Tax Accountant

The role

Clifford Chance US LLP is seeking a full-time U.S. Tax Accountant with experience in state tax to join our dynamic tax team. This role is an integral part of our U.S. Tax Group, with primary responsibilities including the preparation of federal, state, and other income tax compliance filings. The position also involves supporting our UK entity with U.S. tax reporting and compliance requirements. In addition to compliance work, this role offers the opportunity to contribute to broader tax strategy and planning initiatives across the region.

We are looking for a detail-oriented and collaborative professional who is eager to grow within a global legal environment. This position is based in our New York office and will report to the Head of Taxation and Partner Accounting – Americas.

Key responsibilities

• Evaluate U.S. and UK tax implications related to work-from-home (WFH) arrangements and partner/employee relocations to states where the Firm does not currently have a taxable presence.
• Advise on and outline the necessary steps and tax filings required for establishing a physical or taxable presence in new U.S. states, as business needs evolve.
• Analyze and interpret financial data to assess multistate tax exposure and ensure accurate application of state-specific tax rules.
• Prepare and maintain detailed state tax workpapers, and review state income and franchise tax returns prepared by external advisors to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Manage state-level tax processes, including estimated payments, refunds, and reconciliations, with a particular focus on Pass-Through Entity Tax (PTET) obligations.
• Review vendor-submitted IRS Forms W-8 prior to payment processing and assist with maintaining proper documentation for compliance and audit readiness.
• Support the UK office with U.S. tax reporting requirements, including preparation and review of Forms 1065, 1042, and W-8 series forms.
• Monitor vendor payments for potential U.S. sales and use tax obligations and ensure compliance with applicable rules.
• Serve as a key point of contact for external tax preparers, coordinating Firm tax filings, managing deliverables, and facilitating technical research as needed.
• Conduct in-depth research and maintain up-to-date knowledge of state and local tax regulations, legislative developments, and industry trends to proactively advise on risk and compliance matters.

Your experience

• 3-5 years of tax experience with a strong focus on state tax compliance, within a law or professional services firm.
• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field required; Master's in taxation is a plus.
• Certifications such as CPA, EA, or equivalent certification preferred.
• Strong understanding of state tax laws, multi-state taxation, and tax nexus considerations.
• Ability to analyze complex tax issues, interpret legislation, and provide clear recommendations.
• High level of accuracy in tax calculations, compliance filings, and financial reporting.
• Proactive and resourceful in resolving tax-related challenges and identifying process improvements.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills, with attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure and able to multi-task, prioritize competing demands.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, prioritize competing demands, and navigate business challenges.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with internal stakeholder, external advisors, and regulatory agencies.
• Must have strong technical proficiency and expertise in tax software and financial reporting systems (e.g., OneSource, CCH, SAP, or similar).
• Must be able to adhere and comply with the Firm's Agile Working Policy which requires employees to work from the office two or three days each calendar week.
• Ability to work outside the core business hours as needed.
• Must be independently legally authorized to work in the United States.

Clifford Chance US LLP offers a comprehensive benefits and compensation package. The salary range for this role is $105,000 -$140,000. Actual salary will be commensurate with the candidate's qualifications and relevant experience.

Who we are

We are one of the largest international law firms in the world. With over 30 offices across the globe, we strive to exceed the expectations of our clients, providing them with the highest-quality advice and legal insight, which combines the firm’s global standards with in-depth local expertise.

Our firm, work and people span jurisdictions, cultures, and languages. We offer our clients a truly international perspective. We believe every career should be rewarding and stimulating - full of opportunities to learn, thrive, and grow. That’s why we’re so proud of our inclusive, friendly, and team-based approach to work.

Our one firm global strategy is focused on targeted growth led by the needs of our core clients, those who we can best support with the breadth and depth of Clifford Chance expertise, across the sectors and geographies, which matter most to them.

You’ll find our clients in commercial and industrial sectors, the financial investor community, governments, regulators, trade bodies, and not-for-profit organisations. But no matter who they are or why they’ve reached out to us, we provide a world-class service every step of the way. And that’s possible thanks to the entrepreneurial spirit and conscientious approach to work that you’ll find across all of our teams.

Whichever area of the business you join, you’ll become an integral part an innovative, diverse and ambitious team of people. Clifford Chance is a place where the brightest minds and the best of colleagues meet.

Equal opportunities

At Clifford Chance, we understand that our true asset is our people. Inclusion is good for our team and their families, our firm and society.

We are committed to treating all employees and applicants fairly and equally regardless of their gender, gender identity and expression, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour, national or ethnic origin, social or economic background, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation, or age.  This applies to recruitment and selection, terms and conditions of employment including pay, promotion, training, transfer and every other aspect of employment.

We have a variety of flourishing employee networks. These networks are a place for colleagues to share experiences and advocate for change wherever they see an opportunity for improvement.

Our goal is to deliver an equality of opportunity, an equality of aspiration and an equality of experience to everyone who works in our firm. 

Find out more about our inclusive culture here.

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