Tax Associate

Description

About Us

Our mission is to develop relationship-driven professionals who deliver an exceptional client experience and collaborate with each other, in a fun and rewarding environment.  

Smith Leonard is a growth-minded, regional CPA firm with offices in High Point, Winston-Salem, Hickory, and Lexington, NC. We’ve discovered that public accounting is not a one-size fits all proposition. Different firms offer varying experiences, culture and work environment. Smith Leonard is proud to be a firm that offers an approachable, yet professional culture with great work/life balance, including remote/hybrid options and 1/2 day Fridays in the summer (a 36-hour work week). We are consistently rated one of the “Best Firms to Work For” by Accounting Today in their annual employee survey and are a top ten Mid-Sized firm nationwide. We have also received further distinction in 2025 as one of the "Best Firms for Young Accountants" nationwide. Our team is empowered and energized by the autonomy of local decision-making and community impact, but our affiliation as a BDO Alliance firm gives us access to scalability and far superior technical resources than you would expect from a firm that can also provide top-notch local customer service. Our daily work benefits include flexible schedules and “dress for your day” (blue jeans!) every day. We offer a casual, approachable environment for our team while delivering professional-level service to our clients and community.

Smith Leonard offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, an excellent learning environment, and an appreciation for work-life balance. The benefits package includes health insurance (one option is 100% employer paid!), dental, vision, disability, life insurance, a corporate wellness program offering free health coaching and monthly lunch and learns, holiday and PTO pay, Thank You Days, Paid Parental Leave, Annual Day of Service (company Volunteer Day), and 401K with a generous company contribution.

Job Summary: 

The Tax Associate supports the preparation of tax returns for individuals, partnerships, S corporations, C corporations, and trusts. This role collaborates with team members to deliver accurate, timely client service while developing foundational knowledge in tax compliance, planning, and research. Responsibilities also include supporting internal processes, maintaining tax documentation, and assisting with administrative and quality control tasks.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

(Supervision means the position has responsibility for the employee life cycle: hiring/firing, assigning work, performance reviews, disciplinary action, providing direction, training, scheduling/approving time off, etc.)

Does this position provide supervision to others?  ? No ? Yes

Essential Job Functions:

•  Provide tax compliance and business advisory services to individuals and businesses, including partnerships, S corporations, and C corporations.
• Provide thoughtful and proactive service to clients and collaborate with tax team members.
• Build client relationships with individuals, business owners, CFOs, and Controllers.
• Evaluate tax service procedures and recommend improvements.
• Manage multiple projects and work with engagement teams for various clients.
• Conduct preliminary tax research and summarize findings to address client inquiries.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with clients to gather tax-related information.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable tax laws and regulations.
• Maintain client files and organize supporting documentation for tax filings in accordance with firm protocols.
• Assist with internal initiatives such as process improvements, training programs, and quality control tasks including e-filing and document preparation.
• Participate in continuing professional education (CPE) courses and training programs.
• Accurately track and record time using the firm’s time entry system, ensuring proper documentation of billable hours, client work, and project activities in compliance with firm policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills & Abilities: 

• Excellent research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex tax concepts.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and tax preparation software.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to providing exceptional client service.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to work extended hours during peak tax seasons.
• Demonstrated alignment with our firm’s mission to develop relationship-driven professionals who deliver an exceptional client experience and collaborate in a fun and rewarding environment.

Experience:

• Possess 0-3 years of public accounting experience in a tax environment dealing with a variety of clients and accounting assistance. Previous experience as a tax intern in a public accounting firm preferred. 
• Exposure to bookkeeping, financial statement preparation, or general ledger reconciliation, as well as familiarity with IRS tax forms (1040, 1120, 1065, etc.) and state tax filing requirements preferred.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required.  
• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (or currently pursuing) is preferred. 

CREDENTIALS / LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS / professional standards:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification (or currently pursuing) preferred. 

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and move around for extended periods of time. 
• Ability to lift and carry light weight objects (up to 10 pounds)
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with moderate noise levels.
• Ability to hear and communicate effectively with clients, staff, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to use a computer and other office equipment for extended periods of time.
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time for client engagements or firm-related activities (primarily day travel, infrequent overnight travel).

An Equal Opportunity Employer:

Smith Leonard is an equal opportunity employer and administers all personnel practices without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, mental or physical disability or medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law.