Associate Tax Winter 2028 | Chicago
The Associate Tax role at Confidential Client in Chicago is a full-time entry-level position designed for accounting students pursuing CPA eligibility. The role involves preparing various tax returns, analyzing financial data, and collaborating with clients and senior staff to develop technical skills and advance career growth. Candidates will gain experience working across industries while being supported by experienced professionals in a dynamic public accounting environment.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Accounting & Finance.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
This entry-level tax associate role offers hands-on exposure to tax compliance and client service across industry clients in the Chicago market. You will:
- Work with client personnel to reconcile account differences and analyze financial data
- Prepare individual, corporate, partnership, and other tax returns
- Calculate tax extensions and estimate tax payments
- Participate in client meetings with partners and managers
- Learn technical tax skills under close coaching and progressively take on additional responsibility
Who You Are
You’re an accounting graduate (or soon-to-be graduate) pursuing CPA eligibility who enjoys problem solving and client interaction. You bring:
- Effective time-management and ability to meet deadlines
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Team orientation and ability to work independently when needed
- Detail orientation and a problem-solving mindset
- Initiative and professionalism in client-facing settings
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree (required for Associate-level roles)
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Minimum grade of C or better in job-relevant coursework and intermediate accounting
- Eligible to sit for the CPA exam in at least one U.S. state by the role start date
- Solid technical accounting knowledge and proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel required)
- Reliable transportation to the assigned Chicago office; attendance at off-site meetings/events in person is required
- Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States — visa sponsorship is not available for this position
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior internships or experience in a public accounting tax role
- Familiarity with tax preparation software and basic research tools
Location & Compensation
- Work location: Chicago, IL (on-site expectations as noted above)
- Employment type: Full-time
- Illinois salary disclosure: $78,000 per year (posted range for the Illinois market). Final compensation will be based on experience, education, and skill set.
Benefits & Additional Details
- Opportunities to build a CPA-track career with structured coaching and mentorship
- Exposure to a variety of industries and client engagements
- Benefits may include health plans, 401(k), performance bonuses, flexible time off, and parental leave (eligibility-based and subject to employer plan rules)
- This role is being recruited through Careertakes; if selected you will be hired by our client (Confidential Client). Careertakes may surface additional matched roles to applicants.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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