Senior Tax Associate
At a glance
Senior Tax role at Cynch AI. Pleasanton · full-time · $85,000–$115,000 base.
financeroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Prepare returns for individuals, corporations, partnerships and other entities across federal, state and local filings
- Review client financial details for gaps, assemble accurate returns for review, and maintain audit-ready records
- Investigate tax rules, unresolved issues and savings options, document sources, and apply law changes to current work
- Respond to client questions about returns and notices, request filing information, and escalate issues beyond your authority
- Meet filing and extension deadlines while using training and reviewer feedback to strengthen your tax practice
What you bring
- A bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or a related field, plus at least three years in tax, accounting or a related area
- Working knowledge of federal, state and local tax rules, with the organization to manage multiple returns at once
- Strong client and colleague communication, attention to detail, and proficiency with Excel and Word
Who this fits
This role suits someone building a tax career who can handle varied entity returns, investigate questions and learn from review. The hybrid role is based in Pleasanton, Cupertino or Santa Cruz, with three days weekly in the San Francisco area also stated. Plan for longer hours during peak tax season and occasional trips for client meetings or practice events.
From the employer
At Aardvark Tax Advisors, the client comes first. We’re a full-service tax, accounting, and advisory firm serving small businesses and entrepreneurs. Our people are uniquely enabled to spend more of their time understanding clients, solving complex problems, and building lasting relationships.
Technology helps make that possible. As the accounting and client services practice of Cynch AI, we use proprietary AI to reduce routine tasks and free up time for higher-value client work. Our tools support the work. Our people remain accountable for the outcome.
We’re building an expanding practice with clear paths for career advancement. We're a fast-growing practice with clear paths for advancement. We grow organically and through strategic acquisitions, and as we grow so does our team's scope of responsibility. Each level has defined expectations and advancement criteria, with performance-based opportunities for greater responsibility and equity over time.
We’re looking for a Senior Tax Associate to prepare returns, do the research behind them, and build the technical foundation that carries a career in tax. That means working across entity types from day one, learning to find the answer rather than waiting for it, and treating accuracy as the baseline rather than the goal.
The role is hybrid, based out of our Pleasanton, Cupertino, or Santa Cruz offices, with additional potential work locations in the North Bay.
To ensure your application reaches the right team, please apply online rather than calling or visiting our offices.
What You'll Do:
Tax Preparation & Compliance
- Prepare federal, state, and local returns for individuals, corporations, partnerships, and other entities.
- Gather and organize client financial information, and notice when something is missing before it becomes a problem at review.
- Turn complex tax information into accurate, review-ready returns.
- Hit filing deadlines for returns and extensions. Deadlines are not a negotiation.
- Research federal, state, and local tax issues — regulations, open questions, and savings opportunities — and be able to show your source.
- Track changes in tax law and apply them to the engagements in front of you.
- Maintain client files and records to a standard that holds up under audit.
Client Support
- Handle client questions on returns, notices, and general tax matters, and escalate what’s above your level rather than guessing.
- Collect what’s needed from clients to keep filings on schedule.
- Communicate professionally, protect confidentiality, and be someone clients are glad to hear from.
Learning & Development
- Expand your depth in tax law, regulations, and how the work actually gets done.
- Use internal training and professional development to close the gaps you and your reviewer identify.
- Turn what you learn into better ways of working for everyone.
Requirements
Core Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
- 3+ years in tax, accounting, or a related field.
- Working understanding of federal, state, and local tax laws and regulations.
- Attention to detail, and the organizational discipline to hold several returns at different stages at once.
- Clear written and verbal communication with clients and colleagues.
- Fearless about asking the right questions and getting to the right answers.
- Proficiency in Excel and Word.
Helpful additions
- Actively pursuing CPA or EA.
- Internship or entry-level experience in a public accounting firm or an accounting department.
- Experience with professional tax software (UltraTax, Axcess Tax, Drake, Lacerte, or similar).
- Strong research skills and the ability to read a regulation and interpret its meaning.
Work Environment
- Hybrid: Cupertino, Santa Cruz, or Pleasanton, CA
- Extended hours during peak tax season and as needed to meet client deadlines.
- Occasional travel for client meetings or practice events.
Bay Area Salary Range: 85000 - 115000
Benefits
- Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
- Retirement Plan (401k))
- Life Insurance (Basic)
- Paid Time Off (Unlimited Vacation, plus Sick & Public Holidays)
- Short Term & Long Term Disability
- Work From Home (Hybrid)
- Stock Option Plan
Work Environment:
- Hybrid: San Francisco area, 3 days/week
California Salary Range: 85,000 - 115,000