Senior Accountant: Tax

Mayer Brown is an international law firm positioned to represent the world’s major corporations, funds, and financial institutions in their most important and complex transactions and disputes. We are recognized by our clients as strategic partners with deep commercial instincts and a commitment to creatively anticipating their needs and delivering excellence in everything we do.

We are a collegial, collaborative firm where highly motivated individuals with an unwavering commitment to excellence receive the opportunity, support, and development they need to grow, thrive, and realize their greatest potential all while supporting the Firm’s client service principles of excellence, strategic partnership, commercial instinct, integrated strengths, innovation, and collaboration across our international firm.

If you thrive in a collaborative environment that values exceptional client service, initiative, professionalism, responsiveness, and adaptability, we invite you to consider joining our Tax and Partnership Accounting department in our Chicago office as a Senior Accountant: Tax.

This senior-level position supports the Tax and Partnership Accounting Team in managing firm-wide tax compliance, partner tax matters, tax filings, audits, and related reporting obligations. The Senior Tax Accountant prepares, reviews, and coordinates key tax schedules, partner communications, indirect tax filings, and compliance processes while working closely with internal departments, outside tax advisors, and Firm partners.

Essential Functions:      

• Prepare the calculation of quarterly income tax estimates, including federal withholding, state non-resident withholding taxes, pass-through entity taxes, and composite taxes
• Coordinate the preparation of various tax schedules used for the Firm’s U.S. tax returns for multiple entities
• Collect and review annual partner state tax elections, including withholding, composite, pass-through entity, and related elections
• Support the annual K-1 distribution process to active partners, retired partners, and partner accountants
• Liaise with tax preparers and nonresident equity partners to facilitate the nonresident partners’ U.S. tax filings
• Review various indirect tax filings prepared by staff, including sales and use taxes, gross receipts taxes, and personal property taxes
• Review and draft responses to notices received by the Firm and nonresident equity partners regarding U.S. taxes
• Coordinate the annual IRS tax residency certificate process
• Coordinate responses for Firm tax audits, including gathering documentation and working with internal and external stakeholders
• Work with tax staff on the fixed asset process, including review of tax depreciation calculations and related reporting
• Coordinate tax-related aspects of global secondments, including communications among outside tax advisors, internal payroll departments, and secondees
• Perform other duties as assigned or required to meet Firm goals and objectives

Education/Training/Certifications:      

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field
• CPA or EA certification required

Professional Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of progressive tax accounting and compliance experience required
• Experience with tax compliance required; Knowledge of tax rules and regulations preferred
• Prior “Big 4” experience preferred
• Partnership tax experience preferred

Technical Skills:

• Strong Microsoft Excel and Word skills required
• Familiarity with fixed asset depreciation rules and related fixed asset software; knowledge of BNA Fixed Assets or similar fixed asset programs preferred

Performance Traits:

• Demonstrates strong organizational skills, sound judgment, and a high degree of accuracy while managing multiple priorities, deliverables, and deadlines
• Communicates clearly, professionally, and effectively with Firm leadership, partners, internal departments, outside tax advisors, and vendors
• Collaborates effectively across offices, departments, and time zones to support the needs of the Firm and its partners
• Operates well under pressure, adapts to changing priorities, and consistently meets time-sensitive tax and reporting deadlines
• Takes ownership of assigned responsibilities, demonstrates initiative, and proactively identifies issues requiring follow-up or escalation
• Maintains a strong service orientation and anticipates the needs of partners, colleagues, and other stakeholders
• Exercises discretion, professionalism, and sound independent judgment when handling confidential partner, tax, financial, and Firm information
• Applies analytical thinking, strategic judgment, and practical problem-solving skills to complex tax and partnership accounting matters

The above is a general description of the essential duties associated with this position and does not represent an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all duties.

The Firm may modify and amend this job description at any time at its sole discretion. Nothing herein creates a contract of employment or otherwise modifies the at-will nature of employment.

We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including medical/dental/vision/life/and AD&D insurance, 401(k) savings plan, back-up childcare and eldercare, generous paid time off (PTO), as well as opportunities for professional development and growth.

We are committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities and disabled veterans. To request an accommodation related to the application process or interview, please email [email protected]. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Mayer Brown works with select external search firms that have been vetted against our standards. Firms without a contract or agreement with Mayer Brown are not authorized to represent that they are working with the Firm, nor are they entitled to placement fees. Mayer Brown does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruiters. Submission of an unsolicited CV to Mayer Brown or any of its Partners or employees will not establish any right of priority for the submitting agency.

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