Full-Time
State and Local Tax Associate
Smith & Howard
201-500 employees
Tax, accounting, and advisory services firm
No salary listed
Atlanta, GA, USA
In Person
Bachelor's
 Accounting (1) |
|---|
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- A Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Taxation, or a related field.
- Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, with emphasis on Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.
- Ability to prioritize numerous projects to meet deadlines with attention to detail.
- Strong documentation and organizational skills with the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
- Assist in designing compliance processes and prioritizing projects for all State and Local Tax projects with the State and Local Tax leadership team.
- Review and assist with filing State and Local Tax returns for sales and use taxes related to monthly and quarterly transactions.
- Interact with clients regarding filing issues, business license compliance, and general tax research inquiries.
- Review and analyze summary data from State and Local Tax return filings.
- Assist in filing annual property tax returns and provide research and audit support when necessary.
- Assist with real property tax appeals.
- Analyze continually changing tax laws and regulations across multiple jurisdictions.
- Assist with business license compliance and conduct nationwide research for clients.
- Develop and cultivate new business and enhance existing relationships with current clients.
- Support the tax team with ongoing State and Local Tax audit initiatives and research.
- Assist with analyzing current business process issues and documenting them to improve business continuity and efficiency.
- Ability to work in a team environment as well as independently.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- CPA or CMI certification.
- One to three years of State and Local Tax experience.
Smith & Howard provides tax, accounting, advisory, and audit services for individuals and growing businesses, with an Atlanta headquarters and national reach. Its professionals handle tax planning and compliance, financial reporting, audits, and strategic advisory, tailored to US and global business needs. The firm differentiates itself through personal, responsive service delivered by a team of high-caliber advisors who focus on client goals, risk management, and value creation, supported by a culture highlighted by award rankings. Its goal is to help owners and executives grow their organizations while delivering value to clients, employees, and the broader community.
Company Size
201-500
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Atlanta, Georgia
Founded
1971
Get referred to Smith & Howard
See people who can refer or advise you
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- TPG signed a June 9, 2026 investment to fund national expansion and AI workflows.
- Smith + Howard acquired BPS on January 13, 2026, adding South Carolina depth.
- It now has about 800 professionals across seven states.
What critics are saying
- TPG closes in Q3 2026, so integration risk and client churn hit immediately after closing.
- Alternative practice structures create referral-friction between Smith + Howard P.C. and Advisory LLC.
- Private-equity pressure from TPG favors margin expansion, raising partner attrition risk by 2027.
What makes Smith & Howard unique
- Atlanta-based Smith + Howard spans audit, tax, advisory, and wealth management across seven states.
- Its alternative practice structure separates attest from advisory, preserving CPA compliance while scaling.
- Recent hires like Matthew Halpern deepen international tax, a specialized capability for multinationals.
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6 month growth
↑ 30%1 year growth
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↑ 30%Smith + Howard earns multiple national honors from INSIDE Public Accounting. Aug 13, 2026, 10:13 ET - Firm named a 2026 Top 100 Firm, ranks No. 8 for organic growth, and No. 6 among the nation's fastest-growing firms - ATLANTA, Aug. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Smith + Howard, a nationally recognized assurance, tax, advisory, and wealth management firm, today announced it has been recognized by INSIDE Public Accounting (IPA) as one of the 2026 Top 100 Firms and among the nation's fastest-growing accounting firms. The firm climbed to No. 64 on the 2026 IPA Top 100 Firms ranking, up from No. 83 in 2025, reflecting its continued growth, strategic expansion, and commitment to delivering exceptional client service. Smith + Howard also ranked No. 8 nationally for organic growth and No. 6 among IPA's fastest-growing firms overall. "Advancing to No. 64 among the nation's leading accounting firms while also being recognized among the country's fastest-growing firms is a significant milestone for Smith + Howard," said Sean Taylor, CEO of Smith + Howard. "This recognition reflects the trust our clients place in us, the dedication of our people, and our long-term commitment to sustainable growth. We're proud of how far we've come and excited about the opportunities ahead." The IPA rankings are based on U.S. net revenue submitted through the annual IPA Practice Management Survey and recognize the nation's largest accounting firms. Smith + Howard's No. 8 ranking for organic growth and No. 6 ranking among all fastest-growing firms further underscore the firm's sustained momentum and strategic investments in its people, clients, and service offerings. In the IPA Top 100 rankings, Smith + Howard has steadily climbed over the past five years, rising from No. 116 in 2022 to No. 83 in 2025 and No. 64 in 2026. The firm's continued ascent reflects its focus on disciplined growth, expanding advisory capabilities, and building a broader national platform. "Growth at this pace only happens because of our people," said Kerry Eales, Chief Human Resources Officer at Smith + Howard. "As we grow, our responsibility is to make sure our people have the opportunity to grow with us through meaningful careers, new opportunities, and continued investment in their development. That is how we grow without losing the culture and commitment to our clients that got us here." The IPA honors add to Smith + Howard's growing list of national and regional recognitions, reinforcing the firm's position as one of the country's leading accounting and advisory firms and supporting its Vision 2030 strategy of accelerating growth, strengthening its national brand, and creating lasting value for clients and employees. About Smith + Howard Smith + Howard is a nationally recognized assurance, tax and advisory firm serving clients across industries including construction, distribution, hospitality, manufacturing, nonprofit, real estate, technology, insurance captives and transportation and logistics. The firm delivers a full suite of services, ranging from audit, tax, international tax, transfer pricing, cyber risk compliance and SOC reporting. Through its Family of Companies, Smith + Howard also provides wealth management, sales and use tax, property tax, specialty tax services such as Cost Segregation Studies and R&D tax credit advisory, management consulting, human capital consulting, and executive search services, supporting businesses at every stage of growth. Media Contact: Lisa Hagendorf Centerpiece Public Relations [email protected] SOURCE Smith + Howard
Smith + Howard earns multiple national honors from INSIDE Public Accounting. by: Smith and Howard August 13, 2026 Table of contents. Firm named a 2026 Top 100 Firm, ranks No. 8 for organic growth, and No. 6 among the nation's fastest-growing firms ATLANTA - August 13, 2026 - Smith + Howard, a nationally recognized assurance, tax, advisory, and wealth management firm, today announced it has been recognized by INSIDE Public Accounting (IPA) as one of the 2026 Top 100 Firms and among the nation's fastest-growing accounting firms. The firm climbed to No. 64 on the 2026 IPA Top 100 Firms ranking, up from No. 83 in 2025, reflecting its continued growth, strategic expansion, and commitment to delivering exceptional client service. Smith + Howard also ranked No. 8 nationally for organic growth and No. 6 among IPA's fastest-growing firms overall. "Advancing to No. 64 among the nation's leading accounting firms while also being recognized among the country's fastest-growing firms is a significant milestone for Smith + Howard," said Sean Taylor, CEO of Smith + Howard. "This recognition reflects the trust our clients place in us, the dedication of our people, and our long-term commitment to sustainable growth. We're proud of how far we've come and excited about the opportunities ahead." The IPA rankings are based on U.S. net revenue submitted through the annual IPA Practice Management Survey and recognize the nation's largest accounting firms. Smith + Howard's No. 8 ranking for organic growth and No. 6 ranking among all fastest-growing firms further underscore the firm's sustained momentum and strategic investments in its people, clients, and service offerings. In the IPA Top 100 rankings, Smith + Howard has steadily climbed over the past five years, rising from No. 116 in 2022 to No. 83 in 2025 and No. 64 in 2026. The firm's continued ascent reflects its focus on disciplined growth, expanding advisory capabilities, and building a broader national platform. "Growth at this pace only happens because of our people," said Kerry Eales, Chief Human Resources Officer at Smith + Howard. "As we grow, our responsibility is to make sure our people have the opportunity to grow with us through meaningful careers, new opportunities, and continued investment in their development. That is how we grow without losing the culture and commitment to our clients that got us here." The IPA honors add to Smith + Howard's growing list of national and regional recognitions, reinforcing the firm's position as one of the country's leading accounting and advisory firms and supporting its Vision 2030 strategy of accelerating growth, strengthening its national brand, and creating lasting value for clients and employees. About Smith + Howard. Smith + Howard is a nationally recognized assurance, tax and advisory firm serving clients across industries including construction, distribution, hospitality, manufacturing, nonprofit, real estate, technology, insurance captives and transportation and logistics. The firm delivers a full suite of services, ranging from audit, tax, international tax, transfer pricing, cyber risk compliance and SOC reporting. Through its Family of Companies, Smith + Howard also provides wealth management, sales and use tax, property tax, specialty tax services such as Cost Segregation Studies and R&D tax credit advisory, management consulting, human capital consulting, and executive search services, supporting businesses at every stage of growth. How can Smith + Howard PC help? If you have any questions and would like to connect with a team member please call 404-874-6244 or contact an advisor below. Want to get insights right to your inbox?
Broad Sky Partners, a private equity firm that partners with essential services businesses in the middle market, today announced it has completed the sale of...
Following TPG investment, Smith + Howard expands International Tax practice with addition of Matthew Halpern. Wednesday, July 29th, 2026 Smith + Howard, a nationally recognized assurance, tax, advisory and wealth management firm, today announced that Matthew Halpern has joined the firm as an International Tax Principal. Halpern will help lead the continued growth of Smith + Howard's international tax practice, advising individuals and multinational organizations on complex cross-border transactions, tax planning and structuring, compliance, and employee global mobility. The strategic hire reflects Smith + Howard's continued investment in expanding specialized advisory capabilities following TPG's recently announced investment in the firm, which is accelerating national growth, technology innovation, and talent acquisition across key practice areas. Halpern joins Smith + Howard from a leading national accounting and advisory firm, where he served as Managing Director and led the Southeast international tax practice, overseeing a team of more than a dozen professionals across multiple offices. He has advised public and privately held multinational companies across the technology, manufacturing, professional services, and other sectors on international tax strategy, mergers and acquisitions, global structuring, and evolving international tax regulations. "Matt's addition represents another important step in our long-term growth strategy," said Sean Spitzer, President and Chief Operating Officer of Smith + Howard. "As more of our clients expand globally, they need increasingly sophisticated international tax guidance. Matt brings deep technical expertise, strong leadership, and extensive experience helping multinational organizations navigate complex international tax challenges. Following our recent partnership with TPG, we are continuing to invest in exceptional talent and specialized capabilities that help our clients navigate change and position Smith + Howard for continued national growth." Halpern's experience spans controlled foreign corporations (CFCs), global intangible low-tax income (GILTI), Subpart F income, foreign tax credits, withholding tax, international restructuring, inpatriate and expatriate taxation, and cross-border transactions. In addition to advising clients, he has built and mentored high-performing teams while driving practice development and revenue growth. "Smith + Howard has built a strong reputation for investing in its people, clients, and specialized advisory capabilities," said Halpern. "The firm's continued growth, combined with its partnership with TPG, creates a tremendous opportunity to further expand its international tax practice. I look forward to helping clients navigate an increasingly complex global tax landscape while contributing to the firm's long-term vision." Currently based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Halpern earned a Master of Science in taxation from Golden Gate University and a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Stockton University. He is also a Certified Public Accountant.
Smith + Howard has appointed Matthew Halpern as International Tax Principal to expand its international tax practice. The move follows TPG's recent investment in the Atlanta-based assurance, tax, and advisory firm. Halpern brings nearly 15 years of experience advising individuals and multinational companies on cross-border tax matters. He previously served as Managing Director at a national accounting firm, where he led the Southeast international tax practice and oversaw more than a dozen professionals. At Smith + Howard, Halpern will advise clients on complex cross-border transactions, tax planning, compliance, and global mobility. His expertise includes controlled foreign corporations, global intangible low-tax income, Subpart F income, foreign tax credits, and international restructuring. The hire reflects Smith + Howard's strategy to expand specialised advisory capabilities following TPG's investment, which aims to accelerate national growth and talent acquisition across key practice areas.