Job Description

We are looking for a Senior Tax Associate for our Chicago office You will work on a variety of tax returns, including partnership, S corporation, C corporation, and individual returns, with an emphasis on entity‑level filings.

You will have the opportunity to build a strong foundation in tax while contributing to the firm’s reputation for excellence and client service.

As the Senior Tax Associate, you will receive guidance from supervisors, managers, and partners across the firm that will help you succeed in your growth and development in pursuing your career with us. This position is hybrid in our Chicago office but is largely remote with the flexibility for you to choose when you would like to work in the office.

Responsibilities

• Prepares partnership, S corporation, C corporation, and individual tax returns, along with related workpapers and supporting schedules
• Understands the impact of entity activity on individual tax returns, including reporting of pass-through income and loss limitations
• Utilizes trial balance and entity‑level workpaper management software to analyze client information and support efficient tax return preparation.
• Prepares Schedule M-1 adjustments, including common book-to-tax differences such as meals & entertainment, depreciation, and nondeductible expenses
• Demonstrates foundational understanding of state tax concepts.
• Apply core tax concepts while preparing returns, including MACRS depreciation, Section 179, and bonus depreciation.
• Identify and communicate tax and accounting issues to other staff, Partners, and clients
• Mentorship and development of our interns and associates, while being an active participant in the internship training program
• Additional responsibilities not listed above may be expected as needed

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting with a minimum of 2 years of public accounting tax experience working on entity tax
• Knowledge of MS Office products
• Ability to provide exceptional client service as well as develop trusted client relationships
• Strong leadership and personnel management skills

Preferred Requirements

• Big 4 or Regional Firm experience preferred
• CPA or CPA in progress
• CCH Axcess/ProSystem fx® Engagement

About Us

Topel Forman is a leading certified public accounting firm in the Midwest and the Denver region providing a wide range of attest, accounting, tax, advisory, and consulting services to individuals, professionals, closely-held and family-owned businesses and corporations. At Topel Forman, you’ll find the high level of talent and expertise you’d expect from a larger firm, but with the accessibility and collaboration that are usually only available at a smaller organization. You can expect to work directly with clients, senior-level management, and partners with knowledge of various disciplines. A proactive, hands-on approach to our clients allows you to grow in your expertise and advance in your career. For more information on Topel Forman, please visit our website at www.topelforman.com.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with the range of $85,000 to $105,000, with annual merit increases
• Annual discretionary bonus eligibility
• 35-hour workweek during non-busy season
• To learn more about our firm and benefit offerings, please visit our careers page.

Hybrid Work Internet Policy

Internet requirements for working hybrid: We require an internet plan with the following minimum upload and download speeds for best connection: 100+ Mbps download and 20+ Mbps upload. Home Wi-Fi should be password protected.