Staff Accountant

About Us

The Counting House is a growing accounting and tax firm in downtown Traverse City providing high-quality tax, accounting, payroll, and advisory services to individuals and businesses. We value accuracy, professionalism, client service, and long-term relationships. We are seeking a Staff Accountant to join our team and grow with the firm.

Position Overview

The Staff Accountant will prepare individual and business tax returns, handle bookkeeping and payroll work, and support senior staff on tax planning and client engagements. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career accountant who wants hands-on experience, mentorship from experienced CPAs, and a clear path to growth, including support toward the CPA or EA credential.

A strong desire to help small business owners pay the least amount of tax legally possible is a MUST.

Responsibilities

• Prepare individual, corporate, partnership, S corporation, fiduciary, and nonprofit tax returns for review
• Perform monthly and quarterly bookkeeping, account reconciliations, and journal entries
• Process payroll and prepare payroll, sales tax, and other business compliance filings
• Organize client documents and gather missing information
• Assist with tax planning projections and advisory engagements
• Help draft responses to IRS and state tax notices
• Communicate with clients regarding documentation, deadlines, and routine questions
• Research basic tax questions and bring findings to senior staff
• Maintain strong organization and accuracy during peak filing seasons

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting (or completing one soon)
• 0–3 years of accounting or tax experience; public accounting experience a plus
• Interest in pursuing the CPA or EA credential
• Familiarity with Forms 1040, 1120-S, 1065, and 1120 preferred
• Working knowledge of GAAP and basic tax concepts
• Experience with QuickBooks Desktop and/or Online preferred
• Strong aptitude for technology and comfort learning tax and accounting software
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines
• Eager to learn, coachable, and able to problem solve
• Passion for building relationships with people, understanding their business, family and life

Compensation & Benefits

• Starting salary of $50,000 – $60,000, based on experience and qualifications
• Health insurance benefits
• Retirement plan benefits
• Paid time off
• Professional development, continuing education, and CPA/EA exam support
• Opportunity for long-term growth within the firm
• Downtown parking permits

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a motivated, detail-oriented accountant early in their career who enjoys helping clients, solving problems, and learning from an experienced team in a professional but approachable firm environment.

Work Location

In Person

Pay: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person