Tax Associate — Fortress Tax Services

Fortress Tax Services is the tax arm of Fortress Financial Partners, an integrated wealth, tax, and estate practice. We deliver proactive, concierge-level tax work to a client base of business owners, professionals, and high-net-worth families. We're looking for a Tax Associate who takes real ownership of returns from intake to filing and communicates like the client is right in front of them.

What you'll do

• Prepare and self-review individual and business returns (1040, 1065, 1120-S, 1120, 1041), including multi-state, and get them to review-ready and filed on schedule.
• Own your pipeline — know the status of every return you're carrying and move it forward daily.
• Communicate proactively with clients: request what you need clearly, answer questions promptly, and never leave someone waiting.
• Support the implementation of planning strategies (S-corp structuring, accountable plans, entity work) alongside our advisors and Tax Manager.
• Keep clean, organized workpapers and accurate records in our systems.
• Resolve notices and support clients through questions and correspondence.

What we're looking for

• 2+ years preparing individual and business returns in a professional practice.
• High accuracy and a track record of finishing work on deadline — this role is measured on completed, filed returns and responsiveness, not hours logged.
• Strong, proactive client communication; comfortable being client-facing.
• Proficiency with professional tax software (UltraTax CS a plus) and a tech-forward approach — you use the tools and AI-assisted workflows that make you faster and more accurate.
• EA, CPA, or actively pursuing one — preferred, not required for the right preparer.

The bar
This is a fast, high-standard environment. Success looks like accurate returns turned around quickly, clients who feel looked-after, and a pipeline you can account for at any moment. It's rigorous, and it's not for everyone — but for the right person it's a place to do genuinely excellent work with real ownership.

What we offer
Competitive base plus production-based bonus, 401(k) with safe harbor match, a monthly healthcare reimbursement, and full coverage of your continuing education and licenses (EA, CPE, Series if of interest). Real growth path as the tax practice scales.

Pay: $70,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Continuing education credits
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Work from home

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Raleigh, NC 27612