Senior Tax Associate

Senior Tax Associate

Location: Denver, CO
Employment Type: Full-Time
Experience Level: Mid-Level (4-7 years)

About Our Firm

Our clients CPA firm in Denver specializing in comprehensive tax, accounting, and advisory services for ultra-high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and private equity clients. Their growing practice serves clients with complex financial structures across multiple states and international jurisdictions. They pride themselves on delivering exceptional client service while maintaining the highest professional standards.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Tax Associate. This role offers exceptional exposure to sophisticated clients and complex tax structures while working alongside seasoned tax professionals. The ideal candidate will have solid experience in high-net-worth tax preparation, strong technical skills, and the desire to advance their career in a specialized practice area.

Key Responsibilities



Tax Preparation & Compliance

• Prepare complex individual tax returns (Forms 1040, 1041, 706, 709) for clients with net worth exceeding $5M
• Handle sophisticated tax structures including partnerships, trusts, estates, and private investment entities
• Prepare multi-state income tax returns and coordinate residency planning documentation
• Assist with international tax compliance including FBAR, Form 8938, and offshore reporting requirements
• Research complex tax issues and prepare technical memos for client files
• Review tax returns prepared by staff accountants and provide guidance on technical matters

Client Service & Communication

• Communicate directly with clients regarding tax matters, document requests, and planning opportunities
• Coordinate with client advisors including attorneys, financial planners, and family office personnel
• Prepare client deliverables including tax projections, planning summaries, and compliance checklists
• Assist with client meetings and tax planning presentations
• Respond to client inquiries and provide timely, accurate information

Team Collaboration & Development

• Mentor and train junior staff on complex tax issues and firm procedures
• Collaborate with Tax Managers and Partners on client strategy and planning initiatives
• Participate in internal training sessions and knowledge sharing meetings
• Assist with workload management during peak tax season
• Support business development efforts through research and proposal preparation

Quality Control & Process Management

• Ensure all work meets firm quality standards and professional requirements
• Maintain organized client files and documentation in accordance with firm policies
• Stay current on tax law changes affecting high-net-worth individuals
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives and efficiency enhancements
• Meet engagement budget targets and time management goals

Required Qualifications



Education & Certification

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• CPA license strongly preferred (or ability to obtain within 12 months)
• Master's degree in Taxation preferred but not required

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 4 years of public accounting experience with focus on individual taxation
• At least 2 years of experience with high-net-worth clients ($5M+ net worth)
• Experience with complex individual tax returns involving multiple entities
• Multi-state tax filing experience required
• Trust and estate tax preparation experience preferred

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of individual, trust, and estate taxation
• Proficiency with professional tax software (CCH Axcess, ProSystem fx, or similar)
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with tax research databases
• Understanding of partnership and S-corporation taxation
• Familiarity with alternative investments and private equity structures

Professional Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical and research abilities
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to manage multiple clients and meet deadlines
• Professional demeanor for client interactions
• Collaborative team player with positive attitude

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with family office clients and wealth planning
• Knowledge of Colorado state tax regulations
• International tax experience
• Gift and estate tax return preparation
• Private equity or hedge fund tax knowledge
• Previous experience at a regional or national CPA firm
• Professional certifications beyond CPA (e.g., PFS, ChFC)

What We Offer



Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary based on experience and education
• Performance-based annual bonus opportunity
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with firm matching
• Professional development and continuing education support
• CPA exam fees and license maintenance covered

Work Environment & Culture

• Hybrid work arrangement
• Mentorship from experienced Tax Managers and Partners
• Exposure to sophisticated clients and advanced tax planning
• Modern office in downtown Denver
• Collaborative team environment with growth opportunities
• Firm-sponsored training and professional development

Career Development

• Clear advancement path to Senior Tax Associate II and Tax Manager
• Specialized training in high-net-worth tax planning techniques
• Opportunities to develop expertise in niche areas
• Support for advanced education and certifications
• Leadership development and client relationship building
• Annual performance reviews with structured feedback

Growth Opportunities



Technical Development

• Advanced training in estate and gift tax planning
• International tax compliance and planning education
• Family office and multi-generational wealth strategies
• Alternative investment taxation expertise
• State and local tax planning specialization

Leadership Development

• Staff mentoring and training responsibilities
• Client relationship management experience
• Business development and proposal writing
• Project management and team coordination
• Professional speaking and presentation opportunities