Careers with Schmitz-Holmstrom
Description:
Join our rapidly growing accounting services department as an accounting associate where you will work with a team to provide day-to-day exceptional service of financial reporting accuracy and on-time processing of client information. Some responsibilities will include paying vendor bills, downloading and reconciliation of credit card transactions and bank statements, preparation of sales tax reports, W-9 administration, review of monthly ledgers, preparation of client payroll including garnishment and benefit plan obligations, providing QuickBooks support to clients, preparing financial statements, and researching and preparing responses to payroll notices. Candidates should be proficient in the use QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks online and must have strong technology skills.
To be successful with our firm, you should be willing to develop an understanding of our clients’ business and develop relationships with their employees and be willing to ask for help from a team member when you need it! You should also have the ability to learn new skills quickly, adapt to changing situations, be organized and a multi-tasker in order to meet deadlines, have the ability to work efficiently with great attention to detail, and have excellent communication skills for use internally as well as with our clients. Our team frequently works independently but you will also need to be comfortable working as a team player.
Job Type:
Full-time
Salary:
$20.00 – $28.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Physical Setting:
Office
Work Location:
In person. Bismarck, ND: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)
Schedule:
Monday to Friday
Location:
Schmitz-Holmstrom CPAs
1400 West Century Avenue,
Bismarck, ND 58503
- Bachelors Degree in Accounting preferred
3 years of related experience preferred
Certified Public Accountant designation a plus (or ability/desire to obtain) - Compensation based on experience
- Full-time
- Remote work options are available
Description:
Schmitz-Holmstrom is seeking an senior accounting and tax associate specializing in providing clients with superb accounting assistance and tax preparation services. The Accounting Services Senior Associate’s primary function is to not only perform their duties in an efficient and effective manner but to serve as a resource and leader to fellow Accounting Service employees at the Associate level. This position is expected to uphold the mission, vision, and guiding principles of the firm.
Responsibilities:
Assist Accounting Services Manager in training and mentoring Accounting Services’ Associate team members. Serve as a resource and positive role model to Accounting Services’ Associate team members. Keep Accounting Services Manager in the loop as to the performance (good or bad) of Accounting Services’ Associate team members.
Job Duties:
The successful candidate’s function will be to help individuals or organizations meet their state and federal tax obligations as well as assist clients with recording transactions, reconciling accounts and possibly compiling client financial statements. Job responsibilities can include examining financial records – such as income statements and expenditure documentation – to determine clients’ refunds or the amount of taxes owed, collaborating with colleagues to review tax returns, preparing taxes, and filing appropriate paperwork, all while providing excellent customer service. You might also make recommendations to management on ways to streamline operations and increase client satisfaction.
Candidates must be technology savvy with a high degree of computer proficiency and able to adapt quickly to new technologies.
Associates can participate in continuing education classes to ensure they are informed on current practices and mandates.
Location:
Schmitz-Holmstrom CPAs
1400 West Century Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58503
Position Description:
Position: Administrative Assistant/Client Services Specialist
Department: Administrative Department
Reports to: Manager
Job Summary:
Join our busy CPA firm in our Bismarck office. The successful candidate will support the daily administrative functions and be the first face our clients see when they walk in the door.
Job Duties:
An example of responsibilities will include: (1) front desk support, answering telephones, greeting and assisting clients/walk-in visitors, scheduling meetings; (2) high volume of scanning and copying; (3) organizing/filing electronic and paper records; (4) daily preparation, pick-up, sort, delivery of incoming and outgoing mail; (5) processing/assembling electronic/paper tax returns, forms, and documentation; (6) work with MS Office (Outlook/Excel/Word/Teams) and other software systems (CCH Axcess/Engagement) to aid in client project/record maintenance and updates; (7) open to new challenges and able to pick-up additional responsibilities when needed.
Experience:
1+ years office experience a plus.
Qualifications:
Candidates must express a high degree of dependency, customer service professionalism, enjoy helping others, and thrive in a fast-paced work environment. They must be able to multi-task in a high-volume atmosphere and work independently on tasks as assigned, and in a team environment. The ideal candidate will be highly proficient in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams), and must be technology savvy and able to learn new software as needed. Must be able to work in the United States without sponsorship.
Other Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
MS Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, Team).
Solid oral and written communication skills.
Positive attitude and willingness to learn.
Location:
Schmitz-Holmstrom CPAs
1400 West Century Avenue,
Bismarck, ND 58503
Position Description
Position: Senior Associate
Department: Tax
Reports to: Manager
Job Summary
Senior Associate is responsible for utilizing research skills, applying tax foundational knowledge to understand potential tax issues, gathering client information necessary for filing, participating in tax planning, recognizing and communicating potential risks, preparing tax accrual workpapers and working with tax software applications to complete tax returns for review. In this role, the Senior Associate may be charged with supervising and reviewing the work of department Associates.
Job Duties
Tax Compliance
- Tax return preparation, review, and preparation of tax accrual workpapers.
- Ensures both that (a) clients comply with all applicable authorities, while at the same time minimizing their tax and reporting burdens, and (b) self and client service teams comply with all firm policies, standards and Schmitz-Holmstrom Tax Quality Manual (TQM).
- Manages projects by planning tax processes and procedures to be performed with quality.
- Answers preparer questions, and coordinates engagement from onset by communicating expectations and procedures with preparers.
- Conducts detailed reviews on appropriate level returns and appropriate review notes for preparers; raises potential tax issues.
- Meets internal deadlines to match the client expectations for timely delivery of service.
- Identifies book-to-tax differences.
- Assists with responses to notices from the Internal Revenue Service and state authority. Review the responses letters.
- Oversee year-end tax planning.
Research
- Identifies when research is needed; clearly and concisely frames issues to be researched; and clearly and concisely reports the analysis.
- Applies most Firm and professional standards for preparation of written tax advice and tax returns.
Tax Consulting
- Assists with developing, recommending, and implementing efficient and effective methods to maximize client benefits, especially by decreasing clients’ current and future taxes.
- Identifies consulting opportunities to reduce client’s tax liability.
- Provides efficient and effective support for client consulting projects.
- Gathers relevant information for controversy work, efficiently and effectively.
- Documents all significant tax positions, clearly, correctly, and in accordance with Firm and office policies and ensures that proper documentation is archived.
Strategy Development
- Introduces and develops new or improved ideas to improve the position of clients, the Firm, or Firm personnel, e.g., by reducing taxes or expenses or providing non-tax benefits.
- May be required to prepare studies of tax implications and offers clients alternative courses of action.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- May supervise and manage the day-to-day work assignments of Associates.
- Provides verbal and written performance feedback to Associates, as necessary.
- Acts as mentor to core Tax Services Associates.
Other duties as required.
Qualifications, Knowledge, Sills & Abilities
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or other relevant field, preferred.
- Master’s degree in Accounting or Taxation, a plus.
Experience:
- Two (2) or more years of relevant experience, required.
- Experience with corporate taxation, consolidations, and partnerships preferred.
- Basic supervisory experience, preferred.
- Experience preparing and reviewing of tax provisions, preferred.
License/Certifications:
- Passed CPA Exam, preferred.
Software:
- Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Outlook.
- Experience with Adobe Acrobat.
- Experience with tax research databases such as CCH AnswerConnect.
- Proficient in tax compliance processing software, CCH Axcess products.
- Experience with QuickBooks.
Other Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Solid verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to follow instructions.
- Ability to prepare medium and complex tax returns.
- Capable of taking appropriate action without being asked.
- Seeks advice of appropriate superiors regarding issues and/or problems related to compliance.
- Ability to effectively delegate, work as needed.
- Capable of training other team members.
- Strong analytical, research and critical thinking skills.
- Ability to work well in a team environment.
- Train/mentor Associates and Interns.
Location:
Schmitz-Holmstrom CPAs
1400 West Century Avenue,
Bismarck, ND 58503
Position Description
Position: Associate
Department: Tax
Reports to: Manager
Job Summary
Associate is responsible for utilizing his or her educational background as well as communication and organizational skills by assisting with the preparation of tax returns and research. In this role, the Associate will be charged with utilizing basic research skills and working with tax software applications to complete simple tax returns for review.
Job Duties
Tax Compliance
- Ensures both that (a) clients comply with all applicable authorities, while at the same time minimizing their tax and reporting burdens, and (b) self and client service teams comply with all Firm policies, standards, and the Schmitz-Holmstrom Tax Quality Manual (“TQM”).
- Tax return preparation.
- Applies understanding of client’s unique set of circumstances, documentation, and/or other requirements mandated by law and prepares required filings (tax returns) using a system of review and documentation to ensure that the client is in full compliance, while keeping the client’s tax and reporting burden’s as low as possible.
- Ensures all data needed to comply with filing requirements are collected; identifies and properly communicates missing items to prepare return.
- Utilizes Firm compliance software to maximize efficiency in tax prep process.
- Effectively teams with Senior on completion of project, follow-up with Open items list.
- Assists with projections of year-end filings (tax planning.)
- Documents all significant tax positions.
- Assist with responses to notices from the Internal Revenue Service and State authority.
Tax Consulting
- Assists with developing, recommending, and implementing efficient and effective methods to maximize client benefits, especially by decreasing clients’ current and future taxes.
- Applies knowledge of home state corporate, partnership and individual tax structure and filing requirements in completing assigned work.
- Effectively drafts clear and concise general memorandums and correspondence.
- Identifies potentially relevant tax issues or opportunities as part of the tax compliance process.
Other duties as required
Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A
Qualifications, Knowledge, Sills & Abilities
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or other relevant field required.
Experience:
- Leadership experience preferred.
License/Certifications:
- CPA preferred.
Software:
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel and PowerPoint, QuickBooks.
Other Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to follow instructions as directed.
- Ability to work effectively in a team setting.
- Takes appropriate actions without being asked.
- Seeks advice of appropriate superiors regarding issues related to compliance.
- Ability to prepare basic tax returns.
- Train/mentor interns
Location:
Schmitz-Holmstrom CPAs
1400 West Century Avenue,
Bismarck, ND 58503
- Bachelor’s Degree required
- Compensation based on experience
- Full-time
Job Description:
Join our rapidly growing and dynamic audit department as an Assurance Associate and you will be responsible for preparing financial statements with disclosures, applying basic areas of GAAP as necessary and documenting, validating, testing, and assessing various control systems. This position may also be involved in reviews and agreed-upon procedure engagements. This full-time position applies knowledge and understanding of the collective effect of factors in establishing or enhancing effectiveness and mitigating the risks associated with a business’s policies and procedures. Work can be done in our Bismarck, ND office or remotely. To be successful with our firm, you should be willing to develop an understanding of our clients’ business and develop relationships with their employees and be willing to ask for help from a team member when you need it! It’s a great environment to learn from other experienced auditors and grow your audit skills.
Responsibilities:
- The Assurance Associate will be responsible for preparing financial statements with disclosures, applying basic areas of GAAP as necessary and documenting, validating, testing, and assessing various control systems. This position may also be involved in reviews and agreed-upon procedure engagements.
- Candidates must be technology savvy with a high degree of computer proficiency and able to adapt quickly to new technologies.
- Control Environment – Applies knowledge and understanding of the collective effect of various factors on establishing or enhancing effectiveness, or mitigating the risks, of specific policies and procedures by:
Identifying and considering all applicable policies, laws, rules, and regulations of the firm, regulators, or other authoritative bodies as part of engagement team.
Making constructive suggestions to improve client internal controls and accounting procedures.
Documenting and validating the operating effectiveness of the clients’ internal control system. - GAAP – Applies knowledge and understanding of governing principles; applying these principles to client transactions; and documenting and communicating an understanding and application of these principles by:
Providing support of conclusions with authoritative literature.
Drafting basic sets of financial statements with disclosures.
Researching intermediate areas of accounting and forming an initial opinion on the correct treatment independently. - GAAS – Applies knowledge and understanding of professional standards; application of the principles contained in professional standards; and the ability to document and communicate an understanding and application of professional standards on an engagement by:
Developing and applying an intermediate knowledge of auditing theory, a sense of audit skepticism, and the use of SH audit tools.
Applying auditing theory to various client situations.
Documenting in line with SH policy, identifying deviations and notifying more senior team members in order to obtain appropriate approvals.
Applying knowledge to identify instances where testing may be reduced or expanded and notifying more senior team members of the occurrence.
Contributing ideas/opinions to the engagement teams. - Methodology – Applies knowledge and application of SH audit tools to guide effective and efficient delivery of quality services and products by:
Completing all appropriate documentation of SH work papers.
Ensuring assigned work is performed in accordance with SH methodology and requirements. - Research – Applies methodology used to seek or maintain information from authoritative sources and to draw conclusions regarding a target issue based on the information by:
Researching basic and intermediate accounting topics and forming an initial opinion on the treatment independently.
Other duties as required.
Job Description:
The role of Tax Administrator is the champion of tax client services as they exceed client expectations with premier kindness and efficiency. The tone and promptness of your communication sets the expectation for the rest of the process. You will be working with other administrative team members who are trained and are ready to assist where needed to ensure the best service and product for our clients.
As the Tax Administrator you are responsible for providing a broad spectrum of support to the Tax Director and the Tax Department in the fast-paced, challenging and rewarding environment of Schmitz-Holmstrom. You are responsible for the overall process and completeness of assembling and e-filing tax returns and other deliverables, the accuracy of action items and directions given to clients, the organizing of documents along the tax return process, and managing customer service inquiries
Requirements:
Experience in public accounting and tax filing administrative knowledge will be necessary for this position. The Tax Administrator will be working with a variety of staff and clients each day. Thus, communication, organizational, and technical skills are a must. You must have a keen attention to detail, be very organized, and be able to delegate tasks and projects as needed. The ability to work and continuously prioritize multiple projects for yourself and others is an attribute essential to the position. The opportunity to develop ideas or processes which help the productivity and efficiency of the Tax Department is always welcome and feedback is encouraged.
- Experience in tax administrative support work, management of administrative staff, office practices and administrative procedures is required.
- Degree in business, accounting or related field is preferred. The equivalent of public accounting or related experience will be considered.
- Customer service and receptionist experience is required.
- Must have a Type-A strong, but professional, personality.
- Strong technology skills and the ability to quickly navigate various software systems is required.
- MS Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint etc.), Adobe Acrobat and face-to-face communication skills are critical.
Responsibilities:
- Provide administrative support to the Tax Department in a manner that optimizes efficiency, resources, and client satisfaction.
- Ensure client information is correctly cataloged and up to date in our software.
- Prepare tax organizers and engagement letters in accordance with firm policies and procedures.
- Lead the processes for incoming electronic and paper tax documents, organizing, and uploading files to internal software.
- Review client files and notes for missing documents, communicate to clients and follow-up consistently and in a timely fashion.
- Update project management software when document packages or additional information has been received.
- Ensure tax returns, extension, and estimates are assembled, e-filed and delivered according to firm processes.
- Ensure that clients understand and follow instructions in the mailing and payment of tax returns.
- Manage the e-signature process when tax returns are completed by following-up with clients consistently to ensure they sign their tax return.
- E-file tax returns in compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Assist in maintaining electronic tax project tracking systems to ensure they are current and accurate, including using outside databases and spreadsheets.
- Continuously update the project management system to reflect the appropriate project status.
- Satisfy client inquiries throughout the process by email, text messaging, or phone.
- Solicit and answer client questions walking them through the process as necessary.
- Prepare correspondence, proofread, and format documents.
- Review of correspondence reports and other documents; prioritize such materials and prepare summaries as necessary.
- Assist in development of training materials and department communications.
- Ensure completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of workflows.
- Work collaboratively to provide overflow and backup support for other team members.
- Champion process improvement efforts.
- Be a positive influence for the Administration Team and the Tax Department.
- Perform other duties as assigned Department Managers.
If you are interested in working for a few months of the year, consider joining our team as a Seasonal Tax Associate. Hours are flexible. Remote work options are available.
Location:
Schmitz-Holmstrom CPAs
1400 West Century Avenue,
Bismarck, ND 58503
- Bachelors Degree in Accounting preferred
3 years of related experience preferred
Certified Public Accountant designation preferred (or ability/desire to obtain) - Compensation based on experience
- Full-time
Description:
Join our rapidly growing and dynamic audit department as an Senior Assurance Associate and you will be responsible for preparing financial statements with disclosures, applying basic areas of GAAP as necessary and documenting, validating, testing, and assessing various control systems. The Audit Department Senior Associate’s primary function is to not only perform their duties in an efficient and effective manner but to serve as a resource and leader to fellow Audit Service employees at the Associate level.
Job Duties:
This position may also be involved in reviews and agreed-upon procedure engagements. This full-time position applies knowledge and understanding of the collective effect of factors in establishing or enhancing effectiveness and mitigating the risks associated with a business’s policies and procedures. Work can be done in our Bismarck, ND office or remotely. To be successful with our firm, you should be willing to develop an understanding of our clients’ business and develop relationships with their employees and be willing to ask for help from a team member when you need it! It’s a great environment to learn from other experienced auditors and grow your audit skills. We can’t wait to meet you!
Candidates must be technology savvy with a high degree of computer proficiency and able to adapt quickly to new technologies.
Responsibilities:
Assist Audit Services Manager in training and mentoring Audit Services’ Associate team members. Serve as a resource and positive role model to Audit Services’ Associate team members. Keep Audit Services Manager in the loop as to the performance (good or bad) of Audit Services’ Associate team members.
- Identify an area to specialize and refine related SKE.
- Apply technical knowledge and research in formulating recommendations for the client and the firm.
- Further develop an understanding of the software and processes used by the firm and their application.
- Develop review techniques and communication skills to evaluate work quality of associates.
- Identify issues, problems, and opportunities and alert the client of them with suggested solutions.
- Seek client feedback and respond to client questions timely.
- Recognize and communicate client service opportunities to managers.
- Recognize and actively seek on the job learning and formal learning to develop and refine personal skills and competencies within identified areas of specialization.
- Provide guidance to associates.
- Keep up to date in professional standards and relate this knowledge to the team.
- Identify areas within the firm to develop a personal expertise.
- Provide leadership through implementation of firm policies while respecting and appreciating the contribution of all team members.
- Demonstrate knowledge of how the firm can add value and how to sell and market this to potential and current clients.
- Continue to build and nurture network and recruitment opportunities.
- Participate in the proposal process.
- Create professional presentations for clients and present them.
- Associates can participate in continuing education classes to ensure they are informed on current practices and mandates.
Location:
Schmitz-Holmstrom CPAs
1400 West Century Avenue,
Bismarck, ND 58503
Position Description
Position: Intern or Part-Time Associate
Department: Tax
Reports to: Manager
Job Summary
Are you looking to learn the tax side of accounting or are you experienced in tax preparation and seeking part-time employment? We would welcome the opportunity to mentor you! We are seeking energetic self-starters who can think and act like entrepreneurs. The Intern or Part-Time Associate will be responsible for utilizing his / her educational background as well as organizational skills in the service of firm’s client base through the preparation of returns and extensions under the supervision of more experienced Tax professionals. This opportunity will allow you to gain a unique hands-on perspective on our firm’s practices and people, as well as beginning to forge the critical relationships that will help maximize your success in your career.
Job Duties
In this position, you will assist in the following areas:
Tax Compliance
- Ensures both that (a) clients comply with all applicable authorities, while at the same time minimizing their tax and reporting burdens, and (b) self and client service teams comply with all Firm policies, standards, and the Schmitz-Holmstrom Tax Quality Manual (“TQM”).
- Tax return preparation.
- Effectively uses referencing system and workpapers that ties to the return.
- Completes tasks and organizes file to minimize rework by reviewer.
- Ensures data is collected to comply with filing requirements.
- Takes initiative on impending due dates/engagement letters.
- Works with tax software applications to complete basic tax returns for review.
- Performs quarterly estimates and prepares extensions.
Tax Consulting
- Assists with developing, recommending, and implementing efficient and effective methods to maximize client benefits, especially by decreasing clients’ current and future taxes.
- Operates online research tools to gather pertinent tax information.
- Monitors tax law and client factual developments on a regular basis, daily or weekly but at least bi-weekly.
- Develops and communicates to client service team personnel, viewpoints regarding how those developments might affect clients.
Other duties as required.
Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A
Qualifications, Knowledge, Sills & Abilities
Education:
- Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, preferred.
Experience:
- Experience in tax preparation or accounting, desired.
- Past leadership experience, desired.
License/Certifications:
- Eligible to sit for the CPA.
Software:
- Experience with Microsoft Office Tools (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook), Adobe Acrobat, QuickBooks, preferred.
Other Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Solid oral and written communication skills.
- Able to follow instructions as directed by members of Tax Team.
- Able to prepare basic tax returns.
- Seeks advice of appropriate superiors regarding issues, problems related to compliance.
- Positive attitude and willingness to learn.