Tax Operations & Compliance Specialist

Position Summary

We are seeking a Tax Operations & Compliance Specialist to serve in a unique hybrid role within the firm's Tax Department. This position combines individual income tax preparation with tax department operations, workflow management, technology support, client assistance, and administrative functions.

The ideal candidate will possess a working knowledge of individual income taxation and tax compliance while also demonstrating strong organizational, technology, and process-management skills. This individual will play an important role in supporting the efficient movement of tax engagements through the department—from the initial receipt and organization of client information through tax return preparation, electronic delivery, filing, and post-filing support.

The position will also provide operational support to the Tax Department by assisting with tax notice workflow, CCH Workflow administration, departmental analytics, SafeSend client support, and other workflow responsibilities, particularly during peak filing periods.

Primary Responsibilities 

Tax Preparation & Compliance

· Prepare federal and state Form 1040 individual income tax returns and related schedules.

· Review client-provided tax information for completeness and identify missing or potentially incomplete information needed for tax return preparation.

· Assist with other tax compliance activities as appropriate based on experience, workload, and departmental needs.

Client Tax Information & Scan Preparation

· Receive and organize client tax documents prior to scanning and processing.

· Assemble, sort, and arrange source documents to facilitate efficient scanning, indexing, and preparation of electronic tax workpapers.

Electronic Tax Return Delivery & SafeSend Support

· Coordinate the electronic delivery of completed tax returns through SafeSend.

· Verify that tax returns and related documents are properly assembled and configured for electronic delivery.

· Assist clients with accessing and navigating the electronic delivery platform, including electronic signatures, tax return delivery, payment information, and other platform-related questions.

· Troubleshoot routine client issues and escalate technical or tax-related matters when appropriate.

· Serve as an internal resource regarding electronic delivery procedures and best practices.

Tax Notice Workflow Management & Support

· Assist with the administration and monitoring of the firm's tax notice process.

· Establish and maintain notice-related projects within the firm's workflow system.

· Help route tax notices to the appropriate tax professionals and monitor projects for timely follow-up and resolution.

· Assist tax professionals with notice-related administrative and compliance activities as needed.

Operational Support

· Assist with the ongoing administration, maintenance, and improvement of CCH Workflow within the Tax Department.

· Create, update, and maintain workflow projects and related information.

· Assist with workflow status updates, project maintenance, and data integrity.

· Provide back-end workflow and administrative support to other Tax Department personnel, particularly during peak filing periods and major tax deadlines.

· Assist with the electronic release and filing of federal and state tax returns with taxing authorities.

· Monitor filing processes and assist with resolving routine electronic filing issues.

· Assist with special projects and other Tax Department operational responsibilities as needed.

Departmental Analytics & Reporting

· Assist with gathering and compiling monthly Tax Department analytics and performance information.

· Extract, organize, and validate information from firm systems and reports.

· Participate in efforts to improve the department's reporting and analytics processes.

Qualifications

Education & Professional Experience

· Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field preferred.

· Prior experience in public accounting, tax preparation, or a professional services environment strongly preferred.

· Experience preparing individual income tax returns is strongly preferred.

· CPA or Enrolled Agent designation preferred.

· Candidates with meaningful tax preparation and tax operations experience who are working toward a professional credential may also be considered.

Technical Skills

Experience with or the ability to quickly learn:

· Individual income tax preparation and Form 1040 compliance.

· CCH Axcess Tax or comparable professional tax preparation software.

· CCH Workflow or comparable workflow/project management systems.

· SafeSend or similar electronic tax return delivery platforms.

· Microsoft Excel, including organizing and analyzing departmental data.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

· Strong organizational and project-management skills.

· Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.

· Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.

· Ability to work effectively in a deadline-driven environment.

· Working knowledge of individual income taxation and tax return preparation.

· Strong technology aptitude and willingness to learn new systems.

· Ability to understand and manage processes that span multiple software platforms.

· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

· Professional and patient client-service skills, particularly when assisting clients with technology.

· Ability to work collaboratively with professional and administrative personnel at all levels of the firm.

· Ability to recognize workflow issues and proactively assist in resolving them.

· Commitment to confidentiality and the protection of sensitive client information.

Role Characteristics

This position is designed for an individual who enjoys working at the intersection of tax compliance, technology, client service, and tax department operations. Unlike a traditional tax preparer position, the role includes significant responsibility for helping manage the processes and systems that support the Tax Department.

The position requires flexibility throughout the year. During peak filing periods, greater emphasis may be placed on tax return processing, electronic delivery, filing, workflow management, and deadline support. Outside of peak periods, responsibilities may shift toward tax return preparation, tax notice support, workflow maintenance, analytics, process improvement, and departmental projects.

Professional Development

The position will also provide operational support to the Tax Department by assisting with tax notice workflow, CCH Workflow administration, departmental analytics, SafeSend client support, and other workflow responsibilities, particularly during peak filing periods.

HTB is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, disability, protected veteran status or other protected classifications.