U.S. Tax Preparation Assistant / Accounting VA - Remote, Philippines | Paid Training | Leadership Opportunity

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are a U.S.-based tax and accounting business looking for a dependable, detail-oriented accounting assistant in the Philippines to work remotely with our U.S.-based owner/accountant.

You will help organize client information, prepare supporting worksheets and draft tax forms, check calculations, and keep assignments on schedule.

We will provide hands-on training in our tax preparation procedures, software, and quality standards. You should already have a solid accounting foundation, good numerical skills, and the ability to follow detailed instructions.

We plan to hire within the next two to three months, initially for approximately 20 hours per week. There may be opportunities to increase to full-time as the business grows and you demonstrate proficiency.

COMPENSATION AND WORK ARRANGEMENT

• Starting rate: $4–$6 USD per hour, depending on relevant experience and demonstrated skills.
• Paid training: Scheduled training hours are paid at your agreed starting rate.
• Initial hours: Approximately 20 hours per week.
• Location: Fully remote, Philippines-based.
• Schedule: Agreed before starting, with some overlap with the U.S.-based accountant for training and review.
• Performance review: After the first 60–90 days.
• Growth: Potential for additional hours, higher compensation, and leadership responsibilities based on performance and business needs.
• Additional hours during tax season must be agreed in advance and will be paid at the agreed rate.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Collect, organize, and verify client information

• Review client questionnaires, intake forms, and supporting documents.
• Check that client names, addresses, taxpayer identification details, and other required information match the records provided.
• Confirm that each document belongs to the correct client and tax year.
• Maintain organized digital folders using the company’s filing procedures.
• Identify missing documents, duplicate records, incomplete answers, and conflicting information.
• Prepare clear questions for the supervising accountant and follow up with clients when authorized.

2. Prepare draft tax forms under supervision

• Enter verified client information into our approved tax preparation software.
• Prepare assigned sections of draft returns, schedules, and supporting worksheets.
• Learn the purpose of each relevant form, what its individual lines require, and how information connects across forms.
• Work with documents such as Forms W-2, 1099, and other records relevant to assigned clients.
• Assist with individual returns and, where required and appropriate to your training, business returns.
• Use the correct tax-year information and follow the company’s preparation instructions.
• Flag unfamiliar situations and request clarification before proceeding.

The U.S.-based accountant will oversee your work and handle final approval and filing. Assignments will reflect your training and demonstrated ability.

3. Check calculations and reconcile information

• Verify calculations, totals, and amounts transferred between documents, worksheets, and forms.
• Match entries to their supporting records.
• Check for missing amounts, duplicate entries, and inconsistent figures.
• Compare current information with prior-year records when instructed and flag unexplained differences.
• Prepare clear worksheets showing where figures came from.
• Assist with accounting reconciliations related to assigned tax work, within your training.

4. Review your work before submitting it

• Complete the company’s preparation and review checklists.
• Check data entry, document references, calculations, and completeness.
• Review software alerts and bring unresolved issues to the supervising accountant.
• Clearly identify items awaiting client information or professional review.
• Submit organized work with supporting documents and concise notes.
• Apply feedback carefully and use it to improve future assignments.

We value accuracy and clear communication. If information is missing or unclear, we expect you to ask rather than guess.

5. Track assignments and meet deadlines

• Maintain an updated tracker of client assignments, due dates, missing information, and review status.
• Provide regular progress updates.
• Report potential delays early.
• Attend scheduled training sessions and review meetings.
• Be available during agreed working hours.
• Communicate professionally with the owner, team members, and clients when authorized.

6. Protect confidential client information

• Use only company-approved software, accounts, storage, and communication channels.
• Follow confidentiality and information-security procedures.
• Keep client information private and secure.
• Never share client documents with unauthorized people or upload them to unapproved tools, including AI tools.
• Report suspected security issues immediately.

TRAINING AND YOUR FIRST ASSIGNMENTS

You will work closely with the owner/accountant during your initial training.

Training will cover:

• How to review client documents and identify missing information.
• How to understand assigned tax forms and their relevant lines.
• How to connect supporting records to the appropriate entries.
• How to use our software, worksheets, checklists, and tracking system.
• How to verify calculations and recognize inconsistencies.
• When to ask questions or escalate a situation for review.

You will begin with sample exercises and manageable supervised assignments. Your workload will increase as you demonstrate accuracy, understanding, and reliability.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• An accounting degree, related qualification, or equivalent practical accounting experience.
• A solid understanding of accounting fundamentals.
• Strong numerical skills and close attention to detail.
• Good written and spoken English.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and maintain organized records.
• Willingness to learn, ask questions, accept feedback, and correct mistakes.
• A reliable computer, stable internet connection, and private workspace.
• Availability for agreed training sessions and working hours.

PREFERRED, BUT NOT REQUIRED

• Previous experience supporting a U.S. accounting or tax business.
• Familiarity with U.S. tax documents and preparation workflows.
• Experience with Drake, ProConnect, Lacerte, UltraTax, or similar tax software.
• QuickBooks Online experience.
• A Philippine CPA qualification.
• Experience documenting procedures or supporting other team members.

Previous U.S. tax experience is an advantage, but we will consider applicants with strong accounting fundamentals who are ready to learn.

Please describe your experience honestly, including which tasks you have completed independently and which required supervision.

HOW WE WILL EVALUATE SUCCESS

We will assess your:

• Accuracy when matching information to supporting documents.
• Ability to identify missing or conflicting information.
• Understanding of the tasks you have been trained to complete.
• Organization and ability to meet agreed deadlines.
• Communication and responsiveness during working hours.
• Progress in applying feedback and reducing repeated errors.
• Respect for client confidentiality.

FUTURE LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY

As the business grows, a consistently strong performer may have the opportunity to help build and manage a team.

Future responsibilities could include training new assistants, assigning tasks, monitoring deadlines, and checking work before submission to the U.S.-based accountant.

Leadership responsibilities and compensation would be discussed separately when the role develops. Promotion and pay increases are based on demonstrated ability and business needs.

HOW TO APPLY

Please use the subject line:

U.S. Tax Accounting Assistant – [Your Name]

Include:

1. Your résumé and a short introduction.
2. Your accounting education, qualifications, and relevant experience.
3. Any U.S. tax preparation experience, including the forms you have worked with and your level of responsibility.
4. The accounting, tax, and spreadsheet software you have used.
5. Your availability in Philippine time and earliest start date.
6. Your expected starting rate within the advertised $4–$6 USD per hour range.
7. A brief example of an error or discrepancy you found and how you handled it, without sharing confidential information.

Please also answer this question:

“A client’s questionnaire shows one amount, but the supporting tax document shows a different amount. What would you do before completing the entry?”

Shortlisted applicants may be invited to an interview and a short paid practical assessment using fictional information. This will assess document matching, calculations, attention to detail, and ability to follow instructions.

We are looking for someone who takes pride in accurate work, communicates openly, and wants to develop their skills with our business.