Drake

Job Title: Staff Accountant 

Location: Madison, WI
Employment Type: Full-Time (Direct Hire)
Compensation: $70,000-$80,000 annually, depending on experience
Schedule: Monday-Friday | 8:00 AM-5:00 PM | Full-Time
Work Environment: On-Site

About the Opportunity

We're partnering with a well-established public accounting firm in the Madison area to hire an experienced Staff Accountant. This is an excellent opportunity for an accounting professional who holds a CPA license or is CPA-eligible and enjoys working with a diverse client base across bookkeeping, payroll, tax preparation, accounting, and financial statement engagements.

The ideal candidate will have 3-4+ years of public accounting experience, strong accounting and tax knowledge, excellent attention to detail, and a commitment to providing exceptional client service.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide bookkeeping and payroll services for a diverse group of clients
• Prepare individual, business, exempt organization, and trust tax returns
• Prepare tax workpapers, including trial balances, depreciation schedules, and debt amortization schedules
• Assist with preparation, compilation, and review engagements for financial statements
• Prepare sales tax and payroll tax returns for clients
• Prepare engagement letters and related client correspondence
• Enter and maintain accurate information in accounting and tax software
• Maintain accurate financial records and supporting documentation
• Monitor internal and client deadlines to ensure timely completion of work
• Communicate with clients regarding accounting and tax-related matters
• Research accounting and tax topics as needed to ensure accurate and high-quality work
• Support bookkeeping-related special projects and administrative tasks
• Assist with additional responsibilities as assigned by managers, shareholders, or professional staff

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting
• CPA license or eligibility to sit for the CPA exam in Wisconsin
• 3-4+ years of public accounting experience
• Experience with tax preparation and accounting services
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and tax regulations
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Ability to manage multiple client assignments and deadlines
• Commitment to maintaining strict client confidentiality

Preferred:

• Experience with QuickBooks or similar accounting software
• Experience working with individual, business, trust, and nonprofit clients
• Experience with financial statement preparation, compilation, or review engagements

What Makes You Successful

• You take initiative and understand expectations without needing constant direction
• You take ownership of your responsibilities and work independently
• You communicate clearly and provide strong client service
• You stay organized while managing multiple client assignments
• You adapt well to changing priorities and deadlines
• You are comfortable researching accounting and tax topics when needed
• You look for opportunities to improve workflow and client service
• You maintain a high level of accuracy and professionalism
• You consistently protect client confidentiality

Additional Expectations

• Ability to work extended hours during peak busy season (January-April), including designated Saturdays
• Willingness to support teammates beyond the responsibilities listed
• Commitment to a collaborative, team-oriented environment
• Ability to assist with additional duties and special projects as needed

Why You'll Love This Role

• Competitive salary of $70,000-$80,000 annually, depending on experience
• Excellent benefits package
• Direct-hire opportunity with long-term career growth
• Diverse client work across tax, accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, and financial statement services
• Opportunity to work with an experienced and supportive accounting team
• Collaborative, professional work environment
• Opportunity to build long-term relationships with a diverse client base