Operations Associate Jobs in Ankeny, IA (NOW HIRING)

JOB SUMMARYThe National Tax Operations Associate Director will play a key internal role focused on supporting our tax teams with complex partnership returns. This position is designed for someone with strong technical expertise who can serve as a resource to staff and partners, especially when it comes to reviewing challenging returns, addressing technical issues, and helping standardize workpapers and processes across the firm.
This role is highly collaborative and will involve working closely with various teams to ensure consistency and quality in our partnership compliance work. It also includes staying current on relevant legislation and court rulings and sharing those insights internally to keep our teams informed and aligned.
Although primarily internally focused, this role may occasionally be involved in client-facing work when a high level of technical insight is needed. The position carries billable hour responsibilities, and while travel is expected to be minimal, it may be required on occasionJOB DESCRIPTION

Technical Review & Oversight

• Review complex partnership tax returns and supporting workpapers for accuracy, completeness, and compliance

• Identify and resolve high-level technical issues, escalating when necessary

• Serve as the firm's subject matter expert on partnership tax compliance and reporting

Process & Standardization

• Evaluate and enhance workpaper templates, documentation standards, and return preparation processes

• Lead initiatives to standardize and streamline tax workflows across offices

• Collaborate with technology and operations teams to implement automation and efficiency tools where appropriate

Internal Support & Collaboration

• Provide ongoing support to tax staff and partners on partnership tax matters

• Deliver technical training and coaching to improve team expertise and confidence in handling complex partnership engagements

• Develop and distribute technical guides, process documentation, and updates as needed

Research & Communication

• Monitor and interpret new tax legislation, regulatory developments, and key court decisions related to partnerships

• Communicate relevant updates across the firm, including practical guidance and implications for our clients and our operations

• Represent the firm in select thought leadership opportunities and industry forums

Client Engagement

• Participate in client consultations involving highly complex partnership structures or unique tax issues as needed

• Support business development efforts through technical input and strategic recommendations when appropriate

Supervisory responsibilities

• May supervise subordinate staff

Work environment

• Work is conducted in a professional office environment with minimal distractions

Physical demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and performing work in front of a computer screen for long periods of time

• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time

Travel required

• Limited travel may be requested for attending events, conferences, or internal meetings

Required education and experience

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field

• 10+ years of relevant experience

• 8+ years of progressive tax leadership experience in a CPA firm or related professional service environment

• CPA license

• Responsible for completing the minimum CPE credit requirement

• Extensive technical knowledge of Subchapter K, including basis and capital accounts, complex allocations, and tiered structures

• Proven experience reviewing complex partnership returns and workpapers

• Demonstrated ability to lead and support internal tax teams

• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain technical issues clearly and concisely

Preferred education and experience

• Advanced degree (Master's) or additional relevant certifications

• Experience with tax process improvement, standardization, or automation initiatives

• Familiarity with tax compliance systems and workflow tools (e.g., CCH Axcess)

• Prior experience in a national or multi-office CPA firm environment

• Exposure to or participation in firm-wide tax training, technical updates, or policy development

Other duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the colleague for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

WHO WE ARE

UHY is one of the nation's largest professional services firms providing audit, tax, consulting and advisory services to clients primarily in the dynamic middle market. We are trailblazers who bring our experience from working within numerous industries to our clients so that we can provide them with a 360-degree view of their businesses. Together with our clients, UHY works collaboratively to develop flexible, innovative solutions that meet our clients' business challenges. As an independent member of UHY International, we are proud to be a part of a top 20 international network of independent accounting and consulting firms.

WHAT WE OFFER

POSITIVE WORK ENVIRONMENT

Enjoy a collaborative and supportive work environment where teamwork is valued.

ATTRACTIVE COMPENSATION PACKAGES

Our compensation is competitive and tailored to reflect the role, qualifications, and expertise of each individual.

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFIT PACKAGE

Access comprehensive benefits including group health insurance, dental and vision coverage, 401(k) retirement plans, and generous paid time off (PTO) allowances.