Staff Accountant I

About the role

Under supervision, the Staff Accountant I will assist in audits, reviews, compilations; prepare tax returns for individuals, corporations, trusts and partnerships; conduct tax research and assist in tax planning; complete corporate accounting engagements; prepare financial statements and communicate as needed with reviewer, Manager or Principal. This position works extra hours during tax season.

Essential Functions

• Performs all work according to the firm’s methods, policies and procedures.
• Prepares workpapers and individual tax returns.
• Prepares tax return extensions as needed.
• Performs bookkeeping tasks for businesses (including non-profits) and individuals.
• Sets up and organizes engagement binders as needed.
• Prepares workpapers for business income tax returns.
• Promotes and celebrates team successes with all team members; fosters collaboration with others; develops and maintains positive work relationships; actively participates in team-oriented objectives and activities.
• Not just task-oriented but employee actively engages to understand the reason behind KWC methods and practices; identifies and evaluates many possible causes for a problem; is open to new ideas perspectives, strategies or positions; proactively seeks to test, validate, modify and improve new ideas and methods.
• Conforms to the highest professional standards; develops and maintains the highest standards of excellence and integrity; builds internal/external customer respect and loyalty; creates an environment of continuous improvement and innovation.
• Prepares client correspondence and effectively communicates on a timely and responsive basis with fellow employees.
• Makes daily decisions and adjusts activity to enhance profitability; identifies and takes advantage of opportunities to accomplish multiple tasks; takes action without being asked or required to do so.
• Performs other tasks as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance required
• One or more years of related experience
• An understanding of the basic principles of accounting

Other Skills / Abilities

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Proven ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong understanding of US tax regulations
• Knowledge of state and federal tax form processes and how to accurately properly prepare forms for each
• Ability to prioritize daily tasks and meet timely obligations with many clients
• Knowledge of accounting processes and advanced mathematical skills
• Experience consulting tax handbooks or other printed materials to determine the proper procedure for preparing challenging returns
• Skilled using various accounting software and experience in troubleshooting common accounting program problems
• Personal integrity when working with personal and sensitive financial information
• Professional experience in financial forecasting and risk analysis

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Occasional non-local travel may be required no more than 5-10% of the year, depending on your client base
• Occasional lifting of boxes and/or paperwork up to 25 pounds