Tax & Accounting Consultant – EA or CPA Required – Part-Time, Remote

Company: Kaizen Compass LLC Company Location: Northbrook, IL Work Location: Remote — U.S.-based Employment Type: Part-Time, with Potential for Full-Time Employment Job Summary Kaizen Compass LLC is seeking an experienced Tax & Accounting Consultant with an active Enrolled Agent (EA) credential or active U.S. CPA license to join our growing practice. This part-time, remote position combines client consultations, consultative sales, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll services. The ideal candidate can independently assess client needs, explain appropriate solutions, convert qualified prospects into ongoing clients, and perform the related tax and accounting work. Recent hands-on experience preparing Illinois individual and business income tax returns is required. Candidates do not need to reside in Illinois. Availability for scheduled client calls during agreed-upon Central Time business hours is required. The position offers the opportunity to increase hours and transition to full-time employment as our client base grows.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct professional tax and accounting consultations with prospective and existing clients by phone and video.
• Identify client needs, explain service options and pricing, address questions and objections, and help qualified prospects become ongoing clients.
• Recommend appropriate tax preparation, tax planning, bookkeeping, and payroll services.
• Follow up with prospective clients and document consultations, recommendations, and next steps.
• Independently answer federal and Illinois tax questions, research unfamiliar issues, and recognize when additional review is needed.
• Prepare and review individual and business tax returns and coordinate filing through the firm’s established procedures.
• Advise sole proprietors, LLC owners, partnerships, S corporations, and C corporations on tax and accounting matters.
• Perform bookkeeping, bank and credit card reconciliations, adjusting journal entries, and financial statement preparation.
• Process payroll and assist with payroll setup, reconciliations, and related tax filings for Illinois employers.
• Explain filing requirements, deductions, credits, and tax planning opportunities clearly and professionally.
• Manage assigned client work, document requests, follow-ups, and deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Maintain accurate client records and protect confidential financial information.
• Stay informed about relevant federal and Illinois tax changes.

Required Qualifications

• Active Enrolled Agent (EA) credential or active U.S. CPA license.
• A valid IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) for the applicable tax year.
• Substantial professional experience in U.S. individual and business taxation.
• Recent hands-on experience independently preparing and reviewing Illinois individual and business income tax returns.
• Experience preparing individual and business returns, including Forms 1040, 1120-S, and 1065.
• Experience independently conducting client consultations and explaining tax recommendations.
• Practical experience performing bookkeeping, account reconciliations, and financial statement preparation.
• Experience processing payroll for Illinois employers and preparing related payroll tax filings.
• Proficiency with professional tax preparation software and QuickBooks or comparable accounting software.
• Ability to discuss service pricing, address objections professionally, and confidently ask prospective clients to move forward.
• Strong research skills, professional judgment, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage client work independently in a remote environment.
• Availability for scheduled client calls during agreed-upon Central Time business hours.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated success converting consultations into paid tax, bookkeeping, or payroll engagements.
• Experience managing an ongoing portfolio of small-business clients.
• Experience preparing C corporation returns, including Form 1120.
• Experience with multistate tax returns, tax planning, and responding to tax notices.
• Proficiency with QuickBooks Online, payroll platforms, and client relationship management software.
• Interest in expanding working hours as the practice grows.

What We Offer

• Part-time, remote work.
• A flexible schedule coordinated around client appointments and filing deadlines.
• Hourly compensation based on experience and qualifications.
• Potential to increase hours and transition to full-time employment as the practice grows.
• A role combining client relationships, advisory work, and hands-on tax and accounting services.
• A professional and collaborative work environment.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume through Indeed and include a brief response covering:

• Your EA credential or CPA licensing state and current license status.
• Confirmation that you hold a valid PTIN for the applicable tax year. Please do not include your PTIN number in your resume or initial application.
• Your experience preparing Illinois individual and business tax returns, including the types of returns and approximate number completed during the last two tax seasons.
• Your experience conducting phone or video consultations and converting prospective clients into paid engagements.
• Your hands-on bookkeeping and Illinois payroll experience.
• The tax, accounting, and payroll software you use.
• Your weekly availability, preferred Central Time working hours, and expected hourly compensation.

We are especially interested in candidates who can independently guide clients, recommend appropriate services, and complete the related tax and accounting work. Pay: $30.00 - $45.00 per hour Expected hours: 15.0 – 25.0 per week Work Location: Remote