Associate Tax Winter 2028 | Des Moines
The Associate Tax role at Confidential Client is a full-time entry-level position designed for accounting students aiming for CPA eligibility. The role involves preparing various tax returns, analyzing financial data, reconciling accounts, and collaborating with clients and senior staff to develop technical skills and build a career in public accounting. Candidates will gain hands-on experience working with diverse industries while being supported by experienced professionals in a structured learning 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 Associate Tax role in West Des Moines, IA is ideal for accounting graduates working toward CPA eligibility who want hands-on tax experience and mentorship. As an Associate Tax, you will support client engagements across industries and grow technical tax skills while working directly with managers and partners.
- 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 alongside partners and managers
- Assist with research and documentation for tax positions and filings
- Manage assigned tasks to meet deadlines during busy season
Qualifications
Minimum qualifications (required)
- Bachelor’s degree (Associate positions require a bachelor’s degree)
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.0
- Minimum grade of C or higher 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
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
- Reliable transportation to and from the assigned office; able to attend in‑person meetings and events
Preferred qualifications
- Prior tax internship experience at a public accounting firm
- Experience preparing or assisting with tax returns
- Demonstrated client-facing or teamwork experience
Skills & Working Style
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Effective time management and ability to prioritize
- Detail-oriented with a problem-solving attitude
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively under pressure
Compensation & Location
- Estimated salary: $63,300 per year (estimated)
- Employment type: Full-time
- Location: West Des Moines, IA — on-site presence required; some travel for client meetings may be necessary
- Start timeframe: Winter 2028 (as indicated in the job title)
Note: Salary shown is an estimate. If you need accommodation during the hiring process, please let Careertakes know.
Additional Details & Legal
- This role is for candidates legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
- Careertakes and our client comply with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws where the role is posted.
- This posting is optimized for keywords commonly used by candidates searching for Associate Tax roles in West Des Moines and nearby markets.
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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