Junior Accounting Manager

Company Description

Meet Kaizen CPAs + Advisors, the family-friendly accounting pros that have been rockin' the numbers game since 1964. Yep, that's right, we're like the OGs of the financial world! 📊

With five super convenient locations, we've got you covered. Our Illinois offices are nestled in the picturesque towns of Antioch, Arlington Heights, South Barrington, and Lake Zurich. And let's not forget our Wisconsin office, chillin' in the awesome city of Kenosha. 🏙️

Now, even though we're hangin' out in northeastern Illinois and southeastern Wisconsin, our clients are like our own personal travel buddies. We've got peeps all over, from the Windy City down south to the cheese-loving folks up north, and even scattered across the good ol' USA. 🗺️

But here's the real deal: When you join the Kaizen CPAs + Advisors crew, you're not just joining a bunch of number crunchers. You're becoming part of our awesome, supportive team. We're all about high-fives and virtual dance parties to celebrate your wins, whether they're big-time business victories or personal achievements. 💃🕺

So, if you're lookin' for an accounting squad that's a mix of professionalism and down-to-earth awesomeness, look no further. Kaizen CPAs + Advisors has your back! 🚀

Job Description

Are you a dedicated and ambitious accounting professional with a genuine passion for tax and accounting? Do you thrive on building strong relationships with small business owners and supporting their financial success? If you are eager to take on a rewarding role that combines your love for accounting with your desire to work closely with small business clients, we have an exciting opportunity for you as a Junior Accounting Manager.

Though the work is predominately tax, this position is ideal for the individual looking to get broad exposure to payroll, bookkeeping, compilations, and reviews. As a Junior Accounting Manager, you will have the unique opportunity to combine your passion for tax and accounting with your genuine care for small business owners. Your dedication and ambition will be instrumental in helping our clients achieve their financial goals and ensuring the success of our firm.The Junior Manager, under the direct supervision of the Account Manager, prepares personal, partnership, and corporate tax returns. In addition, the Junior Manager manages client relationships and engagements, researches tax compliance matters, reviews financial statements, prepares tax projections, and assists in responding to various taxing authorities. A successful Junior Manager excels in an environment of continuous improvement; researching, applying, and sharing information at a fast pace. As the link between Staff Accountants and Managers, the Junior Manager identifies areas for enhancement that will bring value to the client. To do this, it is essential to understand the Staff Accountant position, as well as the Manager position. Not only does the Junior Manager work with Staff Accountants and Managers, they also work with members from payroll, financial services, and IT. Building a good rapport with clients and co-workers is essential; leading presentations on varied subjects is a requirement. Junior Managers gain proficiency in a number of software programs, e.g., Microsoft Excel, Word, and Teams, as well as a suite of tax programs. Time pressures, due to various tasks and deadlines, must be managed efficiently to be successful in achieving firm goals. Integrity, honesty, dependability, enthusiasm, positivity, resilience, organization, time management, and professionalism are demonstrated daily in this position. In addition to the above, advancement to Manager is available for those that reveal a strong combination of superior technical skills, superior soft skills, confidence, the ability to command respect from clients and co-workers, the aptitude to advise a diverse client base, and holding true to the firm’s vision and values. 

Qualifications

• CPA or EA certification preferred; desire to earn credentials if not already obtained required
• Bachelor degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 1-3 years experience preferred, but not required to apply  
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, MS Teams, Outlook) 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills 
• Proven ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously 
• Prior experience in tax preparation and accounting, with a specific passion for serving small business clients.
• Must be technically savvy with the ability to adapt to ever changing technologies and learn functionality of new equipment and systems 
• Work independently in the absence of supervision 
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and clients. 
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills to foster trust and loyalty with small business