and training skills


Business Skills

  • Understanding of business operations and financial statements
  • Ability to identify tax planning opportunities
  • Time management and ability to meet tight deadlines
  • Adaptability to changing tax laws and client needs


Working Conditions


Schedule & Environment

  • Standard office environment with occasional client meetings
  • Extended hours during tax seasons (January-April, September-October)
  • Hybrid work schedule
  • Occasional travel to client locations within the DC metro area
  • Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities


Physical Requirements

  • Extended periods of computer work and detailed document review
  • Ability to lift and carry files and materials up to 25 pounds
  • Clear communication abilities for client interactions and presentations


Compensation & Benefits


Salary Range: Competitive compensation commensurate with experience
Comprehensive Benefits:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance with employer contribution
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company matching
  • Paid time off and holiday schedule
  • Professional development and continuing education allowance
  • Professional membership and license fee reimbursement
  • Flexible spending accounts (health and dependent care)
  • Life and disability insurance coverage


Performance Incentives:

  • Annual performance bonuses based on individual and firm performance
  • Overtime compensation during busy seasons
  • Profit sharing opportunities for senior staff
  • Professional development and conference attendance


Career Development Opportunities


This position provides excellent advancement opportunities within our growing tax practice:
Growth Path: Senior Tax Accountant ? Tax Manager ? Tax Director ? Tax Partner
Professional Development:

  • Mentorship from experienced tax professionals
  • Specialized training in niche tax areas
  • Leadership development programs
  • Business development and client relationship opportunities
  • Participation in professional organizations and networking events
Reston, Virginia
Up to £0.00 per annum
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