Summary of Job Function:

The Staff Accountant 1 demonstrates the ability to perform most assigned work with minimal assistance while taking on more complex tasks. This position involves a wide variety of diversified accounting and tax assignments under the supervision of different professionals. The Staff Accountant I is expected to make decisions on all but the most unusual accounting, auditing, and tax matters. Performance is evaluated on the work quality, application of accounting and tax knowledge, and the ability to meet time and budget constraints.

Duties and Responsibilities: Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Professional Knowledge/Technical Expertise

• Perform diversified accounting, auditing, and tax assignments under the direction of supervisor, manager, or partner.
• Demonstrate competency in technical skills, work quality, and adherence to professional and firm standards.
• Prepare clean, concise work papers with definitive conclusions.
• Demonstrate proficiency in firm-specific and industry-specific software.
• Participate in planning and scheduling client engagements.
• Read and interpret financial statements.

Client Development/Client Relationships

• Meet time constraints and client deadlines; respond promptly to client inquiries and needs.
• Build relationships with peers at client sites.
• Form community and association alliances.
• Recognize and support the firm’s commitment to providing excellent client service.
• Develop positive working relationships with client personnel.
• Consistently demonstrate quality in all aspects of work.

Management/Leadership

• Manage time and tasks effectively.
• Seek clarification on assignments when needed.
• Understand how individual tasks contribute to the larger client deliverable.
• Anticipate problems and keep the in-charge/manager informed of engagement status.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding firm and client information.
• Seek learning opportunities and assume responsibilities for tasks that challenge current ability.
• Take calculated risks when appropriate.
• Uphold the firm’s values of integrity and professional compassion by treating others fairly and respectfully.

Working Conditions

• General office working conditions with minimal hazards.
• Occasional same-day travel using personal vehicle for client work, meetings, or seminars.
• Occasional out-of-town travel requiring overnight stays.
• Extended hours required during peak periods, including tax season (January to April) which may exceed 55 hours per week. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Education & Professional Experience Requirements

A bachelor’s or master’s degree in accounting is required. Experience in public accounting with a focus on individual or business tax (preferred). Proficiency in computer systems within a paperless work environment (preferred). Valid CPA license or actively working toward CPA certification.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong numerical and math skills are required.
• Knowledge of basic accounting principles and financial analysis practices.
• Ability  to collect, evaluate and interpret data in statistical and narrative form.
• Skilled in file preparation, record maintenance, and documentation.
• Strong written, oral, and listening communication skills.
• Proficiency in Micosoft Excel and general computer literacy, including relevant software applications.
• Strong problem-solving, data entry, verification, time management, and organizational skills.

Additional Information

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. You may be asked by supervisors or managers to perform other duties as needed. Performance will be evaluated in part based on the responsibilities listed above. Management reserves the right to revise this description at any time. This job description is not an employment contract, and employment may be terminated by either party at any time, for any reason.