Junior Accounting Manager - Automotive Industry Enthusiast (CPA/EA) at Kaizen CPAs + Advisors

Antioch, Illinois, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

27 May, 26

Salary

26.44

Posted On

26 Feb, 26

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, Financial Statements, Compilations, Reviews, Tax Planning, Client Relationship Management, Research, Workflow Management, QuickBooks, Tax Software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Accountability, Time Management

Industry

Accounting

Description

Company Description Who is Kaizen? At Kaizen CPAs + Advisors, we’re a people-first firm dedicated to helping businesses overcome financial challenges and achieve their goals. With decades of experience, we focus on practical, forward-thinking solutions that put people at the heart of everything we do. Our work is guided by four core values: Own It: Take pride in solving problems and delivering results. 💪🌟 Be an Ideal Team Player: Collaboration and support are key to our success. 🤝🙌 Make a Positive Impact: We’re committed to making a difference for our clients, team, and community. 🌍💖 Embrace a Growth Mindset: Constant learning and evolving helps us grow—together. 📚🚀 At Kaizen and Your Payroll Department (YPD), we prioritize the growth and well-being of our people. You’ll join a supportive team where challenges are turned into opportunities, and where your work truly makes a difference for our clients, the team, and your career. Join us and experience a people-first culture that values your success and development! Job Description Are you ready to break free from the traditional accounting firm experience? We’re not your typical firm—we’re Kaizen! Are you an automotive enthusiast with a knack for numbers? Do you enjoy working directly with clients and helping them achieve financial success? If you’re passionate about accounting and love the idea of supporting businesses in the automotive repair industry, this role is for you. As a Junior Accounting Manager, you’ll play a key role in delivering financial expertise to our small business clients, with a primary focus on tax. You’ll prepare personal, partnership, and corporate tax returns, while gaining diverse experience in payroll, bookkeeping, financial statements, compilations, reviews, and more. While your client mix may include various industries, this role emphasizes work with clients in the automotive repair space. You'll report to the Account Manager and be part of a collaborative team that values continuous improvement. What You’ll Do Make an Impact: Work directly with small business clients to guide them toward financial clarity and success. Own the Tax Process: Prepare personal, partnership, and corporate tax returns, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Build Relationships: Collaborate with clients on tax planning, projections, and inquiries—becoming their go-to expert. Support Smarter Decisions: Review financial statements and assist with reviews that drive client confidence. Dig Into the Details: Conduct research and support responses to federal and state tax authorities. Be a Connector: Serve as a key liaison between Staff Accountants and Managers, keeping workflows smooth and communication clear. Lead & Grow: Share your knowledge through internal presentations and take advantage of continuous learning opportunities—with a clear path to becoming a Manager. Qualifications What We’re Looking For CPA or EA certification—or a strong desire to pursue one Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field 1–3+ years of relevant experience preferred, but if you’re passionate and driven, we want to hear from you! Confidence working with Outlook, Excel, Word, QuickBooks, and tax software Excellent communicator who thrives on building positive client and team relationships. Highly organized and capable of juggling multiple priorities with ease. Motivated and adaptable—you’re ready to grow in a fast-paced, ever-evolving environment. Sharp time management skills with a strong sense of accountability. Long-term interest in moving into an Account Manager role Additional Information Here’s a peek at what’s ahead as we get to know each other: ✨ Please note: Progression through each step of the interview process is based on fit and qualifications and is not guaranteed for all applicants. We kindly ask that you do not contact us directly regarding your application, as doing so may result in disqualification. 📄 Apply: Submit your resume for review. 📞 Phone Screen: If we think there might be a great fit based on your resume, a brief call with HR will be scheduled to learn more about you and share details about the role. 🤝 First Panel Interview: Meet with the hiring team to discuss your experience, skills, and alignment with our core values. 📝 Assessments & References: Complete relevant assessments and provide professional references to help us get a full picture of your potential. 💬 Second Panel Interview: A deeper conversation with the team to explore fit, expectations, and next steps. 🎉 Offer: If it’s a match, we’ll extend an offer and begin onboarding! ···················································································································································· Perks of Being Part of Our Team ✨💼 Compensation: Starting at $26.44/hour (depending on experience). Growth potential to transition into a Manager role with commission-based compensation. Benefits: We offer a competitive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and work-life balance. Benefits may include: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Short-Term & Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance Cafeteria/Section 125 Plan Retirement/401(k): Employer match with 100% vesting on day one of eligibility Paid Vacation: Starting at 2 weeks, available for use from day one Paid Personal Time (PTO): 32 hours available to use from day one Paid Holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve (if it falls during the work week), and Christmas Day Note: Benefits are subject to change or revocation at the sole discretion of the Firm. Equal Opportunity Employer: Kaizen CPAs + Advisors is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, free from discrimination and harassment. We prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, termination, leave of absence, compensation, and training. Compensation: from USD 26.44 - hourly

Responsibilities

The Junior Accounting Manager will prepare personal, partnership, and corporate tax returns while guiding small business clients toward financial clarity, focusing primarily on tax services for the automotive repair industry. This role also involves reviewing financial statements and serving as a liaison between staff accountants and managers.