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Job Description
We are a growing tax and accounting firm serving individuals and small businesses in the Columbia/Howard County, Maryland area. We are seeking an experienced Senior Tax Preparer or Tax Manager to join our team on a part-time, hybrid basis. This position is a year-round opportunity to support our tax division. This is a high-impact role with real ownership — you will review and finalize client returns, mentor junior staff, and play an active role in growing our client base. This role is ideal for a credentialed tax professional who wants flexible, meaningful work with strong earning potential through performance bonuses. This position is perfect for professionals eager to leverage their expertise in a flexible, fast-paced environment that values accuracy, integrity, and proactive problem-solving. Qualifications Required Minimum 5+ years of tax preparation experience: Individual (1040) and small business return expertise Experience reviewing others' returns Proficiency in tax software (Drake, Taxslayer , CCH Tax, or equivalent) Strong client communication skills Ability to work independently with minimal oversight Compensation & benefits Preferred CPA or Enrolled Agent (EA) license Experience with trust, estate, or multi state returns Prior supervisory or team lead experience QuickBooks or bookkeeping familiarity Prior business development or client facing experience •Final candidates will be expected to pass a income-tax knowledge skills assessment test and complete a criminal and professional background check.•Key responsibilities Tax preparation & review: Review and sign off on completed individual (1040), S-corp, partnership, and Schedule C tax returns prepared by junior staff Prepare complex or high-priority returns independently Identify errors, missed deductions, and compliance issues before filing Conduct quality control checks to maintain firm accuracy standard Staff management & mentoring: Oversee day-to-day workflow of tax preparers during peak season Review and provide feedback on junior staff returns Train and mentor staff on tax law updates, procedures, and best practices Prioritize workload to meet client deadlines Client growth & business development Conduct free 20-30 minute "tax checkup" consultations to convert new prospects Perform proactive Q3/Q4 year-end planning calls with existing clients Identify upsell opportunities (bookkeeping, payroll, business entity formation) Confidential Build referral relationships with local real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and financial advisors Represent the firm at Howard County business events, community workshops, or pop-up tax clinics (1-2x per quarter, off-season) Client retention: Send personalized outreach to clients with life changes (new home, new business, marriage, child) Track client satisfaction and flag at-risk relationships before they seek a competitor Follow up with prior-year prospects who did not engage Tax research Draft Form 8821 and state Power of Attorney (POA) on behalf of clients Call the IRS and state agencies on behalf of clients to resolve notices, inquiries, and account issues Meet with clients to interpret and explain research results, IRS responses, and notice outcomes Tax planning Conduct 15-minute or 1-hour client consultations to assess tax planning needs Learn and document client financial goals to inform planning strategy Assign income projection work to staff accountants for further analysis Run tax scenarios through tax software to model outcomes and advise clients Benefits Hybrid work arrangement — in-office during peak season January - May, some remote flexibility in off-season Flexible scheduling but will be expected to attend staff meetings Mondays & Wednesdays from 10:00am-11:00am. Professional memberships supported (MACPA, AICPA, NAEA as applicable) Access to firm's tax software, research tools, and client management system Opportunity to grow into a full-time or expanded role as the firm grows and open other locations. Collaborative, low-stress culture — we value accuracy over volume.
Pay:
$40.00 - $55.00 per hour
Benefits:
Flexible schedule Opportunities for advancement Application Question(s): This is a seasonal position with year round opportunities: Are you available to work 20-30 hours
IN-OFFICE
between 9-5 during our busiest season from January -May? Briefly describe your experience conducting tax planning or tax consultations with clients: Why would you be a good candidate for this position? Have you ever been responsible for generating new business or client referrals? Are you willing to take a income tax skills assessment test IF selected as a final candidate? Briefly describe your experience reviewing 1040, 1120S, and 1065 returns and list the tax software used.
Experience:
articulating tax results to clients (exit interviews): 2 years (Required) final reviewal of tax returns: 3 years (Required)
Professional Tax Preparation:
5 years (Required) management of the entire tax return process : 3 years (Required) staff management: 2 years (Required) client facing tax consultations: 2 years (Required)
License/Certification:
Maryland Tax Preparer License, CPA, or EA (Required)