Tax Internship

Job Description

Tax Intern | Ascend

The Tone:
This is a seasonal internship at Ascend, available in locations including San Jose and Santa Cruz. Ascend operates as a financial services firm, empowering individuals, closely held businesses, and high-net-worth individuals to achieve their financial goals with a dedicated team of over 85 professionals. The Tax Intern role is vital for supporting the firm’s tax professionals by assisting with various tax preparation, compliance, and planning tasks. This position offers a significant opportunity to gain practical experience and make a real impact on client success within a collaborative and supportive environment.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Type: Seasonal (January – April), Part-time (minimum 25 hours/week)
• Location: In-person San Jose, CA
• Pay: $25 hourly
• Team: Works closely with experienced tax professionals.
• Mission: Supports the tax team in delivering top-notch financial services by assisting with tax preparation, research, and project support.
• Tech Stack: Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word), Adobe PDF

What You’ll Actually Do
• Tax Return Preparation: Assist in the accurate preparation of individual (1040) and fiduciary (1041) tax returns, along with gathering and organizing all necessary supporting documentation.
• Tax Regulation Research: Conduct thorough research on current tax regulations and assist in interpreting and applying these regulations effectively to diverse client situations and inquiries.
• Project and Administrative Support: Provide comprehensive support to the tax team on various projects and administrative duties, ensuring efficient workflow and operational effectiveness.
• Tax Compliance Activities: Gain practical experience by actively assisting with tasks related to tax compliance, contributing to the firm’s commitment to meeting regulatory requirements.
• Tax Planning and Advisory Involvement: Participate in and provide support for initiatives focused on tax planning and advisory services, broadening exposure to strategic financial guidance.

The Must-Haves
• Background: This is an Entry-Level position for individuals currently pursuing a degree in Accounting or Taxation. Candidates must possess a strong foundational understanding of core accounting principles and relevant tax regulations through their academic coursework.
• Experience: Availability to commit to a minimum of 25 hours per week is required for the duration of the internship period, which runs from January through April.
• Skills: Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications, specifically Excel and Word, is essential. Candidates should also be proficient in Adobe PDF. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are critical, alongside excellent attention to detail and the proven ability to effectively manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Good communication skills and a proactive attitude are also key.
• Bonus: Prior coursework specifically focused on taxation will be considered a valuable advantage for this role.