BDO USA, LLP is one of the largest accounting and consulting firms in the United States. They provide a wide range of services including audit, tax, advisory, and business services. As a senior tax associate at BDO, you can expect a competitive salary and excellent benefits.
Typical Salary for a BDO Senior Tax Associate
The typical salary range for a senior tax associate at BDO is between $70,000 and $120,000 per year. However, salaries can vary significantly based on a number of factors:
- Geographic location – Salaries tend to be higher in large metropolitan areas like New York and San Francisco.
- Years of experience – The more years of tax experience you have, the higher your salary is likely to be.
- CPA certification – Having an active CPA license typically results in a higher salary.
- Specialized tax knowledge – Expertise in niche areas like international tax or state and local taxes can increase salary potential.
- Negotiation skills – Strong negotiators tend to earn more.
In addition to base salary, senior tax associates are eligible for performance bonuses which can add $10,000 or more per year. There is also the potential to progress into tax manager roles with salaries exceeding $150,000.
BDO Senior Tax Associate Job Duties
As a senior tax associate at BDO, you’ll be responsible for a wide variety of tax compliance and consulting projects. Typical duties include:
- Preparing complex corporate, partnership, and individual tax returns
- Conducting tax research using sources like the Internal Revenue Code and Treasury regulations
- Advising clients on tax minimization strategies and planning opportunities
- Leading audit support engagements and preparing deliverables
- Reviewing junior staff workpapers and returns for accuracy
- Developing and delivering tax technical training programs
- Identifying and communicating tax savings strategies and opportunities to clients
- Acting as a liaison between clients and tax authorities during audits or appeals
- Utilizing technology tools to streamline tax preparation and review processes
You’ll work on a variety of client types across industries like real estate, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and more. Expect to gain broad exposure to complex tax issues.
Skills and Qualifications
To be a successful senior tax associate at BDO, the following skills and qualifications are required:
- Educational background in accounting – You’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
- CPA license – Having an active CPA license is preferred and will increase your chances of landing the role.
- 3-6 years recent experience – Public accounting experience at the senior associate level is required.
- Strong technical tax knowledge – You’ll need expertise in individual, partnership, corporate, and international tax concepts.
- Research skills – The ability to leverage resources to find tax codes, laws, regulations, and precedents is crucial.
- Client management skills – You’ll act as the lead point of contact for assigned clients and engagements.
- Project management skills – Juggling multiple clients and projects simultaneously is standard.
- Technology skills – Proficiency in tax software like UltraTax CS is a must.
- Communication and presentation abilities – You’ll need to clearly explain complex tax situations to clients.
- Business development skills – The ability to identify and sell the firm’s tax services is valued.
Benefits as a BDO Senior Tax Associate
As a full-time employee at BDO, you’ll be eligible for the following benefits:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance – BDO offers comprehensive health insurance with options for HSA and FSA accounts.
- 401(k) retirement plan – Includes a generous employer match to help you save for the future.
- Profit sharing plan – Bonus contributions to your 401(k) based on the firm’s performance.
- Paid time off – Earn vacation time, sick days, and holidays throughout the year.
- Flex spending accounts – Save pre-tax dollars for healthcare and childcare expenses.
- Wellness programs – Access programs focused on mental, physical, and financial health.
- Gym discounts – Take advantage of corporate discounts on gym memberships.
- Tuition assistance – Up to $10k annually to help further your education and training.
BDO also offers great perks like flexible work schedules, professional development resources, an Employee Assistance Program, discounts on technology, corporate cell phone discounts, and more.
How Much Do BDO Tax Associates Make?
At BDO, tax associate is typically the entry-level position for accounting graduates joining the tax department. Here is a look at typical BDO tax associate salaries:
Years of Experience | Average Base Salary |
---|---|
0-1 years | $50,000 – $60,000 |
1-3 years | $60,000 – $75,000 |
3-5 years | $70,000 – $90,000 |
In addition to base salary, BDO tax associates receive performance bonuses averaging $5,000 – $10,000 per year. Their key job duties involve preparing individual, partnership, corporate, and exempt organization tax returns, conducting tax research, and supporting senior staff on complex projects and client engagements.
How Much Do BDO Senior Managers Make?
After reaching senior associate status, the next step up in BDO’s tax career ladder is senior manager. Key responsibilities at this level include overseeing entire client engagements, managing teams of associates/seniors, generating new business for the firm, and delegating work appropriately. Here are the typical senior manager salaries at BDO:
Years of Experience | Average Base Salary |
---|---|
8-10 years | $110,000 – $150,000 |
10-12 years | $120,000 – $170,000 |
12+ years | $130,000 – $180,000+ |
BDO senior tax managers also earn average bonuses of $20,000 per year, along with equity incentives. Overall compensation can exceed $250,000 for those in director roles.
How Much Do BDO Partners Make?
Partner is the highest position within BDO’s tax practice. Responsibilities include leading the strategic direction of the tax practice, overseeing client relationships, generating new business, managing and developing staff, and maintaining quality control. BDO has equity and non-equity partnership tracks:
Partner Level | Average Total Compensation |
---|---|
Non-Equity Partner | $250,000 – $400,000 |
Equity Partner | $400,000+ |
Equity partners have ownership stakes in BDO and receive distributions of firm profits in addition to their salaries. They have the potential to earn in excess of $1 million at the highest levels. The highest compensation goes to partners who demonstrate exceptional client service, generate new business, and strategically grow the tax practice year-over-year.
Job Satisfaction as a BDO Senior Tax Associate
Overall, senior tax associates report high levels of satisfaction working at BDO. Some of the most commonly cited pros of the job include:
- Opportunities to work on complex tax matters with intelligent colleagues
- Good work/life balance outside of busy season
- Getting exposure to a variety of industries and tax issues
- Having access to great learning and development resources
- Ability to build specialist tax expertise in an area you enjoy
- Supportive team environment and open door culture
The most frequently cited downsides tend to be the busy tax season hours from January through April and the pressure to sell services and generate new business. However, overall BDO is considered one of the top accounting firms to work for thanks to its positive culture, prestige, and career growth opportunities within tax.
Conclusion
In summary, a senior tax associate at BDO can expect to earn $70,000 – $120,000 in base salary, along with additional bonus incentives. Salaries vary based on location, credentials, specialty, and ability to generate new business. The role provides great experience in complex taxation across industries. With advancement, salaries can ultimately exceed $400,000 for equity partners. BDO provides strong training programs, benefits, and work culture to help tax professionals build their careers.