Tax Associate 2 - Utah Office

Summary/Objective 

Reporting to the Tax Manager, the Tax Associate 2 is responsible for serving as an integral member in the tax department and ensuring the department creates and delivers accurate and timely tax returns and other tax products for the organization. 

Essential Functions 

1. Prepare various types of basic to moderately complex tax returns (1040, 1041, 1120, 1120S and 1065) 

1. Provide tax related services for clients (Personal Property Tax, Extensions, Estimated Payment Vouchers, Tax Notices, etc.) 

1. Research as needed to respond to client questions and prepare tax returns accurately 

1. Compare tax returns to tax projections prepared by in-house Financial Planners 

Responsibilities and Duties 

1. Participate in planning of workflow to ensure completion of assigned returns 

1. Assist in set up of new client tax returns and workpapers 

1. Prepare partnership, corporate, individual and personal property tax returns 

1. Client contact as needed to facilitate completion of tax issues 

1. Internal contact as needed between various departments to facilitate completion of tax issues 

1. Documentation of records and workpapers to firm's electronic file cabinet to ensure accurate, organized recordkeeping 

1. Assist fellow department members in order for the department to complete annual tax season goals 

1. Daily use of multiple software programs for organization of workpapers, tax returns, and workflow management 

1. Analyze unaudited financial statements to determine adjustments necessary for accurate tax treatment 

1. Prepare assigned returns in timeframe given in order to timely deliver tax returns to clients  

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Essential functions and responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.  

Education and Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Accounting, Tax or related field 

• CPA eligible or EA eligible required 

• 1+ years’ experience in public accounting or its equivalent 

• Thorough knowledge of tax laws 

• Strong communication, interpersonal and organizational skills 

• Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel 

• Proficient in Adobe Acrobat 

Preferred Education and Experience: 

• Master's degree in Accounting or related field 

• CPA or EA preferred 

• Big four or large public accounting firm experience 

• CCH Axcess Tax, Engagement & BNA Income Tax Planner 

Travel 

No travel is expected for this position. 

Work Environment 

This job operates in a clerical, open-environment, office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, printers, filing cabinets and fax machines. Upon management’s approval, remote work may be allowed using firm-approved office equipment.  Correspondence with coworkers may be in person or through virtual means. 

Physical Demands 

This is a largely sedentary role; however, some filing may be required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary.   

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work 

This is a full-time, exempt position. Typical days and hours of work are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. although additional hours may be required in order to complete work timely and accurately. Flexibility in hours is allowed based on management’s approval. The ability to work remotely is allowed based on management’s approval. 

Compensation

Minimum: $85,000.00 - Maximum: $90,000.00 USD

Benefits

Heavily subsidized medical insurance options

Generous employer HSA contributions

100% employer-paid Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Accident, Basic Life Insurance, and Telehealth/Virtual Urgent Care/Whole Mental Health

Dental and Vision plans

Unlimited PTO

Organization-paid holidays, including an extended Winter Break

Safe Harbor 401k Plan

Employer-paid professional dues, licenses, and renewals

Continuing Education resources

Family Planning Assistance Program and Paid Parental Leave

Subsidized fitness programs

CWA has consistently been recognized from rating services and publications such as:

INSIDE Public Accounting - Top 100 Firms (2022, 2023, 2024)

Top Workplaces - Financial Services (2024)

Top Workplaces - Culture Excellence (2024)

Accounting Today - Top Firm by AUM (2024)

USA Today - Top Workplaces (2024, 2025)

Accounting Today - Top 100 Firms (2022, 2023)

Forbes America's Best Tax & Accounting Firms (2022, 2023)

INSIDE Public Accounting - Top 100 Fastest Growing Firms (2022)

Dallas Morning News - Top Workplace (2022, 2023)

Accounting Today - Beyond Top 100: Firms to Watch (2020)

Accounting Today - Regional Leaders Top Firms (2012, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2020)

INSIDE Public Accounting - Beyond the Top 100 (2015, 2016, 2018, 2020)

INSIDE Public Accounting - Top 200 Firms (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)

Cain Watters & Associates is committed to upholding the principles of the Equal Pay and Opportunity Act (EPOA). If you have any concerns regarding compliance with this policy, we encourage you to report them immediately by contacting HR at hr@cainwatters.com. Your concerns will be handled with the utmost confidentiality and care.