Tax Preparer - US Contractor

As a Senior Tax Preparer with our Minneapolis client, your main responsibilities will include preparing and reviewing complex tax returns for individuals and entities such as corporations and partnerships, ensuring compliance with current tax laws, and addressing any technical tax issues that may arise. You will also consult with clients to gather financial information and provide guidance on tax-saving strategies.

Candidates for the Senior Tax Preparer role should have a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. A CPA or EA certification is preferred, alongside over 5 years of experience in tax preparation, specifically with complex tax returns. Proficiency in UltraTax and QuickBooks is also essential, along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

The Senior Tax Preparer at our Minneapolis client will follow a hybrid work model which requires in-office presence in St. Paul, MN, 1-3 days per week. This setup offers the flexibility to work from home while allowing for essential in-person collaboration during peak tax season.

For the Senior Tax Preparer role, expertise in tax preparation software is critical. Specifically, experience with UltraTax and QuickBooks is required, as these tools will be your go-to for preparing and reviewing tax filings efficiently and accurately.

In addition to technical knowledge, strong interpersonal and communication skills are vital for a Senior Tax Preparer. You'll be regularly interacting with clients, requiring you to communicate complex tax-related information clearly and effectively. You'll also need excellent organizational skills to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

In answering this question, provide a summary of specific cases you have handled, mentioning the types of returns (such as 1040, 1120, or 1065) you are most familiar with and any challenges you overcame during the preparation process.

Mention your strategies for staying informed, such as subscribing to tax newsletters, attending workshops, or participating in relevant professional organizations. Highlight your commitment to ongoing professional development.

Share your time management strategies, such as setting priorities, using task lists, and perhaps even the tools you utilize to keep track of your workload. Provide examples of situations where you successfully met deadlines under pressure.

Discuss your approach to communication, including your willingness to be available for questions throughout the tax process and how you provide clarity on technical aspects of their filings, ensuring they feel heard and valued.

Share a specific example, detailing the issue, your thought process, and the successful outcome. This demonstrates your problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex situations.

Explain the processes you follow, including double-checking regulations, consulting with colleagues, and performing due diligence to prevent errors. Highlight your attention to detail.

Provide details about a specific improvement you suggested or implemented, such as a new software tool or a revised procedure that enhanced efficiency and accuracy in filings.

Discuss your approach to professional disagreements, emphasizing collaboration, respect for differing viewpoints, and how you work towards a resolution that considers the best outcome for the client.

Discuss qualities like analytical thinking, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and strong communication abilities. You could add how these traits contribute to the overall success in tax preparation.

Mention your ability to break down complex concepts into simple terms, using relatable examples. Highlight your patience and willingness to ensure they fully understand their tax situation.