Sales Development Representative 1

About the role

At PaulHood we are transforming the mid-market CPA industry with an entirely new model. Our year-round tax-smart advisory and guidance plan and services provides clients with expert tax and financial guidance, helping them feel more secure and realize their long-term financial goals. Founded 30 years ago by Paul Hood, our company has grown rapidly and now serves over 15,000 customers nationwide. To support our continued growth, we have completely modernized our business with technology and processes more akin to a SaaS company than a CPA firm. In response to this growth, we are seeking a Sales Development Representative I to help maintain our strong conversion from partnerships, referrals, inbound lead sources and proactively identify, engage, and qualify new business leads, setting the foundation for long-term client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Follow-up, engage, and qualify prospective clients for scheduled initial meetings through research, networking, and multi-channel prospecting efforts.
• Respond promptly to inbound leads (demo requests, contact forms, referral submissions, partnership submissions) to ensure smooth handoff for qualified opportunities and scheduled meetings.
• Maintain high activity output through conducting cold calls, emails, inquiry follow-ups, and other outreach methods to introduce PaulHood’s services and opportunities.
• Initiate conversations and build relationships with potential clients to uncover their needs, challenges, and goals.
• Present tailored plan services value propositions aligned to prospect needs and goals.
• Share detailed notes and context from discovery conversations.
• Categorize leads based on readiness to purchase, ensuring they are prioritized and prepared for seamless handoff to the sales team.
• Prepare and send contracts and follow-up materials to prospects, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery to help keep prospects engaged and moving forward in the sales funnel.
• Handle basic objections confidently and drive urgency to encourage next steps toward closing.
• Work closely with sales and marketing teams to adjust outreach and follow-up strategies based on seasonal demand and market trends.
• Maintain accurate lead records using PaulHood’s sales technology stack and provide actionable insights into lead quality, conversion trends, and outreach effectiveness.
• Partner with the Sales Development Manager to improve lead quality, conversion, and offer suggestions to optimize marketing materials and outreach strategies

Requirements

• A proven track record in sales or a client-facing, professional setting.
• Excellent communication and research skills.
• Experience using CRM tools in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
• Highly motivated, curious, results-oriented, and comfortable initiating conversations with new prospects from referrals, partnerships, and inbound / outbound lead sources.
• A strong collaborator who can adapt quickly, stay organized across many interactions, and be receptive to valuable feedback and coaching to improve our outreach processes and performance.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent required.
• 6 months of previous experience in a client-facing role, preferably in sales, client experience, or sales/business development.
• 1 year in a professional setting, preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain focus, accuracy, and drive during high and low volume periods required.
• Strong organizational and time management skills are required.
• Familiarity with CRM platforms and tracking outreach efforts, preferred.

Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Exceptional customer service skills.
• Natural curiosity and a knack for building and nurturing relationships.
• Effective management of multiple leads and prioritization of tasks with exceptional attention to detail.
• Self-driven and proactive with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• A desire to grow beyond the role and a genuine interest in kicking off a career in sales.
• Flexibility and openness to coaching and feedback, always striving to improve skills and performance.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and quick learning of new software and technology.
• Maintaining confidentiality, upholding professionalism, and reliable attendance.
• Ability to work in high-paced environments and remain calm and focused under stress.

Benefits

• Commission Opportunities
• Stock Options
• Generous time off allowance (Holiday, Vacation, & Sick time), above industry standard
• Paid parental leave
• Comprehensive Employee Benefits Package
• 401k Program with Company Matching
• Paid Volunteer Days
• Education/Personal Growth Reimbursement

Pay

Pay Range: $55k - $65k OTE

Schedule

Some travel required - 5% or less per year.