Tax Supervisor
Tax Supervisor
Position Overview
Key Responsibilities
Tax Engagement Supervision
Client Service & Communication
Staff Development & Training
Administrative & Practice Support
Compliance & Professional Standards
Required Qualifications
Education & Experience
Technical Skills
Professional Skills
Preferred Qualifications
Client Base & Industries
Compensation & Benefits Package
Work Environment & Schedule
Career Development Path
About Our Firm
Professional Development Opportunities
Location: Arlington, VA
Employment Type: Full-Time
Department: Tax Services
Position Overview
Our client is seeking a skilled Tax Supervisor to join their established CPA firm in Arlington, Virginia. This mid-level leadership position offers the opportunity to supervise tax engagements, mentor junior staff, and work closely with diverse clients in the Washington DC metropolitan area. The ideal candidate will have solid public accounting tax experience, emerging leadership skills, and a commitment to delivering high-quality tax services while developing their career toward management roles.
Key Responsibilities
Tax Engagement Supervision
- Supervise and coordinate multiple tax engagements for individuals, partnerships, corporations, and exempt organizations
- Review complex tax returns including Forms 1040, 1041, 1065, 1120, 1120S, 990, and related schedules
- Ensure accurate and timely completion of tax returns in compliance with federal and state regulations
- Manage workflow during tax seasons and coordinate with clients on documentation and deadlines
- Perform quality control reviews and ensure adherence to firm standards and professional guidelines
- Research complex tax issues using professional databases and provide recommendations to managers
Client Service & Communication
- Serve as day-to-day contact for assigned clients during tax preparation and planning process
- Communicate with clients regarding tax document requests, status updates, and basic planning opportunities
- Prepare client tax organizers and coordinate information gathering processes
- Explain tax return results and answer routine client questions
- Identify potential tax planning opportunities and escalate to managers for development
- Assist in client meetings and presentations as needed
Staff Development & Training
- Supervise and mentor tax staff accountants and associates on technical and procedural matters
- Review work prepared by junior staff and provide constructive feedback for improvement
- Assist in on-the-job training for new hires and seasonal staff
- Conduct informal training sessions on tax software and firm procedures
- Participate in staff performance evaluations and development discussions
- Foster positive team environment and promote knowledge sharing
Administrative & Practice Support
- Assist managers with engagement planning, budgeting, and resource allocation
- Monitor engagement profitability and communicate budget variances to management
- Help implement new tax software and technology initiatives
- Participate in quality control procedures and internal reviews
- Assist with proposal preparation and business development activities
- Support firm marketing efforts and professional networking events
Compliance & Professional Standards
- Ensure compliance with IRS regulations, state tax requirements, and professional standards
- Assist with IRS and state tax notice responses and basic examination support
- Maintain continuing education requirements and stay current with tax law changes
- Participate in firm training programs and professional development activities
- Support implementation of new tax regulations and pronouncements
Required Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
- Minimum 4-6 years of public accounting tax experience
- CPA license preferred (or ability to obtain within 18 months)
- Previous supervisory or team lead experience preferred
- Regional or national public accounting firm experience preferred
Technical Skills
- Proficiency in tax preparation software (Ultra Tax, ProSystem fx, Lacerte, or similar)
- Strong knowledge of federal and state tax laws and regulations
- Experience with tax research databases (RIA, CCH, BNA)
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and proficiency in Office Suite
- Knowledge of individual, corporate, partnership, and exempt organization taxation
- Understanding of multi-state tax issues and compliance requirements
Professional Skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Leadership potential and team collaboration skills
- Detail-oriented with high degree of accuracy
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
- Professional judgment and client service orientation
- Mentoring and training capabilities
Preferred Qualifications
- CPA license in Virginia or ability to obtain reciprocity
- Master's degree in Taxation or related field
- Experience with high-net-worth individual taxation
- Knowledge of DC, Maryland, and Virginia state tax laws
- Experience with nonprofit organization taxation (Form 990)
- Familiarity with federal contractor compliance and regulations
- Technology skills including data analytics and automation tools
Client Base & Industries
Our Arlington office serves a diverse client base including:
- High-net-worth individuals and families in the DC metro area
- Small to mid-size businesses and professional practices
- Federal contractors and government consulting firms
- Nonprofit organizations and associations
- Real estate investment and development companies
- Technology and professional services firms
- International clients with US tax obligations
Compensation & Benefits Package
- Competitive salary range based on experience
- Performance-based annual bonus (10-15% of base salary)
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) plan with company match (4% of salary)
- 3 weeks paid time off plus holidays
- Flexible work arrangements during off-season
- Professional development and continuing education support
- CPA exam support and study materials reimbursement
- Career advancement opportunities to manager level
Work Environment & Schedule
- Seasonal workload with extended hours during tax seasons (January-April, September-October)
- Standard 40-hour weeks during off-season with flexible scheduling
- Hybrid work options available outside of busy season
- Modern office environment near DC Metro with convenient commuting access
- Limited local travel for client meetings and continuing education
- Collaborative team culture with emphasis on professional growth
Career Development Path
This position offers clear advancement opportunities:
- Promotion to Tax Manager within 2-4 years for high performers
- Leadership development through project management and client relationship experience
- Mentoring and training responsibilities to develop management skills
- Exposure to business development and practice growth initiatives
- Opportunities to specialize in areas such as estate planning, international tax, or specific industries
About Our Firm
Our Arlington-based CPA firm has been serving the Washington DC metropolitan area for over 20 years. We provide comprehensive tax, audit, and advisory services to businesses, nonprofit organizations, and individuals throughout Virginia, Maryland, and DC. Our proximity to the nation's capital provides unique opportunities to work with government contractors, associations, and international clients. We pride ourselves on technical excellence, personalized service, and fostering long-term career growth for our professionals.
Professional Development Opportunities
- Internal training programs on technical topics and software
- Reimbursement for external courses and professional certifications
- Mentoring program pairing supervisors with senior managers and partners
- Leadership development workshops and management training
- Professional organization memberships and networking events
Arlington, Virginia
Up to £0.00 per annum
