OverviewCome join Payroll Tax Operations (PTO) as a payroll tax professional responsible for the accurate and timely resolution of payroll tax issues across Notices, Corrections, Amendments, and Pay & File. The Senior Pa…
Finance & Accounting · San Diego, CA
Tax Specialist jobs in San Diego, CA
Tax specialists prepare returns and plan around tax law for individuals or businesses. They track changing regulations, find legitimate savings, and keep filings accurate and on time.
390
Open roles today
$28–$74/hr
Typical pay range
$96k
Median, full-time
11
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12 shown of 390 · sorted by freshness
Job Title: Tax ManagerLocation: Remote or Hybrid to Brea, CA or San Diego, CASalary: 120k-160k + Annual Bonuses + Full Benefits + PTO + Profit SharingRequirements: CPA, have a HNW focus in your portfolio.We are a full-se…
$22.5 - $26.5 per hour
compliance with program regulations and participant attendance level at assigned work activities.Notifies county’s human services specialist of non-compliance with work activities.Follows procedural requirement by updati…
DescriptionAt HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas t…
To provide diverse administrative support to Financial Advisors (FAs). To provide through various media channels information regarding Navy Federal Financial Group (NFFG) products and services to clients/potential client…
Job DescriptionSempra: Where opportunity powers impact At Sempra, we tackle the biggest energy challenges that face our industry. Our high-performing team leverages the full capabilities of our organization to serve 40 m…
We are looking for an experienced Senior Accountant to join a growing finance team in San Diego, California. This role will oversee core accounting operations, support an accurate and efficient close cycle, and strengthe…
DescriptionAt HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas t…
Reference: 630281Posted: 2026-09-25Location: San Diego, CACompany: Planet Pharma GroupContact: ApplicationsEmail: ****@*****.*** PR Range: 47.50-59.25/h DOEPosition Summary:The Senior Accounting Analyst II will provide h…
Job DescriptionSempra: Where opportunity powers impactAt Sempra, a better world begins with better energy—and with people who want to make a difference. That’s why we’re tackling the biggest challenges facing our indus…
$55 per hour
Senior Accounting Analyst - ERP Implementation (San Diego) Partner with us at a pioneering biotechnology leader to champion a transformative ERP implementation in a dynamic, growth-oriented environment. We are seeking a…
thriving San Diego accounting firm? There’s an exciting opportunity to join a successful boutique firm as a part-time to full-time Terrific Tax Preparer. If you like learning tax strategy ropes from an award-winning CPA…
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What tax specialists earn in San Diego
Hourly first — that's how the offer arrives
| Experience | Hourly | Annual, full-time |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level | $28–$38 | $59k–$80k |
| Mid level | $38–$54 | $80k–$112k |
| Senior | $51–$74 | $106k–$153k |
Adjusted for the San Diego market from national ranges.
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What employers ask for
The skills these listings keep naming
Federal and state tax lawTax return preparationTax researchTax software (UltraTax, Lacerte)Tax planning strategiesIRS correspondenceExcelDeadline managementClient communication
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Interview questions worth rehearsing
With the thing the interviewer is actually listening for
What types of returns have you prepared, and at what volume?
Be specific: individual, partnership, S corp, or multi-state, and roughly how many per season. Complexity handled matters more than raw count.
How do you stay current with tax law changes?
Name real habits — IRS updates, CPE, firm alerts, or research platforms like Checkpoint — and one recent change you applied in practice.
Walk me through how you research an unfamiliar tax question.
Show the hierarchy: code and regulations first, then rulings and guidance, then documenting the position and its support before advising.
Tell me about a tax-saving opportunity you found for a client or employer.
Describe how you spotted it, the rules that made it legitimate, and the dollar amount saved. Keep the tone factual rather than clever.
How do you handle an IRS notice or examination?
Explain reading the notice carefully, gathering documentation, responding within deadlines, and keeping the client calm and informed throughout.
How do you manage the workload of filing season?
Talk about early document collection, workflow tracking, and triage by deadline and complexity, plus knowing when to extend rather than rush.
What do you do if you discover an error on a previously filed return?
Show integrity and process: quantify the impact, advise on amending, and follow the correction rules rather than hoping it goes unnoticed.
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Resume tips that move the needle
For tax specialists specifically — generic advice costs you here
01
List return types and volumes per season, including multi-state or consolidated work, since firms match on complexity.
02
Quantify savings you identified for clients or the company, even as a range.
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Name your software precisely — UltraTax, Lacerte, ProSystem fx, OneSource — because it shortens onboarding.
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State credentials clearly: CPA, EA, or exam progress, each of which changes what work you can sign.
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Include IRS representation or notice-resolution experience; it distinguishes preparers from advisors.
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Where this role goes
Typical progression
01
Tax Preparer
02
Tax Specialist
03
Senior Tax Specialist
04
Tax Manager
05
Tax Director
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