Tax InternAt — Karla Dennis and Associates Inc.

Tax and Accounting Intern
The Tax and Accounting Intern will work closely with the production team to gain hands-on experience in tax and accounting practices, with a particular focus on utilizing QuickBooks, UltraTax and other software for day-to-day operations. The individual for this position must be detail oriented and have a high acumen for accounting, business, and customer service. This role is an excellent opportunity to build practical skills while contributing to the company’s success.

Reporting Relationship: This position reports directly to the Supervising Senior Accountant.

Salary: Hourly- Internship

Responsibilities
• Assist in data entry for tax returns
• Prepare tax returns in UltraTax
• Organize work papers in Canopy.
• Assist in maintaining accurate financial records using QuickBooks.
• Enter, review, and reconcile transactions in QuickBooks.
• Generate financial reports, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements, using QuickBooks tools.
• Support accounts payable and receivable tasks, including invoice processing, bill payments, and customer follow-ups in QuickBooks.
• Conduct bank and credit card reconciliations within QuickBooks.
• Help with payroll entry and related tasks, if applicable.
• Collaborate with team members to ensure compliance with accounting standards and internal policies.
• Provide support for audits, tax preparation, and end-of-period closing tasks.
• Participate in improving processes and workflows within Canopy or other production related software

Other Duties As Assigned:
• Other Duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Professional demeanor and Attention to detail
• Exceptional time management skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work towards deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and flexibility
• Experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.
• Ability to work independently and within a team.
• Ability to work well with all levels of internal management, Clients and staff.
• Ability to work in fast paced environment independently.
• Problem solver and resourceful
Minimum Qualifications:
• Currently pursuing a degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Basic knowledge of accounting principles and financial reporting.
• Proficiency in QuickBooks (prior experience is highly preferred but not required if you are eager to learn).
• Familiarity with Microsoft Excel and other accounting tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively.
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

Benefits:
• Hands-on experience with QuickBooks and other tax systems in a professional environment.
• Opportunity to work closely with experienced tax and accounting professionals.
• Flexible schedule to balance with academic commitments.
• Potential for course credit, or full-time employment consideration based on performance.

Tasks:

Preparing individual and business tax returns (Forms 1040, 1120-S, 1065) under supervision, including data entry, reconciliation, and review of supporting documentation

Analyzing financial statements (P&L, balance sheet) for accuracy and tax reporting purposes

Assisting with tax research related to deductions, credits, entity classification, depreciation, and compliance requirements using IRS publications and professional resources

Preparing workpapers and schedules for depreciation, fixed assets, and cost recovery

Assisting with entity setup documentation and understanding compliance requirements (EINs, state registrations, payroll accounts)

Reviewing client documentation for completeness and identifying missing or inconsistent information

Drafting client communications related to tax data requests, return updates, and compliance follow-ups

Assisting with amended returns, extensions, and IRS notices under supervision

Learning and applying professional tax software and accounting systems

Observing and participating in tax planning discussions to understand real-world application of tax strategies

Training:

Initial Employer Orientation (Mandatory):
During the first two days, students complete structured training videos covering firm policies, workflow processes, tax software navigation, data security, and professional expectations.

Foundational Skills Training:
After orientation, students receive guided, one-on-one training in tax preparation, including walkthroughs of sample returns, workpapers, and common tax scenarios to establish a strong technical foundation.

Job Shadowing & Demonstration:
Students observe experienced staff preparing and reviewing tax returns to understand workflow, quality control, and professional standards before independently completing assignments.

Supervised Applied Practice:
Students are assigned tax returns and related tasks appropriate to their skill level. All work is reviewed, and feedback is provided to ensure accuracy and reinforce learning.

Daily Mentor Check-Ins:
Students participate in daily 30-minute one-on-one or small-group meetings to review workflow, discuss assigned tasks, address questions, and reinforce concepts learned through hands-on work.

Ongoing Feedback & Skill Development:
Training is continuous and adaptive, with increasing task complexity as competency improves. Students receive regular feedback to support technical growth and professional development.

Independent Professional Work:
Once foundational competencies are demonstrated, students transition into standard tax preparation and accounting tasks consistent with professional practice, while maintaining access to mentorship and supervision.

Learning OUtcome:

Prepare individual and business tax returns accurately and efficiently using professional tax software, applying federal and state tax rules under supervision.

Communicate tax-related information clearly and confidently with supervisors and clients, including explaining documentation needs, workflow status, and basic tax concepts.

Utilize tax and accounting software proficiently, including navigating client files, entering data, generating workpapers, and following firm workflow processes.

Apply analytical and problem-solving skills to identify discrepancies, missing information, and common tax issues within financial statements and client records.

Demonstrate an understanding of the tax industry as a whole, including compliance cycles, professional standards, ethical responsibilities, and the role of tax professionals in advising clients.