Tax Associate I Intern - Utah Office

Summary/Objective

The Tax Associate 1 Intern will report to the Tax Managers. The Tax Associate 1 Intern is responsible for directly supporting the Tax Team on federal and state income tax preparation; specifically, data entry of 1040 returns and Personal Property Tax (PPT).

Essential Functions

1. Receive and file of client documents intern document storage software

2. Prepare various types of basic tax returns (1040, 1041, 1120, 1120S and 1065)

3. Prepare tax related reports for clients (Personal Property Tax, Extensions, Estimated Payment Vouchers, Tax Notices, etc.)

4. Research as needed to respond to client questions and prepare tax returns accurately

5. Compare tax returns to tax projections prepared by in-house Financial Planners

Responsibilities and Duties

1. Participate in planning of workflow to ensure completion of assigned returns

2. Assist in set up of new client tax returns and workpapers

3. Prepare individual and personal property tax returns

4. May help prepare some partnership and corporate tax returns.

5. Client contact as needed to facilitate completion of tax issues

6. Internal contact as needed between various departments to facilitate completion of tax issues

7. Documentation of records and workpapers to firm's electronic file cabinet to ensure accurate, organized recordkeeping

8. Assist fellow department members in order for the department to complete annual tax season goal

9. Daily use of multiple software programs for organization of workpapers, tax returns and workflow management

10. Prepare assigned returns in timeframe given in order to timely deliver tax returns to clients

11. Onboarding of new client income tax returns, both business and personal

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Essential functions and responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Education and Experience

• Individual working towards bachelor's degree in accounting, tax or related field

• GPA of 3.0 or higher preferred

• Basic knowledge of tax laws preferred

• Strong communication, interpersonal and organizational skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office with an emphasis on MS Excel

• Proficiency in Adobe Acrobat preferred

Travel

No travel is expected for this position.

Work Environment

This job operates in a clerical, office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. 

Physical Demands

This is a largely sedentary role; however, some filing may be required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary. 

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a part-time, internship position. The duration of the internship will be determined based on incumbent availability and business need. Days and hours of work will be determined by the manager. Some flexibility in hours may be allowed based on management’s approval.

Job Compensation & Benefits
Through our competitive compensation and benefits program, we seek to attract, retain and motivate a high-performing and increasingly diverse Associate population. Our compensation and benefit structure is comprised of many factors, including but not limited the size of our Firm, our financial position, the industry, business objectives, market salary information, benchmark pay levels and practices against the respective peer group (to ensure equal pay for equal work, with allowable pay differences based on factors not prohibited by law), and unique circumstances of the Firm that are subject to change.

Compensation
Minimum: $16.00/hr - Maximum: $20.00/hr USD

CWA has consistently been recognized from rating services and publications such as:

INSIDE Public Accounting - Top 100 Firms (2022, 2023, 2024)

Top Workplaces - Financial Services (2024)

Top Workplaces - Culture Excellence (2024)

Accounting Today - Top Firm by AUM (2024)

USA Today - Top Workplaces (2024, 2025)

Accounting Today - Top 100 Firms (2022, 2023, 2026)

Forbes America's Best Tax & Accounting Firms (2022, 2023)

INSIDE Public Accounting - Top 100 Fastest Growing Firms (2022)

Dallas Morning News - Top Workplace (2022, 2023)

Accounting Today - Beyond Top 100: Firms to Watch (2020)

Accounting Today - Regional Leaders Top Firms (2012, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2020)

INSIDE Public Accounting - Beyond the Top 100 (2015, 2016, 2018, 2020)

INSIDE Public Accounting - Top 200 Firms (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)

Cain Watters & Associates is committed to upholding the principles of the Equal Pay and Opportunity Act (EPOA). If you have any concerns regarding compliance with this policy, we encourage you to report them immediately by contacting HR at hr@cainwatters.com. Your concerns will be handled with the utmost confidentiality and care.