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Surety Agent Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Optima Tax Relief

Tax Preparer 3

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Active Tax Preparer bond from an insurance/surety agent during duration in role. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS,& ABILITIES * Thorough knowledge of how to prepare 1040 individual tax returns, Schedule C Forms ...

Optima Tax Relief

Tax Preparer 3

Santa Ana, CA

$23 - $25/mo

Active Tax Preparer bond from an insurance/surety agent during duration in role. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS,& ABILITIES * Thorough knowledge of how to prepare 1040 individual tax returns, Schedule C Forms ...

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Surety Agent information

What is a surety agent?

A Surety Agent is a licensed professional who acts as an intermediary between clients and surety companies to secure surety bonds. These bonds are often required by government agencies or private entities to guarantee the fulfillment of contractual obligations, such as construction projects or licensing requirements. Surety Agents assess their clients' needs, help them find appropriate bond solutions, assist with the application process, and ensure compliance with regulations. They play a critical role in risk management for both individuals and businesses.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a surety agent?

To thrive as a Surety Agent, you need strong knowledge of insurance principles, risk assessment, and underwriting, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree or insurance certifications. Familiarity with surety bond management systems, industry software, and regulatory compliance tools is typically required. Excellent negotiation, communication, and customer service skills help build client trust and effectively manage complex cases. These skills are crucial for accurately assessing risk, maintaining compliance, and fostering successful client relationships in the surety industry.

What are some common challenges a surety agent faces when managing client relationships?

Surety Agents often navigate complex relationships between clients, underwriters, and contractors, which can present challenges such as balancing client expectations with underwriting requirements and managing communication between all parties involved. They may also face tight deadlines for bond approvals and must ensure all documentation is accurate and complete to avoid delays. Building trust and credibility with clients is essential, as they rely on the agent’s expertise to secure the right bonds for their projects. These challenges require strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication.

What is the difference between Surety Agent vs Insurance Underwriter?

AspectSurety AgentInsurance Underwriter
CredentialsLicensing, insurance knowledgeLicensing, risk assessment skills
Work EnvironmentInsurance agencies, bonding companiesInsurance companies, underwriting departments
Industry UsageBonding, suretyshipProperty & casualty, life insurance
Common Search/ComparisonYesNo

While both Surety Agents and Insurance Underwriters work within the insurance industry, Surety Agents primarily focus on bonding and suretyship, helping clients secure bonds for projects. Insurance Underwriters evaluate risks for various insurance policies. The main difference lies in their roles: Surety Agents facilitate bonds, whereas Underwriters assess risk for insurance coverage.

Is a surety agent a good career?

A surety agent is a professional who sells and manages surety bonds, which guarantee the performance of contractual obligations. The role typically requires licensing, strong communication skills, and knowledge of insurance and financial regulations; it can offer stable employment and opportunities for advancement in the insurance industry.

What are popular job titles related to Surety Agent jobs in California?

For Surety Agent jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Surety Agent jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Surety Agent jobs in California are:

Surety Agent jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surety Agent job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution.

Tax Preparer 3

Optima Tax Relief

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY
The Tax Preparer 3 position for Optima Tax Relief, LLC ("Optima") is located in the Santa Ana, California office and reports to the Tax Prep Quality Coordinator. Tax Preparers work hard to achieve top-quality tax resolution by getting members into filing compliance with the IRS through quality tax preparation services. They play a vital role in providing tax compliance and reporting and are primarily responsible for preparing all tax returns for individuals, corporations, and payroll, putting the member in compliance with the IRS and/or Franchise Tax Boards. This role will contact members to verify information, will review transcripts, and member tax documents. They are relied upon to provide reports in a timely and accurate fashion to sustain the needs of Optima members. They also work with various teams to deliver key components of Optima's various services to provide resolution to our members. This role must also champion Optima's culture and Core Values and help to deliver the best customer experience.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Prepare Taxes in high quantity including, but not limited to, 1040 individual returns, Schedule C forms, amended returns, Corporate returns, Partnership returns.
  • Communicate with members regularly telephonically or via email to respond to member inquiries from existing and provide case status updates.
  • Collect and review member documents and ensure they are properly filed in the member's case file.
  • Collaborate regularly with various Optima teams to deliver key components for Optima's services, including bringing members to compliance with past due returns.
  • Follow company protocols to ensure the highest level of security to protect the member Personal Identifiable Information (PII).
  • Other duties as assigned.

In order to be provided the essential training required to be successful in this role, it is mandatory that you are present for and complete all essential/initial training onsite for up to 5 business days (unless prior management approval is provided). Please note that additional onsite training may be required depending on business need.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
  • 3 years relevant experience with 1040 individual tax returns, Schedule C Forms, amended returns, Corporate returns, and Partnership returns.
  • Experience with Lacerte Tax Preparation Software, a plus.
  • Active California Tax Education Council ("CTEC") registration or Active IRS Enrolled Agent.
  • Active Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) from the IRS during duration in role.
  • Active Tax Preparer bond from an insurance/surety agent during duration in role.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS,& ABILITIES
  • Thorough knowledge of how to prepare 1040 individual tax returns, Schedule C Forms, Amended returns, Corporate returns, and Partnership returns.
  • Strong ability to multi-task.
  • Excellent organizational, time-management, written, and communication skills.
  • Meticulous attention to detail and high sense of accountability.
  • Self-starter, industrious, and motivated.
  • Proficient and comfortable with office equipment (Computer skills - Microsoft Office, Outlook).
  • A positive mindset and "get-it-done" attitude.
  • Able to work in a fast-paced, high-energy environment.

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