Accountant / Tax Preperer

Located in Sterling, VA

ACCOUNTANT

Brief description

 Express Employment Professionals is seeking a meticulous and organized Accountant and Tax Preparer to join our client’s finance team. This role combines daily accounting responsibilities with annual tax preparation for individuals, small businesses, and corporations. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, compliant with current tax laws, proficient in accounting software, and capable of delivering accurate financial information to clients and leadership.

 Tasks

• Prepare individual, partnership, corporate, and trust tax returns in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Compile, review, and reconcile financial statements (trial balance, general ledger, balance sheet, income statement).
• Process accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and bank reconciliations.
• Maintain general ledger and ensure accurate coding of transactions.
• Support tax planning strategies and identify opportunities for tax savings.
• Communicate with clients to gather required documentation and answer tax-related questions.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax requirements and deadlines.
• Assist with audits and respond to tax notices or inquiries.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of tax regulations and accounting standards (GAAP, IRS rules, state specifics).
• Utilize accounting software, mainly QuickBooks and tax software to prepare filings.
• Prepare financial forecasts, budgets, and variance analyses as needed.
• Assist with month-end and year-end close processes.

 Qualifications and requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 2+ years in accounting and/or tax preparation; experience with tax software and general ledger systems.
• Proficiency in Excel; experience with QuickBooks; familiarity with tax preparation software.
• Understanding of GAAP, tax codes, and filing requirements; knowledge of depreciation, accrual vs. cash basis.
• High accuracy in financial data and tax returns; strong organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to explain complex tax concepts to non-experts

 Working Conditions

• Monday – Friday from 09:00 am – 05:00 pm