Tax & Research Specialist

Here’s why we think you should work here! 
With our varied client base, Christianson provides a challenging and fast-paced work environment with a wide range of opportunities for our employees. There is boundless potential for advancement and further education. We’re proud to be a community-oriented firm, and we value staff who understand the importance of giving back to the communities we serve and live in. We are professional, we work hard, but we also like to have fun. We enjoy time together in and out of work with planned socials, contests, and other events. 
We are looking for someone who:  

• Reviews and perfects tax returns while staying on top of the latest tax code changes.  
• Leads exciting client projects, with a focus in Renewable Energy and Partnership tax.  
• Dives into tax issues, prepares insightful memos, and optimizes client tax strategies.  
• Guides and mentors staff, develops quality control procedures, and drives business growth.  

Job Description:  

We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Tax & Research Specialist to join our firm. In this role, you'll support tax compliance, conduct in-depth research on tax laws and regulations, and provide actionable insights. The ideal candidate will also be responsible for overseeing the preparation and review of complex returns, ensuring compliance with tax law, and developing strategies to optimize tax liabilities. This role also involves managing client relationships, mentoring staff, and keeping the team updated on changes in tax regulations.

Examples of the duties:  

• Review individual, corporate, and partnership tax returns prepared by staff in coordination with existing tax department supervisors and managers 
• Lead client engagements across the firm with a focus on Renewable Energy and Partnership tax 
• Electronically research tax issues and prepare position memos to be used during partner/client/IRS review 
• Optimize clients’ tax liability and credit reporting to streamline the process and limit clients' tax burdens 
• Maintain knowledge of tax code changes, and of accounting procedures and theory in order to properly evaluate financial information 
• Be a staff mentor and provide staff with a resource for questions, including technical, procedural, and professional issues 
• Assist in developing/implementing/monitoring tax quality control policies and procedures 
• Prepare more complex individual, corporate, and partnership tax returns 
• Create and deliver tax presentations to partners, clients, and staff 
• Facilitate briefing of tax and A&A staff to keep Firm abreast of new tax issues 
• An active participant in business development who cultivates relationships to strengthen both themselves and the Firm  

Qualifications & Characteristics 

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting. 
• CPA or EA certification preferred or currently pursuing.
• 4+ years of public accounting experience.  
• Experience with Renewable Fuels is a plus. 
• Expertise in technical research and writing. 
• Strong leadership and motivational skills, with experience in training and mentoring team members under tight deadlines or complex situations.  
• Exceptional client service and relationship management skills with effective, professional communication.  
• Strong problem-solving, analytical skills, critical thinking skills, and attention to detail.  
• Can work independently but also work effectively with a team.  
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, including but not limited to Outlook, Excel, and Word. 

Other things we think you should know about the position 

• This position is open to remote candidates across the U.S.; however, preference will be given to applicants residing in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin due to proximity for occasional in-person meetings, team collaboration, or client engagements
• Hours are normally Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. CST 

Who We Are 
At Christianson, we’re more than just your local accounting and consulting firm. We’re dedicated to getting to know our clients on a deeper level so that we can not only serve their needs today, but also anticipate future needs and design custom solutions to ensure their success. We create clients for life. 
 
Christianson, PLLP, a locally and nationally respected CPA and consulting firm, provides traditional services such as accounting services, auditing, tax, and estate planning to large and small clients across a variety of industries, from agribusiness and manufacturing to biofuels and health care. 
 
We Want to See You Succeed 
Our firm’s purpose is to Help People Succeed, whether it be our client, our co-workers, or our communities. At Christianson, we take a special interest in pursuing people who have the capacity and desire to help people succeed. 

At Christianson, the fuel that drives our best work is collaboration. We’re not just about careers – we’re about opportunities for well-rounded individuals. We strive to give each employee room to grow, as a professional and as a person.  

Our experience, expertise, and skills are enriched by the varied landscape of people on our teams and in our communities. We’re dedicated to ensuring everyone at Christianson feels that they belong, that their ideas will be heard and respected, and that their unique perspective is appreciated and honored. Keeping our teammates involved and supported isn’t a one-time act – it’s an ongoing commitment!  

Some of the ways we empower our staff include continuing education opportunities; internal councils and committees to drive our wellness, engagement, and DEI efforts; and our annual onsite all-staff retreat we call “Camp Christianson”.  

Perks of working at Christianson 

• Personal Time Off  
• Holidays  
• Flexible Schedule to help with Work/Life Balance  
• Health care coverage  
• Dental  
• Aflac  
• Life, Disability, and AD & D Insurance   
• 401(k) savings plan  
• Continuing education support, including the cost of training and annual licensing   
• CPA exam support  
• Employee and Business Development referral programs 

Disclaimer: This job description reflects the assignment of essential functions. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. We are an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. 

In addition to competitive salaries, we take pride in offering a comprehensive range of benefits designed to support our team members. These benefits go beyond financial compensation, reflecting our commitment to our employees' well-being, balance, and personal growth. Some additional benefits include: 401(k) contributions, Health & Wellness support, Flexibility, Professional Development, and Seasonal Time-off. Salary range: $82,500-$150,000