Tax Preparer

Description

Accounting Aid Society is a mission-driven organization committed to advancing economic mobility and alleviating poverty through free tax assistance, small business support, and community partnerships. Named a Crain’s Best-Managed Nonprofit, we’re more than tax experts—we’re relationship builders using financial services to create a more inclusive economy.

Position Overview:

As a Tax Preparer, you will play a vital role in supporting individuals and families by preparing accurate tax returns and educating clients on the filing process. This position is ideal for a motivated self-starter who is detail-oriented, compassionate, and committed to making a positive community impact. 

Accounting Aid Society provides comprehensive tax preparation training. To be eligible to work as a Seasonal Tax Preparer after the training period, you must successfully complete the required training and pass the certification exam. 

 Training Schedule

• Training dates: Monday, January 4–Friday, January 15, 2027
• Successful completion of training and certification is required before beginning tax preparation duties.

Tax Season Schedule and Availability

Tax Sites operate on the following schedule:

• January and March: Tuesday through Saturday
• February and April: Monday through Saturday

*Candidates must be available to work within the applicable site schedule. Individual workdays, locations, and hours will be assigned based on staffing coverage and operational needs.

Shift Hours

• Monday–Friday: Tax sites operate from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Seasonal Tax Preparers will be assigned an eight-hour shift within this operating window.
• Saturday: 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. *Specific start and end times may vary by location and operational needs.

Key Responsibilities:

Tax Preparation and Client Service 

• Screen clients and complete intake documentation
• Prepare accurate federal, state, and local tax returns 
• Ensure all returns are reviewed by a Site Supervisor before client departure
• Adhere to IRS guidelines regarding client confidentiality 
• Complete all necessary administrative paperwork
• Refer clients to additional service providers as needed

Financial Services & Asset Building

• Identify clients eligible for financial education and asset-building products
• Explain the benefits of financial services and connect clients to relevant resources
• Support initiatives that promote financial stability and wealth-building

Community Engagement

• Participate in outreach and community engagement activities as assigned
• Share ideas for future outreach opportunities with your supervisor

General Responsibilities

• Build trust and teamwork with open and honest communications across our organization, and with our volunteers, our community, and our partners
• Assist with basic site operations including equipment, supplies, and client support
• Help maintain internal office procedures and onboarding materials
• Attend any AAS meeting or event outside office hours, as requested
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Requirements

• 2+ years of college coursework or equivalent work experience
• Comfortable using computers and learning new software
• Excellent organizational, administrative, and time management skills
• Strong verbal and written communication
• Ability to quickly learn and apply tax law and procedures
• Demonstrated maturity, professionalism, and integrity
• Must be willing and able to work in person at an assigned Accounting Aid Society tax site and travel to other Metro Detroit tax-site locations as operational needs require. 
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish or Arabic is preferred
• Previous tax preparation experience is a plus 

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods and work at a computer
• Frequent typing, writing, and handling of documents
• Occasional walking, bending, lifting (up to 20 lbs.)
• Clear verbal communication in client interactions

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Accounting Aid Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, transgender, sex stereotyping, protected veteran or military status, and other categories protected by federal, state, or local law.