State Tax Staff Accountant (Associate)

Grant Thornton is seeking a State Tax Staff Accountant to join the team in Downers Grove, IL.

Position Summary

The internal tax group is responsible for the firm’s tax matters.  These include federal, international, and state and local taxes.  The State Tax Staff Accountant will work in the firm’s internal tax group and have responsibilities relating to state and local income, sales and use, gross receipts, business licenses, and property tax returns.  In addition, this individual will participate in the review of financial information, identification of tax issues, and various special tax projects throughout the year.

This is a hybrid position that requires working in the office at least two days a week.  During busier periods, this position requires working at the office as needed.  This position will work with highly confidential information of the firm and its partners. It is imperative that the individual be able to maintain this confidentiality at all times.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Prepare state and local partnership and corporate tax returns
• Prepare supporting work papers including state apportionment and state modification schedules
• Prepare sales and use tax returns on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis
• Prepare business license tax registrations and other non-income tax related returns
• Assist with property tax compliance
• Prepare and maintain the firm’s tax calendar
• Calculate and prepare quarterly estimated and extension payments 
• Perform tax research
• Work with the accounting team in obtaining and delivering accounting and tax information
• Reconcile state pre-paid and accrual accounts and make journal entries
• Communicate with state and local government tax officials
• Assist with state and local tax audits and communicate with auditors
• Maintain tax continuing education through internal or external training
• Communications with partners regarding tax statements
• Adhere to the highest degree of professional standards and maintain strict confidentiality in matters that require discretion

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in accounting or related field. CPA (or working towards CPA) preferred
• Six months to two years tax experience 
• Some experience with state income, sales, and use taxes preferred
• Basic knowledge of federal tax
• Basic tax research skills
• Proficient with Outlook, Excel and Word
• Ability to learn and work with complex tax and accounting software systems. Working knowledge of GoSystem or similar software is preferred
• Working knowledge of book/GAAP accounting
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to prioritize and perform a wide variety of assignments individually or as part of a team
• Ability to work independently and overtime as needed

The base salary range for this position in the firm's Downers Grove, IL office is between $64,000 and $96,000 per year.

At Grant Thornton, we believe in making business more personal and building trust into every result – for our clients and you. Here, we go beyond your expectations of a career in professional services by offering a career path with more: more opportunity, more flexibility, and more support. It’s what makes us different, and we think being different makes us better. 

In the U.S., Grant Thornton delivers professional services through two specialized entities: Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed, certified public accounting (CPA) firm that provides audit and assurance services ― and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC (not a licensed CPA firm), which exclusively provides non-attest offerings, including tax and advisory services.

In 2025, Grant Thornton formed a multinational, multidisciplinary platform with Grant Thornton Ireland. The platform offers a premier Trans-Atlantic advisory and tax practice, as well as independent American and Irish audit practices. With $2.7 billion in revenues and more than 50 offices spanning the U.S., Ireland and other territories, the platform delivers a singular client experience that includes enhanced solutions and capabilities, backed by powerful technologies and a roster of 12,000 quality-driven professionals enjoying exceptional career-growth opportunities and a distinctive cross-border culture.

Grant Thornton is part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, which provides access to its member firms in more than 150 global markets.