Job Title: Tax Preparer

Reports to: Program Manager

Job Status: Seasonal, $18-20 Hourly, Full-time

Start/End Date: January (first week after holiday) to April (end of tax season)

Primary Location: Tax Site -Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw Counties

Through tax assistance, advocacy, small business technical assistance, and partnerships, Accounting Aid Society is focused on creating an economy that works for everyone. We seek a self-starter who is as invested in economic mobility and poverty alleviation as we are. We’re using taxes to build relationships, and relationships to build futures—including yours.

The Tax Preparer has the opportunity to not only prepare taxes but also to educate clients on the process. Primary responsibilities include screening clients, preparing basic 1040 individual tax returns, promoting asset-building and financial service products, and directing clients to other service partners.

You will be provided with tax training and education. You must be able to pass both a tax training and certification test provided by the Accounting Aid Society.

Students seeking credit for an internship will need to coordinate with their respective schools for approval.  Schools will verify the position aligns with the student, prior to approving, then coordinate with Accounting  Aid Society HR team.  Those wishing to use hours toward their CPA hours, will get verification of hours to submit at the end of the season.

Work Schedule:

• Training Period: Until the tax season begins, the work schedule will be Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.

• Tax Season: Once tax site operations are set up, you will be designated to a tax site, and the schedule will shift to Tuesday through Saturday, with a few Mondays throughout the filing season. Availability required for this position is Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm; understanding that you will work 8 hours per day. Your schedule is dependent on your site designation.  Most sites operate from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, however there are a couple of sites that have an afternoon start and evening end, in order to accommodate client needs.  Saturday hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. You will not work on Sundays.

Accounting Aid Society, a Crain’s Best-Managed Nonprofit, fosters an always-learning and innovative environment; values employee well-being, fun and collaboration.

Tax Preparation:

• If assigned to screen clients, complete the Client Intake Sheet/Screener Form for each client.
• Prepare accurate federal, state, and city tax returns.
• Ensure that the Site Supervisor reviews all returns before the clients leave.
• Complete all required administrative forms and follow office procedures related to 7216.
• Ensure that client information is not disclosed unless otherwise authorized.
• Direct clients to other service partners at the site.

Asset Building/Financial Services:

• Identify clients who are most appropriate for financial services or products.
• Communicate the importance of asset building to the client.
• Participate in the asset-building process at the site, which will lead to greater take-up of asset-building and financial services products.

Outreach Activity:

• Participate in outreach activities as assigned.
• Provide the supervisor with information regarding possible outreach opportunities for community involvement.

General AAS Duties:

• Build trust and teamwork with open and honest communications across our organization, and with our volunteers, our community, and our partners.
• Share responsibility with other office staff to maintain site copier and other equipment, site supplies, and general office space.
• Assist our constituents and the public who visit or telephone the site.
• Assist with the maintenance of office procedures and policy manual, and new employee orientation packet, as related to this job description.
• Attend any AAS meeting or event outside office hours, as requested.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Characteristics:

• Two years of college-level courses or equivalent work experience.
• Proficient with the use of computers.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with close attention to detail.
• Solid communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong administrative skills.
• Ability to learn and apply basic tax law concepts and use tax preparation software.
• Maturity, flexibility, initiative, and high ethical standards.
• Prior tax preparation experience and/or fluency in English and Spanish is a plus.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Accounting Aid Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, transgender, sex stereotyping, protected veteran or military status, and other categories protected by federal, state, or local law.