Staff Accountant

Job Description

Staff Accountant – Tax & Accounting | 81 North

The Tone:
This is a full-time role at 81 North, located in Fairfield, New Jersey. Our client is a well-established boutique CPA and advisory firm that offers comprehensive accounting and advisory services. This Staff Accountant role is a critical opportunity for someone seeking broader hands-on experience across the full accounting cycle, including tax, general accounting, financial reporting, and attestation work. This position provides direct access to experienced professionals for practical guidance and mentoring, ensuring a clearer path to taking on greater responsibility and making a visible, meaningful contribution to a respected local firm.

The TL;DR
• Role: Early Career
• Type: Full-time
• Location: In-person Fairfield, NJ
• Mission: This person ensures accurate financial records and tax compliance for clients while gaining diverse accounting experience and contributing to the firm’s success.
• Tech Stack: Microsoft Excel, QuickBooks

What You’ll Actually Do
• Prepare tax returns: Prepare individual and business tax returns, including Forms 1040, 1065, and 1120-S.
• Ensure record accuracy: Review client books and financial records for accuracy and completeness, performing general ledger reconciliations and preparing journal entries.
• Support financial reporting: Assist with financial-statement preparation and reporting, including preparing tax workpapers and supporting schedules.
• Engage with attestations: Participate in audit, review, compilation, and other attestation engagements based on experience.
• Manage client relationships: Communicate directly with clients to gather information and resolve accounting questions, working closely with firm leadership and experienced accountants.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field is preferred, laying a foundation for understanding core accounting principles and financial statements.
• Experience: One to four years of accounting experience is required, preferably gained within a CPA or public-accounting firm. Hands-on experience preparing individual or business tax returns is strongly preferred, specifically with Forms 1040, 1065, or 1120-S.
• Skills: Proficiency with Microsoft Excel is expected. Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills are essential for managing multiple client assignments and meeting deadlines. The ability to work independently, take initiative, ask questions when needed, and communicate well with clients and colleagues is crucial for success.
• Bonus: Exposure to audit, review, compilation, or other attestation engagements is a plus. QuickBooks experience is also preferred.