Job Description
Senior Tax Accountant
Location: Bethesda, MD (Hybrid: 3 days in office, 2 days remote)
Department: Tax & Accounting
Reports to: Tax Manager / Director of Tax
Employment type: Full-time
Salary range: $85,000 - $115,000 per year, depending on experience and credentials
About
A growing accounting firm based in Bethesda, Maryland, serving individuals, closely held businesses, and mid-market companies across the DC metro area. We value technical excellence, clear communication, and a supportive team culture that invests in professional growth.
Position Summary
The Senior Tax Accountant plays a key role in preparing and reviewing federal, state, and local tax filings for a diverse client or entity base. This position combines hands-on technical work with review responsibilities, mentoring of junior staff, and direct client interaction. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, comfortable managing multiple deadlines, and eager to take on increasing responsibility.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare and review complex federal and multi-state income tax returns for corporations, partnerships, S corporations, and high-net-worth individuals (Forms 1120, 1120-S, 1065, 1040)
- Prepare Maryland, DC, and Virginia state and local filings, including pass-through entity elections and composite or withholding returns
- Compute quarterly estimated tax payments and extension calculations
- Prepare and review tax provisions and supporting workpapers, including deferred taxes and book-to-tax reconciliations
- Research and document technical tax issues, and communicate findings clearly to clients and management
- Review work prepared by staff and associate accountants, providing constructive feedback and coaching
- Respond to IRS and state tax notices and assist with audit support
- Identify tax planning and savings opportunities for clients
- Maintain current knowledge of federal, Maryland, and DC tax law changes and assess their impact
- Help improve tax workflows, document-management processes, and use of tax software
- Collaborate with the audit, advisory, and accounting teams as needed
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Taxation, or Finance
- 4+ years of progressive tax preparation and review experience in public accounting or corporate tax
- Strong working knowledge of partnership (Subchapter K), S corporation, and C corporation taxation
- Experience with tax preparation software (such as CCH Axcess, GoSystem Tax RS, UltraTax CS, or Lacerte) and Microsoft Excel
- Excellent analytical, research, and written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently, prioritize competing deadlines, and thrive during busy season
Preferred Qualifications
- Active CPA license, or CPA candidate with credits to sit for the exam; EA considered
- Master's degree in Taxation or an MBA
- Experience with multi-state (SALT) issues, real estate, nonprofit, or government-contracting clients
- Familiarity with research tools such as Checkpoint, CCH IntelliConnect, or Bloomberg Tax
- Prior experience supervising or mentoring junior staff
Skills and Competencies
- Technical accuracy and strong attention to detail
- Sound professional judgment and integrity
- Clear, client-friendly communication
- Leadership potential and a collaborative approach
- Adaptability and a continuous-learning mindset
Work Environment
Office located in downtown Bethesda, close to the Bethesda Metro (Red Line) and public parking. Extended hours are expected during peak filing seasons (typically January-April and September-October), with flexibility and recognition during those periods.