This is a seasonal contract role with a leading global professional services organization, supporting their 2027 personal tax season. You will prepare Canadian (T1) and U.S. (1040) individual income tax returns, including complex cross-border and high-net-worth files, in a high-volume, deadline-intensive environment. Peak season runs March through April and requires extended availability, including longer days and six-day weeks.
The ideal candidate brings at least two years of hands-on personal tax preparation experience in Canada, is comfortable working entirely in paperless systems, and can manage a demanding file load without losing accuracy or composure. You thrive under pressure, communicate proactively when issues arise, and take data security and client confidentiality seriously. Cross-border U.S./Canada experience and a background in a mid-to-large public accounting environment will set you apart.
Key Responsibilities
1. Prepare Canadian T1 and U.S. 1040 individual income tax returns, including files with complex residency, investment, and cross-border considerations
2. Manage a high volume of tax files accurately and on schedule across the full filing season
3. Apply current Canadian and U.S. tax legislation to ensure compliance and support optimal client outcomes
4. Use skilled tax software such as TaxPrep, CCH Axcess, or CaseWare to complete and submit returns in a fully paperless workflow
5.
Collaborate with review and signing professionals to work through complex or unusual tax issues
6. Maintain thorough, accurate workpapers and documentation in line with firm quality standards
7. Provide regular progress updates on your file workflow and escalate issues promptly when needed
8. Protect client confidentiality and uphold data security requirements at every stage of your work
Required Skills & Experience
- 2 or more years of personal tax preparation experience, with Canadian T1 experience required and U.S. cross-border experience strongly preferred
- Strong working proficiency in professional tax software such as TaxPrep, CCH Axcess, CaseWare, or a comparable platform
- Demonstrated experience preparing paperless returns
- Dual monitors available in your workspace to meet production requirements
- Ability to work extended hours during peak season, including up to 55 to 60 hours per week in March and April
- Proven ability to manage high volumes of complex files under tight deadlines
- High attention to detail and strong organizational habits
- English fluency required
Preferred Skills
- Hands-on experience with cross-border U.S./Canada individual tax matters
- Prior experience at a Big 4 or mid-to-large public accounting firm
- Strong problem-solving ability on complex or unusual tax scenarios
- French language proficiency