Tax Accountant, Junior (Hybrid)

As a Junior Tax Accountant at SGS, your primary responsibilities include preparing sales-and-use tax returns, property tax returns, and state and local income tax returns, all under the guidance of a Senior Tax Associate or Tax Manager. You'll maintain tax records, track tax returns on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis, and ensure timely cash disbursements for the Tax Department. Additionally, you will analyze financial data, identify tax savings opportunities, and prepare essential materials for auditors, all while adhering to internal standards and procedures.

To qualify for the Junior Tax Accountant role at SGS, candidates should hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or a related discipline. While 0-2 years of relevant experience is preferred, strong analytical abilities, advanced proficiency in Excel, and familiarity with ERP systems (Oracle preferred) will significantly enhance your candidacy. Attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to thrive in fast-paced environments are also key attributes we look for.

Absolutely! At SGS, we believe in investing in our employees' growth. As a new Junior Tax Accountant, you'll receive comprehensive training and mentorship from experienced professionals in the Tax Department. This support will not only help you understand your daily responsibilities but also ensure that you're well-prepared to navigate the complexities of tax accounting, setting you up for success in your career.

Junior Tax Accountants at SGS are expected to be well-versed in various software tools, particularly ERP systems, with Oracle being preferred. Additionally, proficiency in Excel is crucial for data analysis and reporting. You'll also utilize MS Word and PowerPoint for preparing presentations and documentation, along with any specific accounting tools that support the tax preparation processes.

SGS offers an attractive range of benefits to Junior Tax Accountants, including comprehensive health insurance options, a competitive hourly wage ranging from $29.00 to $32.00, and a matching 401(k) plan with immediate vesting. We also support your well-being with flexible spending accounts and a generous employee referral program, among other perks.

In your response, highlight what drew you to tax accounting, such as a knack for numbers, interest in financial regulations, or desire to help businesses optimize their tax strategies. Personal anecdotes about your studies or relevant experiences can also demonstrate your passion for this career path.

Explain that acknowledging the mistake is crucial, and detail the steps you would take to rectify it, including notifying relevant parties, calculating any impact, and ensuring that corrections are filed timely. Emphasize your commitment to accuracy and integrity in accounting practices.

Discuss any practical experiences you have regarding tax compliance, your knowledge of relevant regulations, and how you stay updated on changes in tax laws. Mention coursework or certifications in tax that provide you with a strong foundation.

Talk about your attention to detail, your process for double-checking calculations, and how you utilize software tools to minimize errors. Sharing an example of a time when you successfully caught a mistake during the review process can enhance your response.

Explain your approach to task management, such as creating a priority list, setting deadlines, and effective communication with team members to streamline processes. Providing an example of how you handled a busy period can showcase your ability to work under pressure.

Your answer should reflect a clear understanding that tax savings refer to strategies and techniques used to reduce the amount of tax payable, such as deductions, credits, or exemptions. Discuss how you assist clients or organizations in identifying these opportunities.

Be honest about your proficiency level and provide examples of how you have utilized Excel for data analysis, creating formulas, or visualizing data. Mention any advanced functions you are comfortable using, such as pivot tables or macros, to demonstrate your technical skills.

Share an example of a project you found challenging, detailing the obstacles you faced, the strategies you implemented to solve the issue, and the overall outcome. This will show your problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex situations.

Emphasize that communication is key in tax accounting roles, as you often need to explain complex tax issues to clients or collaborate with other departments. Provide examples of how you’ve communicated effectively in previous experiences.

Discuss your career aspirations, such as gaining more experience in tax accounting, advancing to a senior role, or specializing in a particular area of tax. This showcases your ambition and commitment to professional development.