Role Overview Trajan Tax is growing, and we are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Tax Associate to join our Scottsdale, AZ office. This role serves as an important stepping stone between an entry-level tax professional and a senior Tax CPA. The Tax Associate will support tax preparation, accounting, research, and client service activities while continuing to develop technical expertise and professional skills.
This position is ideal for an accounting professional who is actively pursuing CPA licensure, recently CPA eligible, or a newly licensed CPA seeking to gain additional public accounting experience. The Tax Associate will work closely with senior tax professionals and clients while gaining exposure to tax planning, tax compliance, and consulting engagements.
This position is onsite at our Scottsdale corporate headquarters.
Duties and responsibilities- Prepare and review individual and business tax returns, including Forms 1040, 1120C, 1120S, 1065, and 1041.
- Gather, organize, and analyze client financial information to ensure timely and accurate tax return preparation.
- Conduct tax research and assist in identifying tax planning opportunities for clients.
- Support tax projections, quarterly estimated tax calculations, and year-end tax planning initiatives.
- Communicate directly with clients to request documentation, answer routine tax questions, and provide status updates.
- Assist with IRS and state tax notices, correspondence, and resolution efforts.
- Participate in client engagements from planning through completion while ensuring deadlines and quality standards are met.
- Assist with year-end filings including 1099s, W-2/W-3s, personal property tax filings, and sales tax returns.
- Support accounting and financial statement engagements by performing reconciliations, posting journal entries, processing accounts payable and receivable transactions, and preparing workpapers.
- Collaborate with the Tax CPA on complex tax matters, consulting projects, and tax-saving strategies.
- Maintain awareness of changes in federal and state tax laws and regulations.
- Assist in mentoring interns and supporting the training of new team members as needed.
- Support internal finance and accounting projects as assigned.
Qualifications- 1-2 internships completed in tax
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
- CPA eligible, actively pursuing CPA licensure, or newly licensed CPA preferred.
- Working knowledge of federal and state tax laws and regulations.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to client service.
Benefits- $70,000 base salary plus $15,000 to $25,000 yearly bonus
- 401(k) with matching component
- United Healthcare PPO medical employee coverage paid by Company
- Delta Dental PPO, United Healthcare Vision, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance, and additional voluntary benefit options
- Generous holidays and PTO
- Professional development support and CPA growth opportunities
- Exposure to a variety of individual and business tax engagements
- Opportunity to work alongside experienced tax and wealth management professionals
