Estate Specialist/Tax Accountant - Private Client Services

About Us:

Ballard Spahr is a renowned national law firm with over 750 lawyers and more than 750 business professionals and paralegals across 18 offices in the United States. A career at Ballard Spahr offers a diverse group of mentors, colleagues, friends, and strong leadership that supports and encourages career growth.

We are seeking an Estate Specialist/Tax Accountant to prepare tax filings for clients of our Private Client Services practice. The selected individual must have substantial experience in the preparation of Federal gift tax returns and Federal and State and income tax returns, including fiduciary, individual, and partnership tax returns, partnership accounting, and in calculating applicable estimated tax payments. The selected individual will keep abreast of relevant tax law developments and changes. This position is located in Minneapolis and may be a hybrid work arrangement with 3 days in the office per week.

Why Join Us?

• Innovative Work Environment: Become part of a forward-thinking firm that enjoys substantial support and visibility from the firm's executive leadership.

• Professional Development: Take advantage of continuous learning opportunities and avenues for career growth.

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Join a Business Resource Group and share cultural, experiential, or job-related interests, experiences, and/or backgrounds.

• Impactful Contributions: Play a pivotal role in developing industry-leading solutions that significantly affect legal practice and client service.

Your Role:

As a Estate Specialist/Tax Accountant within our Business and Transactions Department, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Preparing Federal and State fiduciary income tax returns (Form 1041), including individual and partnership tax returns, partnership accounting, and calculating individual estimated tax payments and liquidity estimates.

• Preparing Federal and State estate and gift tax returns.

• Preparing trust accountings, including conservatorship and estate accountings, to be filed with the appropriate court.

• Preparing foundation tax returns, including 990-PF and application for recognition of exemption (Form 1023).

• Remaining current on relevant tax law developments and changes.

• Preparing probate and related papers.

• Gathering and arranging for valuation of decedents' assets.

• Overseeing fiduciary accounting and bookkeeping.

What We're Looking For:

• Energetic, detail-oriented individuals with superior organizational and problem-solving skills and the ability to set priorities and manage multiple deadlines.

• Proactive self-starters with demonstrated experience maintaining high-quality work products in a fast-paced environment, within time constraints, and understanding the cycle of transactions.

• Self-motivated, results-orientated professionals exuding integrity and ability to build trust and credibility with all parties.

• Individuals with keen attention to detail and accuracy, outstanding interpersonal skills, the ability to interact and communicate with a broad range of people effectively, and the ability to establish a good rapport with clients.

Required Experience:

Qualified candidates will possess a Bachelor's degree in accounting with a minimum of five years of relevant experience, preferably in the legal environment. Mathematical proficiency and knowledge of Microsoft Office programs are required. A CPA or enrolled agent is preferred.

Must be willing to accept responsibilities that may demand a commitment of more than 40 hours per week, particularly in peak seasons. A flexible schedule is available during non-peak seasons.

Ballard Spahr offers an excellent benefits package that includes medical, fertility benefits, travel and lodging expenses, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance, short and long-term disability; 401(k) retirement savings plan with a firm contribution and match; and a generous paid time off program. Additional benefits provided are health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts, and a health savings account; paid parental leave, firm subsidized emergency child and elder care services; family and medical leave; employee assistance program; and a pre-tax transportation program. The salary range for this position is $100,000 - $120,000, depending upon experience.

Ready to Grow with Us?

If you are ready to play a vital role in the Firm's success, we encourage you to apply and be a part of our commitment to excellence.

Ballard Spahr is committed to increasing diversity in the legal profession and to supporting the communities where we live and work. People from all backgrounds are valued and integrated into every part of the firm. Diverse candidates including women, people of color, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, and individuals with a disability are encouraged to apply.

The firm is not accepting resumes from search firms for this position.

Ballard Spahr is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a culturally diverse environment. The firm encourages applications from a diverse pool of candidates, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, age, national origin, handicap or disability, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, transgender status, sex stereotyping, genetic information, ancestry, veteran status or any other category protected by applicable law.