We are a growing tax and accounting firm serving individuals and small businesses in the Columbia/Howard County, Maryland area. We are seeking an experienced Senior Tax Preparer or Tax Manager to join our team on a part-time, hybrid basis. This position is a year-round opportunity to support our tax division. This is a high-impact role with real ownership — you will review and finalize client returns, mentor junior staff, and play an active role in growing our client base. This role is ideal for a credentialed tax professional who wants flexible, meaningful work with strong earning potential through performance bonuses. This position is perfect for professionals eager to leverage their expertise in a flexible, fast-paced environment that values accuracy, integrity, and proactive problem-solving.

Qualifications Required

• Minimum 5+ years of tax preparation experience: Individual (1040) and small business return expertise
• Experience reviewing others’ returns Proficiency in tax software (Drake, Taxslayer , CCH Tax, or equivalent)
• Strong client communication skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal oversight Compensation & benefits
• Preferred CPA or Enrolled Agent (EA) license
• Experience with trust, estate, or multi state returns
• Prior supervisory or team lead experience QuickBooks or bookkeeping familiarity
• Prior business development or client facing experience

***Final candidates will be expected to pass a income-tax knowledge skills assessment test and complete a criminal and professional background check.*****

Key responsibilities

Tax preparation & review:

• Review and sign off on completed individual (1040), S-corp, partnership, and Schedule C tax returns prepared by junior staff
• Prepare complex or high-priority returns independently
• Identify errors, missed deductions, and compliance issues before filing
• Conduct quality control checks to maintain firm accuracy standard
• Staff management & mentoring:
• Oversee day-to-day workflow of tax preparers during peak season
• Review and provide feedback on junior staff returns
• Train and mentor staff on tax law updates, procedures, and best practices
• Prioritize workload to meet client deadlines
• Client growth & business development
• Conduct free 20–30 minute “tax checkup” consultations to convert new prospects
• Perform proactive Q3/Q4 year-end planning calls with existing clients
• Identify upsell opportunities (bookkeeping, payroll, business entity formation) Confidential
• Build referral relationships with local real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and financial advisors
• Represent the firm at Howard County business events, community workshops, or pop-up tax clinics (1–2x per quarter, off-season)
• Client retention:
• Send personalized outreach to clients with life changes (new home, new business, marriage, child)
• Track client satisfaction and flag at-risk relationships before they seek a competitor
• Follow up with prior-year prospects who did not engage Tax research
• Draft Form 8821 and state Power of Attorney (POA) on behalf of clients
• Call the IRS and state agencies on behalf of clients to resolve notices, inquiries, and account issues
• Meet with clients to interpret and explain research results, IRS responses, and notice outcomes
• Tax planning
• Conduct 15-minute or 1-hour client consultations to assess tax planning needs
• Learn and document client financial goals to inform planning strategy
• Assign income projection work to staff accountants for further analysis
• Run tax scenarios through tax software to model outcomes and advise clients

Benefits

Hybrid work arrangement — in-office during peak season January - May, some remote flexibility in off-season Flexible scheduling but will be expected to attend staff meetings Mondays & Wednesdays from 10:00am-11:00am.

Professional memberships supported (MACPA, AICPA, NAEA as applicable) Access to firm’s tax software, research tools, and client management system

Opportunity to grow into a full-time or expanded role as the firm grows and open other locations. Collaborative, low-stress culture — we value accuracy over volume.

Pay: $40.00 - $55.00 per hour

Benefits

• Flexible schedule
• Opportunities for advancement

Application Question(s):

• This is a seasonal position with year round opportunities: Are you available to work 20-30 hours IN-OFFICE between 9-5 during our busiest season from January -May?
• Briefly describe your experience conducting tax planning or tax consultations with clients:
• Why would you be a good candidate for this position?
• Have you ever been responsible for generating new business or client referrals?
• Are you willing to take a income tax skills assessment test IF selected as a final candidate?
• Briefly describe your experience reviewing 1040, 1120S, and 1065 returns and list the tax software used.

Experience

• articulating tax results to clients (exit interviews): 2 years (Required)
• final reviewal of tax returns: 3 years (Required)
• Professional Tax Preparation: 5 years (Required)
• management of the entire tax return process : 3 years (Required)
• staff management: 2 years (Required)
• client facing tax consultations: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Maryland Tax Preparer License, CPA, or EA (Required)
• IRS P-TIN (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Columbia, MD 21046 (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Columbia, MD 21046