A Tax Specialist is responsible for documenting all stages of the accounting cycle in order to prepare Federal, State and local tax returns. Will review data prior to preparing the returns, prepare and file returns and will also provide background documentation in case of an audit.
Tax Specialist Cooley LLP life insurance, parental leave, paid time off, paid holidays United States, California, Palo Alto Aug 21, 2026
Tax Specialist Cooley is seeking a Tax Specialist to join the Accounting & Finance team.
Position summary:
The Tax Specialist is responsible for firm's tax compliance, tax reporting, and regulatory filings across all offices and applicable tax jurisdictions, ensuring compliance with all tax laws and reporting requirements. Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: Position responsibilities: Collect, reconcile, and provide tax information and supporting documentation to the firm's external tax advisors for the preparation of annual U.S. federal and state partnership tax returns and partners' Schedule K-1s
Coordinate with the firm's external tax advisors to facilitate the timely preparation and filing of federal and state partnership tax returns, including responding to information requests and reviewing draft filings
Prepare and file all local tax returns, including, but not limited to, property tax, sales and use tax, gross receipts, and other local tax returns, ensuring timely compliance with applicable filing requirements
Prepare monthly reconciliations for certain general ledger accounts and maintain supporting workpapers for year-end tax preparation
Monitor tax filing deadlines and coordinate with internal departments and external tax advisors to ensure timely completion of all tax filings
Research tax issues and monitor changes in federal, state, and local tax laws and regulations to ensure ongoing compliance and identify potential impacts to the firm
Respond to IRS, state, and local tax notices and assist with tax examinations and audits, as needed
Assist with partner tax communications, including the distribution of quarterly tax estimates and annual Schedule K-1s, and respond promptly to partner inquiries
Assist with the annual budgeting process by preparing tax-related projections, estimates, and supporting analysis
Perform other tax and accounting duties and special projects as assigned or required Skills and experience:
Required:
After orientation at Cooley LLP, exhibit proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, iManage and other firm applications
Available to work overtime, as required
Ability to travel, as required
3+ years' prior tax/accounting-related experience
Preferred:
Bachelor's degree, preferably a BS in Accounting
Prior experience in a law firm or professional services firm
CPA certification
International law firm experience strongly preferred
Elite 3E or Elite Enterprise experience
Competencies:
Excellent attention to detail
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Ability to organize, prioritize and coordinate multiple activities
Strong judgment
Team-player with collaborative spirit
Unwavering ability to handle and maintain confidentiality regarding firm information, projects, client data (if applicable)
Ability to work independently, prioritize and multi-task under tight deadlines, and maintain flexibility with work assignments and schedule
Strong analytical skills
Motivated self-starter and ability to take initiative
High level of professionalism at all times Cooley offers a competitive compensation and excellent benefits package and is committed to fair and equitable employment practices. EOE. The expected hourly pay range for this position with a work schedule of 40 hours per week is $36.00 - $53.00 ($74,880.00 - $110,240.00 annually). Please note that final offer amount will be dependent on geographic location, applicable experience and skillset of the candidate. Senior level candidates may be considered for this position and would be eligible for a higher salary range based on experience. We offer a full range of elective benefits including medical, health savings account (with applicable medical plan), dental, vision, health and/or dependent care flexible spending accounts, pre-tax commuter benefits, life insurance, AD&D, long-term care coverage, backup care for children and/or adults and other parental support benefits. In addition to elective benefit options, benefited employees receive firm-paid life insurance, AD&D, LTD, short term medical benefits as well as 20 days of Paid Time Off ("PTO") and 10 paid holidays each year. We provide generous parental leave and fertility benefits. employees will attend a detailed benefit orientation to learn more about our many benefits and resources.