Summary/Objective
The Tax Associate 1 Intern will report to the Tax Managers. The Tax Associate 1 Intern is responsible for directly supporting the Tax Team on federal and state income tax preparation; specifically, data entry of 1040 returns and Personal Property Tax (PPT).
Essential Functions
Prepare various types of basic tax returns (1040, 1041, 1120, 1120S and 1065)
Prepare tax related reports for clients (Personal Property Tax, Extensions, Estimated Payment Vouchers, Tax Notices, etc.)
Research as needed to respond to client questions and prepare tax returns accurately
Compare tax returns to tax projections prepared by in-house Financial Planners
Responsibilities and Duties
Participate in planning of workflow to ensure completion of assigned returns
Assist in set up of new client tax returns and workpapers
Prepare individual and personal property tax returns
May help prepare some partnership and corporate tax returns.
Client contact as needed to facilitate completion of tax issues
Internal contact as needed between various departments to facilitate completion of tax issues
Documentation of records and workpapers to firm's electronic file cabinet to ensure accurate, organized recordkeeping
Assist fellow department members in order for the department to complete annual tax season goal
Daily use of multiple software programs for organization of workpapers, tax returns and workflow management
Prepare assigned returns in timeframe given in order to timely deliver tax returns to clients
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Essential functions and responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Education and Experience
Individual working towards bachelor's degree in accounting, tax or related field
GPA of 3.0 or higher preferred
Basic knowledge of tax laws preferred
Strong communication, interpersonal and organizational skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office with an emphasis on MS Excel
Proficiency in Adobe Acrobat preferred
Travel
No travel is expected for this position.
Work Environment
This job operates in a clerical, office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
Physical Demands
This is a largely sedentary role; however, some filing may be required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary.
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time, internship position. This internship program begins Monday, January 4, 2027 and concludes on Friday, May 28, 2027 with potential to extend through October of 2027 based on business need and individual performance. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some flexibility in hours may be allowed based on management’s approval.
CWA has consistently been recognized from rating services and publications such as:
INSIDE Public Accounting - Top 100 Firms (2022, 2023, 2024)
Top Workplaces - Financial Services (2024)
Top Workplaces - Culture Excellence (2024)
Accounting Today - Top Firm by AUM (2024)
USA Today - Top Workplaces (2024, 2025)
Accounting Today - Top 100 Firms (2022, 2023, 2026)
Forbes America's Best Tax & Accounting Firms (2022, 2023)
INSIDE Public Accounting - Top 100 Fastest Growing Firms (2022)
Dallas Morning News - Top Workplace (2022, 2023)
Accounting Today - Beyond Top 100: Firms to Watch (2020)
Accounting Today - Regional Leaders Top Firms (2012, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2020)
INSIDE Public Accounting - Beyond the Top 100 (2015, 2016, 2018, 2020)
INSIDE Public Accounting - Top 200 Firms (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)
Cain Watters & Associates is committed to upholding the principles of the Equal Pay and Opportunity Act (EPOA). If you have any concerns regarding compliance with this policy, we encourage you to report them immediately by contacting HR at [email protected]. Your concerns will be handled with the utmost confidentiality and care.
Skills Required
- Working toward a bachelor's degree in accounting, tax, or a related field
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, with an emphasis on Microsoft Excel
- Basic knowledge of tax laws
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Proficiency in Adobe Acrobat
What We Do
Cain Watters & Associates (CWA) is a financial-services and accounting firm focused on dentists, dental practices, and business owners nationwide. Founded in 1984, it provides CPA and accounting services, proactive tax planning, financial and retirement planning, estate and risk solutions, practice-transition guidance, and investment advisory services. Its mission is to help clients improve practice profitability, build wealth, and achieve long-term financial goals through specialized expertise and education.
