Tax Staff Accountant

Tax Central is Gradient Financial Group's dedicated tax planning and preparation division built to be the CPA team behind a nationwide network of Financial Services Professionals. We are not a traditional accounting firm. We don't chase volume to cover overhead. We don't sacrifice service quality to survive April. We are designed, from the ground up, to deliver the kind of tax experience that financial advisors have been asking for and never getting.This is a foundational opportunity to join Tax Central at the beginning of its growth, preparing returns for some of the firm’s earliest advisor clients while helping shape a division that is already generating a significant pipeline. This role is ideal for a skilled preparer who wants to move beyond pure compliance work into meaningful tax planning and contribute to building something from the ground up.What You’ll DoPrepare individual income tax returns (Form 1040) across a range of complexity — W-2 earners, retirees, investors, small business owners, and high-net-worth clients with K-1s, rental properties, multi-state filings, and equity compensationPrepare entity returns (1065, 1120-S) for clients with business interestsWork inside CCH Axcess Tax, Axcess Engagement, and AutoFlow — Tax Central’s primary tax preparation, workpaper, and document automation platformsParticipate in tax planning engagements using Holistiplan and Tax Central’s proprietary planning programs — Roth conversion analysis, bracket management, RMD strategy, and estimated payment calculationsCommunicate directly with financial advisors on return status, open items, and technical questions clearly and without jargonFollow Tax Central’s onboarding and workflow SOPs: document intake, file organization, workpaper standards, and quality review processesHelp maintain real-time return status in Tax Central’s workflow tracker so advisors always know where their clients' returns standContribute to refining Tax Central’s systems and processes as the team grows. This is a build phase, and your observations matterRequiredWhat you Bring 2+ years of experience preparing individual income tax returns (Form 1040), including complex returnsDemonstrated experience with high-net-worth individuals — clients with investment income, K-1s, rental properties, business interests, or multi-state filingsCPA license or active progress toward CPA licensure. We are looking for people who take the credential seriouslyStrong technical foundation in individual income tax — you can explain what's happening on a return, not just prepare itProfessional communication skills — you will interact directly with financial advisors who are sophisticated, relationship-oriented, and have high expectationsComfortable working in a structured, SOP-driven environment with defined workflows and quality standardsDetail oriented — accuracy is non-negotiable at Tax CentralPreferredCPA license (active)Experience with entity returns (1065, 1120-S) and business owner tax situationsFamiliarity with CCH Axcess Tax, Axcess Engagement, or comparable tax software (ProSystem fx, UltraTax, Lacerte)Exposure to tax planning concepts — Roth conversions, estimated payments, bracket management, RMD strategyExperience in a firm or environment that served financial advisors or wealth management clientsWorking knowledge of Holistiplan or similar planning toolsOur BenefitsCompetitive compensation and comprehensive benefits4 weeks of accrued PTO, plus 9 paid holidaysMedical, dental, vision, life insurance, and 401(k)8 hours of paid volunteer time off (VTO)Ability to work in-office four days per week with one remote workdayOngoing professional development support, including CPA exam preparation resourcesA collaborative team that values expertise, initiative, and growthWho Thrives HereThis role is a strong fit if you are a preparer who wants to do more than prepare returns. Tax Central's model is built around planning. Every planning-tier client gets two substantive engagements per year, and the preparer who works those files participates in the analysis, not just the filing.You should be the kind of person who takes ownership of a file. You read the prior year return before you open a blank one. You notice things. You flag issues before someone else has to. You communicate clearly when something is missing instead of waiting.You should also be comfortable talking to financial advisors. Advisors are Tax Central's clients — not their end clients — and they are professionals with high standards. The ability to have a clear, confident conversation about a return or a planning question is part of the job.Why You’ll Love Working HereTax Central is built around a sustainable, planning-focused model designed to support both clients and employees long term. The firm maintains a manageable client load so team members can focus on high-quality tax planning work rather than endless return preparation. Performance is measured by output and judgment, not hours worked, with no timesheet culture or utilization targets. Work is intentionally distributed throughout the year to avoid the traditional compressed tax season, and employees are not expected to generate business. Backed by Gradient’s infrastructure and strong existing demand, Tax Central offers the opportunity to join a well-capitalized platform with both stability and long-term upside.