Experienced Tax Professional
Job Description
TAX PREPARER
Enrolled Agent Preferred • Full-Time, In-Office • San Diego, CA • Start Date: December 2026
About the Firm
Halbert & James Inc. is a San Diego–based tax, accounting, and advisory firm serving individuals, business owners, trusts, and estates. We pride ourselves on technical excellence, polished client communication, and a collaborative team culture. We work in a modern, technology-forward environment and are looking for a tax professional who shares that mindset.
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced Tax Preparer—ideally an Enrolled Agent—to join our team for a full-time, in-office role. The ideal candidate has a strong background in individual returns with Schedule C and rental activities, is comfortable preparing business returns (S-corps, partnerships), and enjoys working with modern tax technology. This role reports to the Lead Enrolled Agent and works closely with our preparers, bookkeepers, and front-office team.
Key Responsibilities
• Prepare and review individual returns (Form 1040), including Schedule C, Schedule E rental activities, and multistate filings.
• Prepare business returns including S-corporations (1120S), partnerships (1065), and single-member LLCs.
• Conduct tax research on federal and California issues; document conclusions clearly and accurately.
• Communicate with clients professionally—gathering documents, explaining results, and responding to IRS/FTB notices.
• Collaborate with bookkeeping staff to ensure accurate financials feed into business returns.
• Identify planning opportunities (entity structure, retirement contributions, depreciation strategies, QBI) and flag them to the Lead EA.
• Maintain organized, well-documented workpapers and meet internal deadlines throughout tax season.
• Work extended hours during tax season—typically 50–55 hours per week from mid-February through April 15—to support client deadlines.
Required Qualifications
• 3+ years of recent professional tax preparation experience.
• Strong working knowledge of Schedule C, Schedule E rentals, and depreciation.
• Experience with business returns (1120S and/or 1065).
• Hands-on experience with Lacerte or UltraTax.
• Comfort with cloud-based workflows, document management systems, and modern office technology.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in our San Diego office; this role is not remote.
Preferred Qualifications
• Active Enrolled Agent (EA) credential (or CPA).
• Experience with trust and estate returns (Form 1041).
• Experience with QuickBooks Online and/or QuickBooks Desktop, Lacerte and/or Ultratax software
• Familiarity with California-specific issues (PTET, Form 568, FTB notices).
• Experience with multistate returns and part-year residency situations.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary range based on experience and credentials:
Experience Level
Profile
Salary Range
Mid-Level
3–5 yrs preparing 1040s with Sch. C and rentals
$60,000 – $65,000
Senior
5+ yrs, EA credential, comfortable on 1120S/1065
$70,000 – $85,000
• Retirement: 401(k) with employer match
• Time Off: Paid holidays, paid vacation days, and paid sick time
• Workplace: Modern, in-office work environment in Mission Valley
• Professional Development: CPE support and EA continuing education assistance
Equal Employment Opportunity
Halbert & James Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
