Specialty Tax Services Associate, State and Local Tax - Summer 2025 (Pittsburgh)

Job Summary:

The STS SALT Associate will be responsible for basic research and analysis of state and local tax (SALT) issues, along with utilization of tax software in the completion of basic tax returns and other tax filings and documents. In this role, the STS Tax Associate, State and Local Taxation will have the opportunity to utilize their educational background while working side-by-side with more experienced Tax members who will provide direction and coaching related a range of state and local tax laws and resources.

Job Duties:

• Research
  • Identifies simple situations when research is necessary providing an outline of the issue(s) and the appropriate source of research to be conducted
  • Analyzes researched facts and the sources utilized prior to composing a detailed report of the research findings
  • Prepares WTA and tax returns as appropriate
• Tax Compliance
  • Participates in the preparation, filing and completion of voluntary disclosure agreements for sales and use tax; income tax and unclaimed property
  • Drafts tax memorandums, tax opinions and other documentation on various tax issues
  • Assists in the drafting of responses to notices from state taxing authorities
  • Prepares modeling for tax and unclaimed property exposure analysis
  • Participates in the audit defense of client returns and tax positions
  • Ensures all data needed to comply with filing requirements is obtained and identifies missing items to need for preparation of assigned tax returns
  • Monitors current tax law changes and applies appropriately to the preparation of assigned tax returns
  • Manages collection and retention of all appropriate workpapers for assigned clients
• Tax Consulting
  • Develops, recommends and implements standard tax methods to provide clients with maximum tax benefits related to current and future tax obligations
  • Utilizes online research tools, prior tax returns, interviews with client personnel and other resources to gather pertinent tax information related to assigned clients
  • Continues building tax knowledge by monitoring relevant tax laws and educating oneself on firm tax strategies and Tax Planning Ideas (TPIs)
• Tax Related Software
  • Utilizes Caseware, GoSystems, tax research databases and other tax-related software in the completion of assigned tasks
  • Tax Specialization
  • Develops an in-depth understanding of the technical and practical issues and opportunities regarding SALT tax benefits
• ASC740-10
  • Understands and applies industry standards, along with firm policies and BDO Tax Quality Manual requirements as they relate to FAS 109 and FIN48, as well as FAS5 for sales tax and unclaimed properties
  • Strategy Development
  • Assists in the preparation of studies of tax implications to identify alternative courses of actions to benefits clients
  • Develops an understanding of the impact of a client’s business objectives as it relates to the client’s tax situation
• Other duties as required

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• N/A

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, required
• Master’s degree in Accounting, preferred
• Master’s degree in Taxation, preferred

Experience:

• Prior internship or other work experience within an accounting setting or public accounting, preferred

License/Certifications:

• Eligible to sit for the CPA exams; progress towards admission to practice in a U.S. jurisdiction; progress towards Internal Revenue Service Enrolled Agent (“EA”) (or progress towards the equivalent of one of these designations) upon starting employment, preferred

Software:

• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel and PowerPoint, required

Language:

• N/A

Other Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong analytical and basic research skills
• Solid organizational skills especially ability to meet project deadlines with a focus on details
• Ability to successfully multi-task while working independently or within a group environment
• Proven ability to work in a deadline-driven environment and handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to prepare simple tax returns
• Basic knowledge of appropriate application of tax standards to ensure effective and efficient delivery of tax services
• Basic knowledge of sources of relevant information utilized in tax filings as well as the most widely-used filing forms and awareness of other less widely used forms
• Basic knowledge and understanding of cause / effect for taxable conditions on clients and the potential tax issues
Basic knowledge of accounting theory, filing methodologies, and frequencies for sales tax returns

Individual salaries that are offered to a candidate are determined after consideration of numerous factors including but not limited to the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and geography.

California Range: $78,000 - $120,000
Illinois Range: $74,000 - $100,000
Maryland Range: $75,000 - $100,000
Minnesota Range: $72,000 - $100,000
NYC/Long Island/Westchester Range: $82,000 - $120,000
Washington Range: $78,000 - $120,000
Washington DC Range: $75,000 - $100,000

Join us at BDO, where you will find more than a career, you’ll find a place where your work is impactful, and you are valued for your individuality. We offer flexibility and opportunities for advancement. Our culture is centered around making meaningful connections, approaching interactions with curiosity, and being true to yourself, all while making a positive difference in the world.

At BDO, our purpose of helping people thrive every day is at the heart of everything we do. Together, we are focused on delivering exceptional and sustainable outcomes and value for our people, our clients, and our communities. BDO is proud to be an ESOP company, reflecting a culture that puts people first, by sharing financially in our growth in value with our U.S. team. BDO professionals provide assurance, tax and advisory services for a diverse range of clients across the U.S. and in over 160 countries through our global organization.

BDO is the first large accounting and advisory organization to implement an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). A qualified retirement plan, the ESOP offers participants a stake in the firm’s success through beneficial ownership and a unique opportunity to enhance their financial well-being. The ESOP stands as a compelling addition to our comprehensive compensation and Total Rewards benefits* offerings. The annual allocation to the ESOP is fully funded by BDO through investments in company stock and grants employees the chance to grow their wealth over time as their shares vest and grow in value with the firm’s success, with no employee contributions.

We are committed to delivering exceptional experiences to middle market leaders by sharing insight-driven perspectives, helping companies take business as usual to better than usual. With industry knowledge and experience, a breadth and depth of resources, and unwavering commitment to quality, we pride ourselves on:

• Welcoming diverse perspectives and understanding the experience of our professionals and clients
• Empowering team members to explore their full potential
• Our talented team who brings varying skills, knowledge and experience to proactively help our clients navigate an expanding array of complex challenges and opportunities
• Celebrating ingenuity and innovation to transform our business and help our clients transform theirs
• Focus on resilience and sustainability to positively impact our people, clients, and communities
• BDO Total Rewards that encompass so much more than traditional “benefits.” Click here to find out more!

• Benefits may be subject to eligibility requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets