Entry Level State and Local Tax Associate Jobs
New grad state and local tax associate jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where strong internship work or coursework in taxation can matter more than a long resume. Most openings are Accounting & Auditing, Consulting & Professional Services, and Technology & Software roles with a mix of on-site, remote, and hybrid settings, with employers like Weaver, Grant Thornton, and BDO hiring at this level now.
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Showing 5 of 9+ Entry Level State and Local Tax Associate jobs
Job Summary:
BDO is a place for energetic self-starters who can think and act like entrepreneurs. The Tax Intern, State and Local Tax will be responsible for basic research and analysis of state and local tax (SALT) issues, along with utilization of tax software in the completion of basic tax returns and other tax filings and documents. In this role, the Tax Intern, State and Local Tax will have the opportunity to utilize his / her educational background while working side-by-side with more experienced Tax members who will provide direction and coaching related a range of state and local tax laws and resources. This opportunity will allow you to gain a unique hands-on perspective on our firm’s practices and people, as well as beginning to forge the critical relationships that will help maximize your chance for success in your career.
Job Duties:
- Tax Methodology
- Applies general understanding of knowledge and application of standards to effectively and efficiently deliver quality tax services
- Tax Compliance
- Ensures both that (a) clients comply with all applicable authorities, while at the same time minimizing their tax and reporting burdens, and (b) self and client service teams comply with all Firm policies, standards, and the BDO Tax Quality Manual (“TQM”)
- Participates in the preparation, filing and completion of voluntary disclosure agreements for sales and use tax, income tax and unclaimed property
- Drafts tax memoranda, and other documents on various tax issues
- Assists in drafting responses to notices from state taxing authorities
- Prepares models for tax and unclaimed property exposure analysis
- Participates in the audit defense of client returns and tax positions
- Ensures all data needed to comply with filing requirements is obtained and identifies missing items needed to prepare assigned tax returns
- Monitors current tax law changes and applies appropriately to the preparation of assigned tax returns
- Manages collection and retention of all appropriate workpapers for assigned clients
- Research
- Completes basic research on federal and state tax issues
- Tax Consulting
- Partners with experienced SALT tax professionals to learn the basics of state tax planning
- Participates in client meetings with experienced tax professionals, as appropriate
- Establishes relationships with Core Tax Services and other Specialized Tax Services client service professionals
- Tax Specialization
- Develops an in-depth understanding of the technical and practical issues and opportunities regarding one or more areas of taxation
- Strategy Development
- Assists in the preparation of tax presentations for client meetings
- Tax-Related Software
- Utilizes Caseware, Go Systems, and other tax-related software in the completion of basic tax returns with appropriate supervision, as applicable
- Other duties as required
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- N/A
Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Education:
- Enrolled in a Bachelors or Masters program in Accounting, Taxation, Finance or other relevant field, Juris Doctorate (J.D) program, or Master of Laws (LLM) program, required
Experience:
- Leadership experience, preferred
- Prior internship or other work experience within an accounting setting or public accounting, preferred
- Membership and participation in accounting or finance organizations at the college level, preferred
License/Certifications:
- N/A
Software:
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Other Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to follow instructions as directed
- Ability to successfully multi-task while working independently or within a team
- Positive attitude and willingness to learn
- Ability to research taxation topics and communicate or compose written analysis effectively
- Basic knowledge of accounting and tax theory.
- Seeks advice of appropriate superiors regarding issues related to compliance Ability to prepare simple tax returns as well as drafting other tax related documents
Individual salaries that are offered to a candidate are determined after consideration of numerous factors including but not limited to the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and geography.
California Range: $40.00/hr - $45.00/hr
Colorado Range: $35.00/hr - $39.00/hr
Illinois Range: $36.00/hr - $40.00/hr
Maryland Range: $34.00/hr - $38.00/hr
Massachusetts Range: $36.00/hr - $40.00/hr
Minnesota Range: $32.00/hr - $36.00/hr
New Jersey Range: $38.00/hr - $42.00/hr
NYC/Long Island/Westchester Range: $36.00/hr - $40.00/hr
Ohio Range: $33.00/hr - $37.00/hr
Virginia Range: $34.00/hr - $38.00/hr
Washington Range: $37.00/hr - $38.00/hr
Washington DC Range: $34.00/hr - $38.00/hr
At BDO, how we show up matters. We build strong relationships by supporting one another, our clients, and our communities with care, curiosity, and a commitment to helping one another grow and succeed. Here, you’ll find meaningful work, leaders invested in your success, and opportunities to build a career around what matters most to you.
Our purpose is to be the people our clients count on to grow with confidence and achieve what matters most. Our values guide how we bring that purpose to life each day. Together, they shape how we work with one another, serve our clients, and create meaningful impact.
BDO provides assurance, tax, and advisory services to clients across the U.S. and around the world. No matter your role, you’ll be part of a team helping clients navigate complexity and move forward with clarity.
As technology continues to shape how we work, BDO values the ability to apply generative and agentic AI solutions to develop work products, improve workflows and identify potential risks. Across our firm, we emphasize professional judgment in validating AI-generated outputs for accuracy, quality, and compliance.
We are proud to be an ESOP company, offering participants a stake in the firm’s success through beneficial ownership and a unique opportunity to enhance their financial well-being. As a qualified retirement plan, the ESOP is a meaningful addition to our comprehensive compensation and Total Rewards benefits* offerings. It also reinforces an ownership mindset that strengthens our connection to one another, our clients, and the future we’re building together.
Learn more about our benefits: BDO Total Rewards encompass more than traditional benefits. Click here to find out more !
*Benefits may be subject to eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets
Click here to find out more !
Job Summary:
BDO is a place for energetic self-starters who can think and act like entrepreneurs. The Tax Intern, State and Local Tax will be responsible for basic research and analysis of state and local tax (SALT) issues, along with utilization of tax software in the completion of basic tax returns and other tax filings and documents. In this role, the Tax Intern, State and Local Tax will have the opportunity to utilize his / her educational background while working side-by-side with more experienced Tax members who will provide direction and coaching related a range of state and local tax laws and resources. This opportunity will allow you to gain a unique hands-on perspective on our firm’s practices and people, as well as beginning to forge the critical relationships that will help maximize your chance for success in your career.
Job Duties:
- Tax Methodology
- Applies general understanding of knowledge and application of standards to effectively and efficiently deliver quality tax services
- Tax Compliance
- Ensures both that (a) clients comply with all applicable authorities, while at the same time minimizing their tax and reporting burdens, and (b) self and client service teams comply with all Firm policies, standards, and the BDO Tax Quality Manual (“TQM”)
- Participates in the preparation, filing and completion of voluntary disclosure agreements for sales and use tax, income tax and unclaimed property
- Drafts tax memoranda, and other documents on various tax issues
- Assists in drafting responses to notices from state taxing authorities
- Prepares models for tax and unclaimed property exposure analysis
- Participates in the audit defense of client returns and tax positions
- Ensures all data needed to comply with filing requirements is obtained and identifies missing items needed to prepare assigned tax returns
- Monitors current tax law changes and applies appropriately to the preparation of assigned tax returns
- Manages collection and retention of all appropriate workpapers for assigned clients
- Research
- Completes basic research on federal and state tax issues
- Tax Consulting
- Partners with experienced SALT tax professionals to learn the basics of state tax planning
- Participates in client meetings with experienced tax professionals, as appropriate
- Establishes relationships with Core Tax Services and other Specialized Tax Services client service professionals
- Tax Specialization
- Develops an in-depth understanding of the technical and practical issues and opportunities regarding one or more areas of taxation
- Strategy Development
- Assists in the preparation of tax presentations for client meetings
- Tax-Related Software
- Utilizes Caseware, Go Systems, and other tax-related software in the completion of basic tax returns with appropriate supervision, as applicable
- Other duties as required
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- N/A
Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Education:
- Enrolled in a Bachelors or Masters program in Accounting, Taxation, Finance or other relevant field, Juris Doctorate (J.D) program, or Master of Laws (LLM) program, required
Experience:
- Leadership experience, preferred
- Prior internship or other work experience within an accounting setting or public accounting, preferred
- Membership and participation in accounting or finance organizations at the college level, preferred
License/Certifications:
- N/A
Software:
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Other Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to follow instructions as directed
- Ability to successfully multi-task while working independently or within a team
- Positive attitude and willingness to learn
- Ability to research taxation topics and communicate or compose written analysis effectively
- Basic knowledge of accounting and tax theory.
- Seeks advice of appropriate superiors regarding issues related to compliance Ability to prepare simple tax returns as well as drafting other tax related documents
Individual salaries that are offered to a candidate are determined after consideration of numerous factors including but not limited to the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and geography.
California Range: $40.00/hr - $45.00/hr
Colorado Range: $35.00/hr - $39.00/hr
Illinois Range: $36.00/hr - $40.00/hr
Maryland Range: $34.00/hr - $38.00/hr
Massachusetts Range: $36.00/hr - $40.00/hr
Minnesota Range: $32.00/hr - $36.00/hr
New Jersey Range: $38.00/hr - $42.00/hr
NYC/Long Island/Westchester Range: $36.00/hr - $40.00/hr
Ohio Range: $33.00/hr - $37.00/hr
Virginia Range: $34.00/hr - $38.00/hr
Washington Range: $37.00/hr - $38.00/hr
Washington DC Range: $34.00/hr - $38.00/hr
At BDO, how we show up matters. We build strong relationships by supporting one another, our clients, and our communities with care, curiosity, and a commitment to helping one another grow and succeed. Here, you’ll find meaningful work, leaders invested in your success, and opportunities to build a career around what matters most to you.
Our purpose is to be the people our clients count on to grow with confidence and achieve what matters most. Our values guide how we bring that purpose to life each day. Together, they shape how we work with one another, serve our clients, and create meaningful impact.
BDO provides assurance, tax, and advisory services to clients across the U.S. and around the world. No matter your role, you’ll be part of a team helping clients navigate complexity and move forward with clarity.
As technology continues to shape how we work, BDO values the ability to apply generative and agentic AI solutions to develop work products, improve workflows and identify potential risks. Across our firm, we emphasize professional judgment in validating AI-generated outputs for accuracy, quality, and compliance.
We are proud to be an ESOP company, offering participants a stake in the firm’s success through beneficial ownership and a unique opportunity to enhance their financial well-being. As a qualified retirement plan, the ESOP is a meaningful addition to our comprehensive compensation and Total Rewards benefits* offerings. It also reinforces an ownership mindset that strengthens our connection to one another, our clients, and the future we’re building together.
Learn more about our benefits: BDO Total Rewards encompass more than traditional benefits. Click here to find out more !
*Benefits may be subject to eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets
Click here to find out more !
See All 9 Entry Level State and Local Tax Associate Jobs
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Entry Level State and Local Tax Associate Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level state and local tax associate job?
Employers hiring at this level look for a degree in accounting, finance, or a related field, along with any exposure to state and local tax through coursework, internships, or tax clinic work. Familiarity with multi-state tax concepts, nexus rules, and common tax software gives candidates a real edge. A strong academic record and demonstrated attention to detail matter more than years of experience at this stage.
Which companies hire entry level state and local tax associates?
Companies hiring entry level state and local tax associates right now include Weaver, Grant Thornton, and BDO, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. At this level, public accounting firms, regional CPA practices, and large corporations with in-house tax departments are among the most active employers.
Are there remote entry level state and local tax associate jobs?
Yes, though availability varies by employer and role. About 0% of entry level state and local tax associate openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the broader flexibility that many accounting and tax teams have adopted. On-site roles remain common, particularly at firms where junior staff benefit from in-person mentorship and training.
Are these new grad state and local tax associate jobs?
Yes, many of these openings are new grad and junior roles that explicitly welcome candidates with little or no professional experience. A new grad posting typically accepts zero to two years of experience and counts internships, tax clinic participation, or a strong academic portfolio toward the requirement. Look for language like "entry level," "associate," or "no experience required" to identify the most accessible listings.
Which industries hire the most entry level state and local tax associates?
Entry Level state and local tax associate roles concentrate in Accounting & Auditing, Consulting & Professional Services, and Technology & Software, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors tend to drive hiring at this level because complex multi-state operations and significant transaction volumes create ongoing demand for tax professionals who can support compliance, research, and reporting from the start of their careers.