Description

We are seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Staff Accountant to handle day-to-day client accounting and tax work. You will own bookkeeping and payroll for a portfolio of small-business clients, prepare and review personal and business tax returns, and produce year-end W-2s and 1099s.

Key Responsibilities
Bookkeeping

• Record and code transactions, including bank and credit card activity, for assigned clients
• Reconcile bank, credit card, loan, and payroll liability accounts monthly
• Prepare monthly and quarterly financial statements and resolve variances
• Maintain accurate general ledgers, accruals, depreciation schedules, and fixed asset records
• Prepare year-end adjusting entries and workpapers for tax preparatio

Payroll

• Process payroll for clients on weekly, biweekly, or semi-monthly cycles
• Calculate and remit federal and North Carolina payroll tax deposits
• Prepare and file quarterly payroll returns (Form 941 and NC-5 / NC-5Q) and state unemployment reports
• Maintain employee records, new-hire reporting, and withholding changes

Tax Preparation and Review

• Prepare individual (Form 1040) returns with associated schedules and North Carolina returns
• Prepare business returns: Form 1120-S, 1065, 1120, and Schedule C, with state filings
• Review returns prepared by other staff for accuracy, completeness, and consistency with source documents
• Identify deductions, credits, and planning opportunities, and flag issues for the CPA
• Respond to client questions and IRS or NC Department of Revenue notices, with CPA oversight
• Track estimated tax payments and extensions
  
  

W-2 and 1099 Preparation

• Prepare and file W-2 and W-3 forms for client employers by the January 31 deadline
• Collect vendor W-9s, determine 1099-NEC and 1099-MISC reporting, and prepare and file Forms 1099 and 1096
• Reconcile payroll records to W-2s and Form 941 totals before filing
• Issue corrections (W-2c, corrected 1099s) when needed

General

• Meet client deadlines and keep the firm's practice management system current
• Maintain client confidentiality and follow the firm's data security procedures
• Document processes and assist in training new staff

Requirements

Required

Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance, or an associate degree with equivalent experience
2+ years of public accounting or bookkeeping experience, including payroll and tax return preparation
Working knowledge of federal and North Carolina individual and business tax rules
Experience preparing W-2s and 1099s and reconciling them to payroll and vendor records
Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage many deadlines at once
Clear written and verbal communication with clients and colleagues

Preferred

CPA license or progress/interest toward the CPA exam; Enrolled Agent (EA) credential or PTIN holder
Experience reviewing returns prepared by others
Experience with small-business clients across several industries
Familiarity with sales tax and NC Department of Revenue filings