Entry Level Tax Associate

Company: Topel Forman
Location: Chicago
Posted on: February 16, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Job Overview We are seeking a Tax Associate to join our Chicago, IL office beginning June 2026. In this role, you will prepare a variety of tax returns, including individual, business, trust, estate, and gift tax filings. You will also assist with tax workpaper documentation and related projects, ensuring the delivery of accurate, high-quality client service and leveraging firm technology to create efficiencies and ensure accurate, high-quality work is produced. As a Tax Associate, you will participate in structured training and receive guidance from seniors, supervisors, managers, and partners across the firm. This position provides the opportunity to build a strong foundation in taxation while contributing to the firm's reputation for excellence and client service. This position is hybrid in our Chicago office, but is largely remote with the flexibility for you to choose when you would like to work in the office. Responsibilities Prepare a variety of tax returns, which may include individual, partnerships, s-corporations, trusts, and gift returns to meet government requirements and client expectations Prepare individual tax projections to ensure proper tax planning for the client Maintain a working knowledge of tax preparation software Identify and communicate tax and accounting issues to seniors, supervisors, managers, and partners Requirements Bachelor's degree in accounting Busy season hours up to 65 hours during spring (February-April) and fall busy seasons (August-October) Attention to detail Ability to multi-task and communicate effectively Proactively seeking guidance, clarification, and feedback Strong written and verbal communication skills Demonstrate curiosity and initiative in learning about the Firm and the clients we serve, while building technical knowledge in tax regulations, compliance, and planning Preferred Requirements Prior public accounting tax internship or work experience About Us Topel Forman is a leading certified public accounting firm in the Midwest and the Denver region providing a wide range of attest, accounting, tax, advisory, and consulting services to individuals, professionals, closely-held and family-owned businesses and corporations. At Topel Forman, you'll find the high level of talent and expertise you'd expect from a larger firm, but with the accessibility and collaboration that are usually only available at a smaller organization. You can expect to work directly with clients, senior-level management, and partners with knowledge of various disciplines. A proactive, hands-on approach to our clients allows you to grow in your expertise and advance in your career. For more information on Topel Forman, please visit our website at www.topelforman.com. Benefits Competitive starting salary $75,000, with annual merit increases Annual discretionary bonus eligibility 35-hour workweek during non-busy season To learn more about our firm and benefit offerings, please visit our careers page. Hybrid Work Internet Policy Internet requirements for working hybrid: We require an internet plan with the following minimum upload and download speeds for best connection: 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload. Home Wi-Fi should be password protected.

Keywords: Topel Forman, Crystal Lake , Entry Level Tax Associate, Accounting, Auditing , Chicago, Illinois