Certified Public Accountant

About the role

Drake & Associates is a growing financial planning firm dedicated to helping clients achieve financial confidence through comprehensive planning and an exceptional client experience. We are seeking a Certified Public Accountant who is passionate about serving clients, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and takes pride in delivering accurate, high-quality work.

The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) provides proactive tax planning, strategic consulting, and tax preparation services to our clients. The role balances year-round tax strategy and client consulting with seasonal tax preparation and compliance. Working closely with Financial Advisors, the CPA helps clients make tax-efficient decisions that support their broader financial goals. The ideal candidate is a relationship-focused tax professional who enjoys solving complex tax issues and delivering value beyond tax season.

Responsibilities

• Tax Strategy & Consulting
  • Meet with clients throughout the year to identify tax planning opportunities and strategies to minimize current and future tax liabilities.
  • Partner with Financial Advisors to integrate tax strategies into comprehensive financial plans.
  • Prepare tax projections, estimated payments, and scenario analyses.
  • Research federal and state tax laws and provide guidance on complex tax matters.
  • Identify planning opportunities involving retirement distributions, Roth conversions, charitable giving, capital gains, business entities, estate planning, and other tax-efficient strategies.
  • Assist with IRS and state notices, examinations, and tax-related issues.
  • Clearly communicate tax recommendations, risks, and planning opportunities to clients.
• Tax Preparation & Compliance
  • Prepare and review federal, state, and local tax returns for individuals, trusts, partnerships, corporations, and other business entities.
  • Gather and analyze client financial information to ensure accurate and timely filings.
  • Utilize tax preparation and research software to prepare returns, supporting schedules, and documentation.
  • Identify potential tax issues and ensure significant tax positions are appropriately researched and documented.
  • Respond to client questions regarding filings, estimated payments, and compliance requirements.
  • Stay current on changes in tax laws and regulations.
• Client Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
  • Build trusted client relationships through responsive, high-quality service.
  • Participate in client meetings and explain complex tax concepts in a clear, understandable manner.
  • Maintain confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive client information.
  • Identify opportunities to improve tax workflows, technology, automation, and overall client service.
  • Contribute ideas that strengthen the firm's tax practice and create additional value for clients.

Requirements

• Active CPA license in good standing.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting; Master's degree preferred.
• 5+ years of public accounting or tax advisory experience.
• Experience preparing complex individual and business tax returns.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state tax laws and regulations.
• Experience with tax preparation and research software.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain technical tax concepts to clients.