Promotional Guidelines
Tax Senior Associate
While the below criterion are guidelines in determining one's eligibility for consideration for promotion, final determinations
are based on business needs at the local office level.
TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES
Demonstrates a strong
knowledge of tax law and
tax preparation;
demonstrates an
understanding of tax review
Ability to identify and self-
resolve issues in standard
tax procedures, risk
assessments, and tax
positions held
Understands the importance
of formal technical training
and licensing to the future of
the profession
ENGAGEMENT MANAGEMENT
/ OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE
Consistently exercises good
judgment and knowledge of
professional standards
SPECIFIC EXAMPLES
Is able to prepare individual, S Corp, LLCs, and/or Partnership returns with accuracy and
efficiency.
Consistently keeps up-to-date on core tax technical knowledge, law changes and how it
impacts his/her clients.
Is capable of making recommendations, discerning key issues, eliminating non-essential
details, reviewing, and providing feedback on research findings and conclusions to the
manager, as appropriate.
Is able to deal with tax authority examinations and notices as appropriate and formulate an
effective memo/response providing reasoning and citing relevant tax authority for positions
taken.
Is able to complete, clearly label, and properly organize GoFile Room/Caseware files in a
concise, accurate, and efficient manner.
Understands and adheres to Firm National Tax Practice policies and procedures,
framework, methodology, and deliverable standards.
Prior year tax returns and work papers are thoroughly reviewed to determine the impact of
any recurring issues, how they may affect the upcoming work assignment, and/or if any
additional work is needed to compensate for these recurring issues.
Consistently reviews the GAAP statements included in GFR/CW and is able to recognize
issues.
Is able to identify, conduct research, and recommend a course of action on unclear issues
to a manager.
Performs complex tax analysis, creates analytical tax procedures, assesses results,
reaches conclusions, and is aware of professional standard changes affecting core tax
technical areas, while also adequately documenting work papers in the event the position
is challenged by a taxing authority.
Has obtained or is actively sitting for the CPA exam and meets the necessary requirements
in order to license immediately upon completion of the exam.
Complies with Firm expectations for CPE compliance.
Begins to demonstrate strong technical competencies in a specific industry by attending
additional CPE courses, working on industry specific jobs, and seeking opportunities to
learn from Firm industry experts.
SPECIFIC EXAMPLES
Understands the need to obtain and meet budgeted hours for a work assignment and is
willing to devote extra time, when needed.
Clearly communicates conflicts, delays, or issues to managers in a timely manner while
delegating and prioritizing tasks to keep jobs as efficient as possible.
Demonstrates working knowledge of tax professional standards and procedures and is
able to complete existing work with minimal supervision by applying knowledge learned
from other jobs/trainings to current assignments.
Proactively monitors job progress, responds to changing work assignment circumstances,
and anticipates/addresses staffing needs, including knowing when to seek help from
supervisors in order to maintain efficiency.
Develops rapport with clients and promptly responds to all client communications in a
consistent and professional manner.
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Ability to manage and take
ownership of multiple work
assignments and overall
work of staff
LEADERSHIP / PEOPLE
DEVELOPMENT
Ability to lead, teach, and
mentor staff in a positive
manner
Demonstrates a commitment
to the Firm's PYRAMID
values in his/her actions
PRACTICE DEVELOPMENT
Demonstrates willingness
and ability to represent the
Firm by expanding internal
networks and initiating
involvement with outside
organizations
Facilitates ways for team to work together in a proactive manner to meet deadlines and is
aware of the status of all jobs assigned to him/her, planning and monitoring work from start
to completion.
Seeks responsibility for more advanced tasks that free up time for managers, while
ensuring existing work teams deliver high quality products in a timely manner.
Able to identify areas for improvement in tax preparation, realization, and client
communication, contributing to increased efficiency/profitability of work assignments.
Works towards reaching individual chargeable hour goals and proactively monitors hours
throughout the year, requesting work if time becomes available or there is a work
assignment change.
Enters time in Elite in accordance with Firm guidelines with clear explanations of work
completed.
SPECIFIC EXAMPLES
Productively manages/trains staff, reviews their work, offers guidance/feedback, and is
looked to as a resource. Takes responsibility to see that all ends of work assignment
requirements are resolved.
Recognized as a coach, mentor, and "go to" person by less experienced staff and
management.
Capable of discussing technical, business, and soft skill issues to help motivate associates
to develop to their fullest potential.
Addresses questions and monitors the status of work delegated to ensure that associates
are not incurring unnecessary time, while providing guidance in a way that allows the
person to develop his/her decision making skills and gain confidence in his/her abilities.
Actively involved in associate training sessions, interviewing new associates, and other
Firm events involving associate development in which he/she can share his/her own
experiences in a positive manner and be regarded as a role model.
Provides accurate and timely feedback verbally and in writing to provide guidance and
assist staff in meeting their career goals and Firm objectives.
Consistently represents himself/herself in a professional manner, is engaged and
enthused, and provides encouragement and direction on work-related issues and/or Firm
initiatives/changes when dealing with less experienced staff.
Exhibits a positive and professional attitude towards the Firm, staff and clients at all times.
Acts as a role model for the firm values: Passion for Excellence, Yearning for Knowledge,
Respect for Others, Adaptability and Flexibility, Making a Difference, Integrity, Reliability
and Trust, and Developing Opportunities.
Acknowledges the positive behaviors of others and makes individuals feel proud to be
associated with the team/Firm and what it is trying to achieve.
SPECIFIC EXAMPLES
Begins to create an individual Practice Development (PD) Plan and PD goals utilizing Firm
resources including Marketing, L&D, and Firm subject matter experts. Aligns PD efforts
with areas of industry knowledge.
Familiarizes self with Firm services and is able to identify potential new business
opportunities and communicate these opportunities to management.
Identifies, joins, and participates in a Firm industry practice group and participates in both
Firm-sponsored and external industry specific events.
Attends outside professional networking events and follows up with contacts; represents
the Firm at various recruiting/campus events and makes recommendations on students
that he/she met with to HR.
Regularly reads trade journals to keep up-to-date on industry changes/trends and shares
information, when applicable, with appropriate staff members.
Can accurately articulate, identify, and deliver up-to-date Firm messaging to potential
recruits, and current/future decision makers.
Builds key relationships with clients and peers during engagements and is able to maintain
these relationships outside of Busy Season.
Understands the importance of maintaining professional relationships with staff members
that have left the Firm, personal bankers, attorneys, real estate brokers, etc. as a means of
growing the business.