Tax Preparer

Title: VITA/Income Tax Preparation Quality Reviewer

Reports To: Financial Capability Coordinator

Department: Community Programs

Location: Oakland, CA

Hours: Monday through Friday, some weekends may be required

Travel: Local travel may be required

Salary: $20.00

Employee Status: Temporary, Full-time, Non-Exempt

Union: N/A

Supervises: N/A

Agency Summary

The Unity Council is a non-profit Social Equity Development Corporation with a 50-year history in the Fruitvale neighborhood of Oakland. Our mission is to promote social equity and improve quality of life by building vibrant communities where everyone can work, learn, and thrive.

Our programs aim to provide the community with the tools, knowledge, and resources to transform their lives and ultimately achieve their long-term educational, career, and financial goals. These holistic programs and services reach more than 8,000 individuals and families annually in five languages. Programs include: early childhood education, youth mentorship and leadership development, employment services, career readiness training, housing and financial stability, senior citizen services, affordable housing and neighborhood development, and arts and cultural events. Our work expands beyond the Fruitvale district and now reaches across Oakland and into Concord. The Unity Council employs a diverse workforce of more than 250 people who reflect the linguistic, cultural, and ethnic identity of the communities we serve.

Program Summary

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is part of the Community Programs department. VITA offers free tax preparation to people who generally make $55,000 or less, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their tax returns. In partnership with Earn It! Keep It! $ave It! from United Way of the Bay Area, The Unity Council participates in the VITA program to assist the community with free tax assistance.

Responsibilities

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Assist in re-scheduling appointments for clients with specialized tax needs and rejected returns.
• Assist to prepare Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) New and Renewals
• Respond to all questions regarding self-employment and homeowners under the scope of VITA and prepare returns if necessary.
• Responsible for all Quality Reviews and Final submissions of tax documents to the Tax Slayer portal
• Prepare taxes for clients as needed.
• Coordinate all weekly drop offs, including communicating with clients who are missing documentation.
• Support volunteers as needed and provide superior customer service to all VITA clients
• Review tax returns to be e-filed to ensure quality and completeness
• Perform all responsibilities that will ensure the safe and efficient operation of the VITA sites, including maintaining privacy and confidentiality of taxpayer information
• Assist to complete the final report to VITA site funder in a timely manner, including program reports, and client success stories if necessary.

Qualifications

• Bilingual fluency in English/Spanish is required
• Interest in working with diverse communities and the mission of The Unity Council
• 2 years of experience as a tax preparer
• Experience with ITIN’s application desirable
• Must be certified in Advanced Tax Preparation via IRS Link and Learn for the current Tax Year prior to start date. Training will be provided.
• Must be available to work flexible hours

Pre-employment Requirements

Background Check

This description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities or requirements for the position. This position may change or assume additional duties at any time.

Please submit your cover letter and resume.

The Unity Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: $20.00 per hour

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• Tax Experience: 1 year (Preferred)
• Customer Service: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• CPA (Preferred)
• Enrolled Agent (Preferred)

COVID-19 Precaution(s):

• Remote interview process
• Personal protective equipment provided or required
• Plastic shield at work stations
• Temperature screenings
• Social distancing guidelines in place
• Virtual meetings
• Sanitizing, disinfecting, or cleaning procedures in place