Staff Tax Accountant

Staff Tax Accountant

Our Place Financial | Irvine, CA | Full-Time | Hybrid

Salary: $65,000–$80,000 annually + Tax Season Performance Bonus + Professional Development

About Our Place Financial

At Our Place Financial, we believe great accounting is about more than preparing tax returns and producing financial statements. It's about building relationships, understanding our clients' financial goals, and helping them make informed decisions that move their businesses forward.

We are a growing tax preparation, bookkeeping, and tax strategy firm serving individuals and small businesses nationwide. Our approach is personal, proactive, and consultative. We take the time to educate our clients, explain their numbers, and identify opportunities to improve their financial position.

We are not a traditional accounting firm. We don't measure success by billable hours, and we don't believe accountants should spend their entire careers behind a computer. We value collaboration, client relationships, professional development, and delivering an exceptional client experience.

About the Opportunity

We are seeking a Staff Tax Accountant with 2–3 years of professional tax preparation experience to join our growing team in Irvine, California.

This is a hands-on position for someone who has a strong foundation in tax preparation, enjoys working with clients, and wants to continue developing their technical expertise.

The ideal candidate is comfortable preparing individual and business tax returns, researching tax questions, working with financial statements, and communicating with clients.

We are especially interested in someone who wants to grow their career and work toward becoming an Enrolled Agent (EA). Our Place Financial is committed to investing in our team's professional development and will pay for the exam preparation program, study materials, and testing fees. Upon successfully obtaining the EA credential, the employee will receive an increase in base salary.

Key ResponsibilitiesTax Preparation & Compliance

• Prepare federal and state individual tax returns (Form 1040), including self-employment income, rental properties, investments, and itemized deductions.
• Prepare business tax returns, including partnerships (Form 1065), S-Corporations (Form 1120-S), and C-Corporations (Form 1120).
• Assist with the preparation of fiduciary and trust tax returns (Form 1041).
• Review client financial documents, bookkeeping records, and supporting tax documentation for accuracy and completeness.
• Identify missing information and communicate with clients to obtain necessary documentation.
• Research federal and state tax regulations and apply findings to client-specific circumstances.
• Prepare tax extensions, estimated tax calculations, and supporting schedules.
• Assist with tax notices, amended returns, and other tax compliance matters.
• Maintain organized, accurate client files and documentation.
• Meet tax preparation deadlines while maintaining a high standard of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Work closely with the bookkeeping team to resolve discrepancies, review financial information, and ensure accurate tax return preparation.

Tax Strategy & Advisory

Support

At Our Place Financial, tax strategy is an important part of how we serve our clients. We want our team members to understand not just how to prepare a return, but how tax decisions impact our clients' financial goals.

• Assist with tax projections and estimated tax calculations.
• Identify potential tax-saving opportunities during the preparation process.
• Support the development of tax planning recommendations for individuals and small business owners.
• Research business deductions, depreciation, tax credits, and entity-specific tax considerations.
• Collaborate with the bookkeeping team to ensure financial records support accurate tax preparation and proactive planning.
• Participate in client tax strategy meetings and gain exposure to year-round advisory services.
• Develop the technical knowledge necessary to take on greater responsibility in tax planning and advisory work.

Client Relationships & Communication

We believe our clients deserve more than someone who simply prepares their returns. We want team members who enjoy helping people understand their finances.

• Communicate directly with clients to request documentation, clarify financial information, and answer tax preparation questions.
• Explain tax-related information in a clear, professional, and approachable manner.
• Build positive relationships with clients through responsiveness, accuracy, and personalized service.
• Participate in client meetings and tax return review discussions when appropriate.
• Help clients understand their tax obligations and identify opportunities for future planning.
• Deliver an exceptional client experience that reflects Our Place Financial's service standards.

Team Collaboration & Professional Development

• Work closely with the bookkeeping team and other team members to complete tax preparation engagements.
• Collaborate with bookkeepers to resolve discrepancies and ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Participate in training, technical discussions, and ongoing professional development.
• Accept constructive feedback and continuously improve technical knowledge and preparation skills.
• Support improvements to tax preparation workflows and internal processes.
• Contribute to a collaborative, supportive work environment where team members share knowledge and help one another succeed.

QualificationsRequired

• 2–3 years of professional tax preparation experience, including individual tax returns and exposure to business tax returns.
• Experience preparing federal and state income tax returns.
• Working knowledge of Form 1040 and familiarity with Forms 1065, 1120-S, and 1120.
• Active IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN).
• Active California Tax Education Council (CTEC) registration, or another applicable exemption from registration.
• Understanding of federal tax regulations and California income tax requirements.
• Ability to interpret financial statements and supporting tax documentation.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently while knowing when to seek guidance.
• Comfortable working directly with clients.
• Interest in continuing professional development and advancing within the tax profession.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Experience preparing partnership and S-Corporation tax returns.
• Familiarity with fiduciary/trust tax returns (Form 1041).
• Experience with professional tax preparation software.
• Proficiency in QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop.
• Experience with multi-state tax returns.
• Exposure to tax projections, estimated payments, and tax planning.
• Interest in obtaining the Enrolled Agent (EA) credential.

Enrolled Agent (EA) Development Program

We believe in investing in our employees and helping them build meaningful, long-term careers.

Our Place Financial encourages our Staff Tax Accountants to pursue their Enrolled Agent (EA) credential and provides financial support to help them achieve this professional milestone.

For employees pursuing their EA credential, Our Place Financial will provide:

• Paid EA Exam Preparation Program: Company-paid enrollment in an approved EA examination preparation course.
• Study Materials: Company-paid textbooks, practice exams, and other approved study resources.
• Exam Fees: Company-paid testing fees for the IRS Special Enrollment Examination (SEE).
• Salary Increase Upon Credentialing: Employees who successfully obtain their EA credential will receive an increase in base salary in recognition of their expanded qualifications and professional development.

Our goal is to create opportunities for employees to grow from Staff Tax Accountant into more advanced tax preparation, tax strategy, and advisory roles.

What Makes Our Place Financial Different?

No Billable-Hour Requirements

We measure success through the quality of our work, client satisfaction, collaboration, and results—not how many hours you bill.

We Invest in Your Career

We don't expect you to have all the answers on day one. We want professionals who are eager to learn, ask questions, and develop their expertise. We actively support continuing education and professional credentialing.

Exposure to Tax Strategy

You'll gain experience beyond traditional tax return preparation by participating in tax planning, projections, and advisory engagements.

Meaningful Client Relationships

You'll have the opportunity to work directly with clients, understand their financial situations, and help them make informed decisions.

Collaborative Team Environment

We value professionals who share knowledge, support one another, and work together to deliver an exceptional client experience.

Opportunity to Grow

As our firm continues to expand, we want our team members to grow with us. We encourage professional development, increasing responsibility, and advancement opportunities.

Compensation & ScheduleCompensation

• Base Salary: $65,000–$80,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Tax Season Performance Bonus.
• Company-paid Enrolled Agent (EA) exam preparation program.
• Company-paid EA study materials and examination fees.
• Guaranteed salary increase upon successfully obtaining the EA credential.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

Location

Irvine, California

Employment Type: Full-Time | Hybrid

Schedule

• Hybrid schedule with regular in-office collaboration in Irvine, California.
• Additional scheduling expectations during tax season will be discussed during the interview process.
• Availability to support tax preparation deadlines and seasonal workload requirements.

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who enjoys accounting, takes pride in preparing accurate tax returns, and wants to continue building a career in tax.

You may have a few years of experience preparing returns and feel ready for the next step. You want to expand your knowledge of business taxation, develop stronger technical skills, and eventually become a trusted tax advisor.

You're someone who asks questions, takes ownership of your work, communicates professionally, and genuinely enjoys helping clients.

Most importantly, you're looking for a firm where you can continue learning, contribute to a growing team, and see a clear path for professional advancement.

If you're ready to take the next step in your tax career with a firm that values relationships, professional development, and exceptional client service, we'd love to hear from you.

Join Our Place Financial and build a career where your growth, expertise, and relationships matter.

Pay: $65,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person