Senior Tax Associate (Greater Chicago Area)

Key Responsibilities: Coordinate the day-to-day execution of tax engagements, from planning and information gathering through return preparation, review, and filing, under manager and partner supervision. Develop an understanding of each client's business, entity structure, financial reporting processes, and industry-specific tax considerations; translate that understanding into appropriate tax compliance procedures. Prepare federal, state, and local tax returns and supporting schedules, including individual income tax returns for high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients, partnership returns, Schedules K-1, book-to-tax adjustments, and other filings relevant to the assigned client. Analyze tax information, investigate discrepancies, exercise professional judgment, and promptly escalate significant findings or complex tax matters. Prepare clear, well-supported tax workpapers, calculate estimated payments and extensions, and research tax questions for manager or partner review, including complex investment income, capital gains and losses, pass-through income, and multistate reporting for high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Coordinate client information requests, communicate engagement progress and outstanding items, and help resolve routine tax compliance and reporting questions. Guide associates and interns, review assigned tax workpapers and returns, and provide practical coaching on documentation and tax preparation procedures. Monitor engagement budgets, deadlines, and competing priorities; identify potential delays early and propose practical solutions. Follow applicable tax laws, professional standards, and firm quality management policies while maintaining objectivity, ethical conduct, and client confidentiality. Contribute to improvements in engagement templates, tax tools, and firm processes, and continue developing financial services industry expertise.

Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in accounting or a closely related field. Approximately 3–5 years of progressively responsible public accounting tax experience, including responsibility for significant tax compliance areas and day-to-day engagement coordination. CPA license or active progress toward licensure. Working knowledge of federal and state tax laws, individual income taxation, partnership taxation, and book-to-tax adjustments, with the ability to research and apply relevant guidance. Experience serving financial services clients or a strong foundation in individual and partnership tax compliance and a demonstrated interest in financial services. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and sound professional judgment. Clear written and verbal communication skills and the ability to build productive client relationships. Ability to organize multiple engagements, work independently within established review processes, and collaborate closely with a small team. Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and tax preparation and electronic workpaper tools, and a willingness to learn new technology. Authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications: Active CPA license or Enrolled Agent. Experience with one or more relevant client types, such as investment funds, investment advisers, broker-dealers, introducing brokers, futures commission merchants, or specialty finance companies. Familiarity with investment taxation, financial instruments, partnership allocations, or multistate tax reporting relevant to the firm's client base. Experience researching complex tax issues or preparing specialized financial services tax filings, where relevant to assigned clients; experience preparing complex individual income tax returns for high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients. Experience using data analytics to support tax workpaper preparation and improve engagement efficiency. Experience with CCH Prosystem. Working in a Small-Firm Environment This position is designed for someone who values direct communication, varied responsibilities, and active involvement throughout the engagement lifecycle. You will work closely with firm leadership, take ownership of assigned work, and help colleagues meet shared deadlines. Workloads may increase during peak tax filing periods; specific scheduling and travel expectations will be discussed during the interview process.

How to Apply: Please submit your resume to oksana@ryanjuraska.com, with "Senior Tax Associate" in the subject line or application title. Include a brief overview of your tax experience, including high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individual tax return preparation, financial services industry exposure, and CPA/EA status.