Staff Tax Accountant – Entertainment CPA Firm

Location: Los Angeles, CA
Industry: Entertainment / Public Accounting

Overview

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Staff Tax Accountant to join our entertainment-focused CPA firm. This role supports tax preparation, compliance, and advisory services for clients across film, television, music, sports, digital media, production companies, and high-net-worth entertainers. The ideal candidate has a solid foundation in accounting and taxation, strong organizational skills, and a genuine interest in building a career within the entertainment accounting niche.

Tax Preparation & Compliance

• Prepare individual (1040), corporate (1120/1120S), partnership (1065), trust, and PSC (loan-out corporation) tax returns under supervision.

• Assist with quarterly estimated tax calculations, extensions, and year-end tax projections.

• Organize, analyze, and reconcile complex entertainment income streams, including:

  • Royalties

  • Residuals

  • Touring income

  • Digital creator revenue

  • Profit participations

• Support multi-state tax filings, residency analysis, and allocation of entertainment-related income across jurisdictions.

Entertainment-Specific Accounting

• Process and categorize entertainment-related income and expenses, including agency commissions, management fees, per diem, production costs, and deal-specific deductions.

• Assist with loan-out corporation bookkeeping, expense tracking, and basic cash flow support.

• Prepare financial summaries, schedules, and supporting documentation for producers, artists, and business managers.

• Review royalty statements and reconcile payments as assigned.

Research & Technical Support

• Perform basic tax research related to entertainment-specific issues, including:

  • State production incentives

  • International touring and withholding rules

  • Multi-state nexus considerations

  • Guild requirements (SAG-AFTRA, DGA, WGA)

• Prepare workpapers, schedules, and supporting documentation for tax positions and filings.

Client Support & Relationship Management

• Communicate professionally with clients to request documentation and clarify accounting or tax-related questions.

• Maintain accurate client files, digital records, and workflow tracking.

• Support senior staff and managers with audits, tax notices, and special projects as needed.

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with Seniors, Managers, and Partners to ensure timely, accurate, and high-quality deliverables.

• Participate in internal meetings, training sessions, and ongoing professional development.

• Contribute to a collaborative, service-oriented team culture aligned with firm values.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field

• Progress toward CPA licensure preferred

• 1–3 years of public accounting or tax preparation experience (entertainment experience a plus but not required)

• Strong understanding of foundational tax concepts and workpaper preparation

• Experience with tax software (Lacerte, ProSystem fx, or similar) and proficiency in Excel

• Excellent attention to detail, organization, and ability to manage multiple deadlines

• Strong interest in developing expertise within the entertainment industry (film, television, music, digital media)