Set in McCormick, South Carolina, this full-time CPA role at Aaron L Watson CPA centers on proactive tax planning, strong client relationships, and expanding the firm’s scope into financial planning and advisory referrals. The position offers the potential for equity in the tax practice and requires an active CPA license with substantial public accounting experience. The onsite role prioritizes tax strategy while collaborating with advisory teams to deliver integrated financial guidance.
Responsibilities
- Prepare and review individual, business, trust, and estate tax returns
- Provide proactive tax planning and advisory support to clients
- Identify opportunities where clients may benefit from financial planning, retirement planning, investment advisory, or wealth management services
- Provide client introductions or referrals to the advisory team, subject to firm compliance approval
- Collaborate with financial advisors on integrated tax and wealth planning strategies
- Assist with retirement planning, entity planning, cash flow planning, and tax-efficient planning considerations
- Participate in client meetings, planning reviews, and year-end tax strategy discussions
- Research tax issues and communicate recommendations clearly to clients and staff
- Help improve internal tax workflows, review procedures, and client service processes
- Mentor junior staff, interns, and administrative team members during tax season
- Support client relationship management and business development initiatives
Requirements
- Active CPA license required
- 5+ years of experience in public accounting, tax preparation, tax review, or tax advisory preferred
- Strong working knowledge of individual, business, trust, and estate tax returns
- Interest in financial planning, wealth management, and long-term client advisory work
- Securities licenses preferred, including Series 7, Series 66, Series 65, or similar
- Willingness to pursue appropriate licensing if not currently licensed
- Experience with tax software, client portals, Microsoft Office, and workflow management systems
- Strong communication, analytical, and organizational skills
- Ability to identify planning opportunities and communicate them professionally to clients and advisors
- High degree of discretion and commitment to client confidentiality
Technologies
- Microsoft Office
- Tax software
- Client portals
- Workflow management systems
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Work from home
- Professional development and licensing support may be available
- Potential opportunity for equity participation or phased ownership in the tax practice after demonstrated performance, cultural fit, and long-term commitment
Financial Planning / Advisory Referral Opportunity
This role is well suited for a CPA seeking to move beyond traditional tax prep into broader client advisory work. The candidate may provide qualified client introductions or referrals to the firm’s advisory team, subject to broker-dealer, RIA, and firm compliance approval.
Compensation may include salary, a performance bonus, and, where permitted by broker-dealer and RIA compliance, referral-based compensation for qualified introductions to the advisory side. Any referral compensation will be subject to applicable securities licensing, registration, disclosure, and compliance requirements.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is a technically strong CPA who enjoys serving clients beyond the tax return. This person should be comfortable identifying planning opportunities, coordinating with financial advisors, and helping clients think proactively about taxes, retirement, cash flow, and long-term financial goals.
Compensation & Benefits
- Base salary: $90,000-$120,000
- Annual performance bonus: $10,000-$30,000+ based on tax production, client service, planning involvement, advisory referral activity where permitted, and firm profitability
- Total target compensation: $105,000-$150,000+
- Competitive benefits package, including insurance and retirement plan participation
- Professional development and licensing support may be available
- Potential opportunity for equity participation or phased ownership in the tax practice after demonstrated performance, cultural fit, and long-term commitment
