Geffen Mesher & Company is one of Portland's leading locally owned accounting firms, dedicated to client service for over 90 years. They are seeking an Experienced Tax Staff to manage tax compliance, planning, and research activities for business and individual clients while building strong relationships within the team and delivering high-quality client service.
Responsibilities
- Complete routine tax return preparation engagements, including understanding engagement scope, setting timelines, monitoring budgets, and communicating issues or out-of-scope work to the appropriate team member
- Assist with routine business and individual tax returns, estimates, projections, and related workpapers in accordance with firm standards and applicable tax law
- Conduct tax research and draft clear, well-organized memorandums outlining facts, issues, conclusions, and supporting analysis
- Assist with annual tax compliance, including planning, projections, extensions, responses to tax notices, and calculation of quarterly estimated payments
- Take ownership of service delivery by managing expectations, meeting deadlines, and proactively preventing surprises for internal and external clients
- Communicate professionally and appropriately across channels (email, Teams, phone, and in-person), tailoring messages to audience and situation, and documenting key information to ensure clarity
- Proactively communicate work status, risks, and scheduling conflicts; remain flexible and responsive to changing priorities
- Apply foundational knowledge of accounting, auditing, and tax principles to complete tasks accurately and efficiently
- Execute tax and assurance-related procedures with professional skepticism, analytical thinking, and attention to detail
- Demonstrate curiosity and initiative in understanding client businesses and industries by reviewing prior-year materials, researching regulatory developments, and engaging with team members
- Maintain effective client relationships and begin to recognize opportunities to provide additional services; communicate potential opportunities to appropriate team members
- Build relationships across service lines to support integrated client service
- Provide support, coaching, and constructive feedback to less experienced staff; may supervise staff accountants as appropriate
- Use firm tools and software effectively and document procedures clearly
- Meet charge hour expectations and use non-charge time to support firm initiatives, professional development, and business improvement efforts
- Participate in recurring meetings such as standups and 1:1s with advisors
- Contribute to a positive, inclusive team culture and proactively support teammates
- Invest in professional growth by setting career goals, engaging with mentors and advisors, and developing a peer network
- Adhere to the firm’s core values, policies, and professional standards
- Other duties as assigned
Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business, or related field
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Enrolled Agent (EA), or actively pursuing certification
- A minimum of 1–3 years' experience in public accounting with exposure to estate, trust, or high net worth individual taxation
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook
- Strong knowledge of common book-to-tax timing differences (accruals, reserves, inventory, deferred revenue)
- Strong knowledge of fixed asset accounting and depreciation methods
- Intermediate knowledge of state and local tax concepts (nexus, apportionment, compliance)
- Intermediate knowledge of income tax provision concepts and calculations
- Experience with Caseware and ProFx software
Benefits
- 401k with a 3% employer contribution
- Discretionary profit sharing of up to 4.5% annually
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance. We cover 100% of the individual medical premium!!!
- Generous PTO, plus 12 Paid Holidays, 8 hours of Volunteer Time and Paid Parental Leave
- Hybrid work options
- Flexible working hours in the summer, Fridays are optional!
- Incentive plan for sales leads
- Generous Employee Referral Program
Company Overview
Geffen Mesher is an accounting firm headquartered in Portland. It was founded in 1933, and is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, USA, with a workforce of 51-200 employees. Its website is http://gmco.com.