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Entry Level Tax Accounting Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Staff Accountant

Urbandale, IA

$52K - $68K/yr

Under direct supervision, performs entry-level bookkeeping and accounting tasks. Duties may be ... procedures, SSAE16 procedures tax regulations, local GAAP and US GAAP and local statutory ...

Intern Audit Winter 2028

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

... or tax, or even whether public accounting is right for you. You will work on client engagements like those assigned to our entry-level associates, gaining exposure to a variety of industries and ...

Intern Audit Winter 2028

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

... or tax, or even whether public accounting is right for you. You will work on client engagements like those assigned to our entry-level associates, gaining exposure to a variety of industries and ...

Entry Level Tax Accounting information

What is the difference between Entry Level Tax Accounting vs Tax Preparer?

AspectEntry Level Tax AccountingTax Preparer
Required CredentialsBasic accounting knowledge, sometimes a degree or coursework in accounting or financeGenerally no formal credentials required, but certifications like PTIN are common
Work EnvironmentAccounting firms, corporate finance departments, or small businessesTax preparation services, retail locations, or freelance work
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by accounting firms, corporations, and tax departmentsUsed by tax service companies, retail chains, and independent preparers

Entry Level Tax Accounting involves basic accounting skills and may require some coursework, working in professional environments like firms or corporate finance. Tax Preparer roles often require minimal credentials and are typically found in retail or freelance settings. Both roles serve the tax industry but differ in credentials, work environment, and employer types.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level tax accountant?

To thrive as an Entry Level Tax Accountant, you need a solid understanding of accounting principles, tax regulations, and a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field. Familiarity with tax preparation software like Intuit ProConnect, Microsoft Excel, and possibly progress toward a CPA certification are common requirements. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and clear communication skills help you manage deadlines and client expectations. These competencies are crucial for ensuring compliance, accuracy, and effective client service in the tax accounting field.

What does an entry level tax accountant do?

As an entry level tax accountant, you'll primarily assist with preparing tax returns, organizing financial documents, and ensuring compliance with current tax laws. Most of your client interaction will be indirect at first, such as collecting necessary information and supporting senior accountants with client communications. Over time, as you gain experience, you may begin to participate in client meetings or respond to basic inquiries. Teamwork is a key component, as you'll often collaborate with other accountants and tax professionals to complete projects accurately and on time.

What is entry level tax accounting?

Entry level tax accounting refers to positions for individuals just beginning their careers in tax accounting. These roles typically involve assisting with the preparation of tax returns, researching tax laws, gathering financial documentation, and supporting senior accountants with compliance tasks. Entry level tax accountants often work under supervision while gaining experience with tax regulations, client communications, and software tools. These roles provide foundational knowledge and skills needed for advancement in the accounting field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Tax Accounting jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Tax Accounting jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Tax Accounting job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 36% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Entry Level Tax Preparer

Jackson Hewitt Tax Service, Inc.

Council Bluffs, IA • On-site

$16/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Jackson Hewitt rating

4.8

Company rating: 4.8 out of 10

Based on 119 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

148th of 150 rated financial services


Job description

Responsive recruiter
Replies within 24 hours
Benefits:
  • Training & development
  • Bonus based on performance
  • Flexible schedule

Your Purpose:
At Jackson Hewitt, we provide an invaluable service in guiding our clients through the tax codes, rules, and processes. We do this with integrity, quality, and consistency. This is something that the vast majority of taxpayers don't receive from DIY or other assisted providers. We take pride in that. The role you play is critical to our success and together we are "Working Hard for the Hardest Working Americans". This is our mission and it's a large part of why we work here. Together we are highly passionate about what we do, and how we can help our clients.
We have tax classes starting in early October to certify you to work for us during the tax season
Doing taxes is much more than filling in some forms. For most Americans, their tax return is the biggest single financial event of the year, and it can be quite an emotional experience. That's where you come in! We are here to ease their stress and provide expert customer service and tax knowledge.
If you join our team as an Entry-Level Seasonal Tax Preparer, you'll conduct one-on-one tax interviews with clients, start to develop your book of business, and provide exceptional customer service. You will also have the opportunity to expand your skill set with professional development and continuous training.
Flexible Schedules Available:
  • Day shift
  • Night shift
  • Weekends
  • Weekdays
  • Full-time or Part-time
  • Not remote

Are you:
  • Looking to learn a new career and break into the tax industry?
  • Someone who has gaps in their work history or is looking to boost their skills and resume?
  • Someone who has been out of the workforce over the last year while at home with family?
  • New to the workforce or with limited experience/education, but a willingness to learn?
  • Retired and want to continue to make an impact?
  • Someone without a college diploma? No problem!
  • A Veteran or military personnel transitioning from the service?
  • Part of a military family that moves often with deployments?
  • A recent college graduate or current college student?
  • A stay-at-home parent who needs a flexible work schedule?
  • A gig worker or looking to add a second income?
  • Bilingual? Bilingual candidates are highly encouraged to apply!
  • Bonus Potential

What you'll do here:
As a Seasonal Entry Level Tax Preparer, you will be responsible for providing guidance, explaining, preparing, and completing accurate tax-related forms for clients, including multiyear, multistate, year-end tax forms and providing clients with IRS audit support. Complete E-filing, provide printed copies of returns for clients to review, signing and e-file these forms to IRS and state agencies.
  • Conduct face-to-face tax interviews with clients.
  • Prepare complete and accurate tax returns.
  • Generate business growth, increase client retention, and offer additional products and services.
  • Provide clients with IRS audit support.
  • Complete all related tax forms in accordance with policies, and in compliance with legislation and regulations.
  • Collection and processing of clients' payments while ensuring timely deposits.
  • Marketing and business generation efforts.
  • Furnishes taxpayers with sufficient information and advice to ensure correct tax form completion.
  • Answer client calls via our national call center routing system.
  • Answer questions and provide future tax planning to clients.
  • Resolve client complaints or refer situations to the supervisor (as appropriate) for resolution.
  • Support office priorities through teamwork and collaboration.

Skills you'll bring for success:
  • Passion for providing extraordinary customer service.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Experience working in a fast-paced environment.
  • Basic knowledge of computer functions and math.
  • Sales and/or marketing experience.
  • Experience in accounting, finance, retail, bookkeeping, or taxes a PLUS

Compensation: $16.00 per hour
Working at Jackson Hewitt
Jackson Hewitt is an innovator with nearly 6,000 locations, and we're on a mission to change the face of the tax industry. We are an industry-leading provider of full-service individual, federal, and state income tax preparation with offices across the country. Jackson Hewitt is always seeking to improve its financial products, promotions, and partnerships so clients get more.
Taxes are fun (really!)
Jackson Hewitt is proud to offer free tax training as well as continuing education for tax preparers across the country. With nearly 6,000 locations to choose from, there's likely a Jackson Hewitt location near you, including at your local Walmart store. Tax preparers have flexible scheduling and various rewards too.
PTIN Certification: Yes
By submitting this form, I hereby acknowledge that most Jackson Hewitt locations are operated by independent franchisees and not Jackson Hewitt or its affiliates. I further acknowledge that franchisees are independent employers and separate companies and employers from Jackson Hewitt Inc., and set their own employment policies and practices. Franchisees are the exclusive employer of their employees and as such are solely responsible for all employment-related matters and decisions in their locations. Specifically, with regard to employees of franchisees, such franchisees, and not Jackson Hewitt, will have exclusive control over all employment-related decisions, including decisions concerning hiring, firing, wages, conditions of employment, discipline, staffing, or any other day-to-day employment issue. Jackson Hewitt Inc. will have no obligation or right to control any franchise employment issue relating to employees of a Jackson Hewitt franchisee. By applying for a job at a franchise-operated location, I understand that the information I provide will be forwarded to the franchisee in order for that organization to reach out to me and process and evaluate my application. I acknowledge that Jackson Hewitt will not receive a copy of my employment application and will have no involvement in any employment decisions regarding me, including whether I receive an interview or whether I am hired to work for the franchisee. I understand that I need to contact the relevant franchisee for information about its privacy practices. Any communications opt-out that I submit in any franchisee's job application process is specific to that franchisee and will not be communicated to any other entity.

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