Tax Associate, Core Tax Services - Fall 2026 (Los Angeles)

BDO provides assurance, tax, and advisory services to clients across the U.S. and around the globe. As a Tax Associate in Core Tax Services, you’ll assist with tax return preparation, research, and compliance while working with a team to support clients and minimize their tax burdens.

Responsibilities

• Ensures clients comply with all applicable tax authorities while minimizing their tax and reporting burdens; ensures self and client service teams comply with all Firm policies, standards, and the BDO Tax Quality Manual (TQM).
• Applies understanding of client circumstances and legal requirements to prepare tax returns, using a system of review and documentation to ensure full compliance and minimize tax burdens.
• Collects all necessary data for tax filings; identifies and communicates missing items to prepare returns accurately.
• Utilizes Firm compliance software to maximize efficiency in the tax preparation process.
• Collaborates with Seniors to complete projects, including follow-up on open items.
• Documents all significant tax positions.
• Correctly and proactively applies Firm policies, standards, and TQM regarding ASC 740 (FAS 109 and FIN 48) for tax accruals.
• Assists with preparation and/or review of income tax provisions.
• Develops, recommends, and implements efficient methods to maximize client benefits, particularly in reducing current and future tax liabilities.
• Applies knowledge of state-specific corporate, partnership, and individual tax structures and filing requirements.
• Drafts clear and concise general memorandums and correspondence.
• Identifies relevant tax issues or opportunities during the tax compliance process.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Statistics OR Bachelor’s degree in another field with CPA certification (or Authorization to Test for the CPA exam, or equivalent documentation, prior to start date).
• Master’s degree in Accountancy or Taxation preferred.
• Leadership experience preferred.
• Accounting-based internship preferred.
• Eligible to sit for the CPA exams; progress toward admission to practice in a U.S. jurisdiction and/or progress toward Internal Revenue Service Enrolled Agent (EA) designation preferred.
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite preferred.

Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to follow instructions and work effectively in a team setting.
• Proactive in taking appropriate actions without being asked.
• Seeks advice from superiors on compliance-related issues.
• Ability to prepare simple tax returns.

Pay

• California: $85,000 - $90,000
• Colorado: $73,000 - $77,000
• Illinois: $78,000 - $82,000
• Maryland: $83,000 - $87,000
• Massachusetts: $83,000 - $87,000
• Minnesota: $70,000 - $74,000
• New Jersey: $78,000 - $82,000
• NYC/Long Island/Westchester: $83,000 - $87,000
• Ohio: $71,000 - $75,000
• Virginia: $83,000 - $87,000
• Washington: $78,000 - $80,000
• Washington DC: $83,000 - $87,000

Benefits

BDO offers a comprehensive Total Rewards package, including an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) that provides participants with beneficial ownership and a unique opportunity to enhance financial well-being. Benefits may be subject to eligibility requirements.