Tax - Audit Staff Accountant

Brigante, Cameron, Watters & Strong, LLP

Summary of Responsibilities:

Responsible for a wide variety of diversified accounting and tax assignments under the supervision of different professionals. Performance is judged based on the quality of work, application of tax and accounting knowledge, ability to follow directions, work as an effective team member and the ability to meet time constraints.

Client Service:

·      Effectively communicate with all engagement and client personnel.

~        Interact effectively with client on professional level at all times.

~        Develop rapport with client personnel.

·       Demonstrate basic understanding of the client’s business and accounting systems.

·       Understand the client’s basic accounting policies and transactions and demonstrate a basic knowledge of their interrelationships with financial information systems and overall tax compliance objectives.

·       Communicate ideas to the immediate supervisor and assist in drafting any relevant comments.

·       Be aware of other services offered by the firm and some situations where they may be of benefit to the client.

Specific Responsibilities and Expectations:

·      Understand and demonstrate familiarity with firm policies and procedures.

·      Understand the rules, regulations, independence and Code of Professional Conduct of the AICPA and the firm.

·      Assist in basic planning activities for the assigned engagements, which may include the following:

~       Review prior year tax returns, financial statements and other relevant information.

~       Prepare a budget for the current year.

~       Assist in preparing the engagement letter, confirmations and client participation schedule.

~       Rollover and create engagement binders.

·      Complete fieldwork on all assigned sections, as follows:

~       Prepare complete, neat and orderly working papers for assigned areas, including sign-off of each applicable program or checklist steps, on a timely basis.

~       Use and update work programs for assigned sections.

~       Perform self-review of work to avoid working paper review notes.

~       Address issues that arise in connection with assigned areas in a timely manner.

~       Promptly and properly clear review notes, tie-up loose ends on assigned areas, thoroughly document open items, and update electronic files.

~       Working papers should be well documented, conclusions should be supported, and follow firm templates and procedures when applicable.

~       Prepare income tax returns and financial statements with supporting detail and complete related checklists.

~       Prepare BNA tax projections and become involved in tax planning

·      Ensure that any professional, technical, or client service problem is resolved promptly in an environment of mutual respect.

·      Keep immediate supervisor informed of progress, issues and significant developments relative to assigned areas and budget constraints on a continuous and timely basis.

·      Identify issues that may require the prompt attention of your immediate supervisor.

·      Consult with firm management when dealing with difficult situations.

·      Provide reasonable time estimates to complete your assigned areas.

·      Communicate openly, frequently, and candidly and listen effectively.

·      Develop a balance of healthy curiosity and professional skepticism.

·      Adhere to budgets (consideration given to factors outside control of staff) and meet deadlines.

·      Suggest improvements in work process for assigned projects.

·      Keep in-charge, manager and/or partner informed of engagement timing and performance against budget.

·      Initiate and be receptive to both formal and informal performance and development feedback.

·      Keep office and management aware of your location on a daily basis.

·      Complete time sheets daily and expense reports on a timely basis.

·      Monitor annual hours goals – budget vs. actual.

·      Demonstrate maturity, poise, and self-confidence in dealing with client and firm personnel.

·      Pass the CPA exam and become certified in a timely manner.

·      Maintain a professional appearance and professionalism.

·      Accept responsibility for assigned work and personal development.

Technical Skills:

·      Use firm personnel and reference materials to resolve issues (i.e. RIA, FASB, AICPA, IRC sections and regulations, Spidell).

·      Complete research assignments on less complex tax, accounting and auditing issues and propose solutions.

~      Become proficient at preparing financial statements using Pfx Engagement.

~      Become proficient at the preparation of corporate, individual, partnership, fiduciary, and other returns prepared by the firm using Pfx Tax.

·      Demonstrate a basic understanding of a client’s business transactions with a view towards both A&A and tax implications.

·      Develop basic awareness of the firm's auditing, accounting and tax practices.

·      Develop knowledge of technology and promote its use. Develop proficiency in the use of both the firm’s software and other commonly used packages.(MS Excel, MS Word, MS Outlook, Pfx Engagement, Pfx Tax, Pfx Fixed Assets, Pfx Practice, CCH Document, XCM and online tools)

·      Actively seek on-the-job training to understand own role and responsibilities specific to each engagement.

·      Develop a general understanding of common tax issues that may impact a client.

·      Seek opportunities to improve technical and management skills through continuing education, seminars and professional reading.

Practice and Personal Development:

·       Begin to develop relationships and a contact network with clients and referral sources.

·       Participate in recruiting activities, as appropriate.

·       Be an active participant in the firms mentoring process.

Education, Experience, and Skills Required:

Education

·       Bachelor’s degree in Accounting

Experience

·       Typically, college graduate to 2 years of experience

Skills & Licenses

·       Licensed CPA

·       Proficient in use of computers and basic software applications

·       Above average written and verbal communication skills

·       Successful problem-solving and analytical skills

·       Ability to perform in highly interruptive conditions

·       Project management ability

·       Ability to perform under time-pressures and meet deadlines

·       Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in English

·       Highly analytical

Knowledge & Characteristics

·       Professional behavior and appearance

·       Strong work ethic, honest and ethical

·       Proactive, resourceful and client service oriented

·       Team oriented attitude

Working Conditions

·       Ability to sit and use computers for extended periods of time

·       Ability to travel by air and car

·       Ability to carry and transport heavy bags, computers, etc.

·       Ability to provide own transportation for traveling to client assignments and for personal development programs

·       Limited out-of-town travel, with overnight stay for work at clients’, meetings or seminars

·       Overtime work required periodically throughout year.  Heavy overtime work required February 1 through April 15

·       Total hours generally range from 2,300-2,400, including PTO, with the chargeable mix determined during the annual goal setting process

Contact Person: Cris Currenti