Estate Specialist/Tax Accountant

Department: Business and Transactions
About Us:
Ballard Spahr is a renowned national law firm with more than 750 lawyers across 19 offices in the United States. A career at Ballard Spahr offers a diverse group of mentors, colleagues, and friends, and strong leadership that provides support and encouragement for career growth.
We are seeking an experienced Estate Specialist / Tax Accountant to support the tax and estate planning needs of clients within our Private Client Services practice. This position is ideal for a highly organized tax professional with deep experience in fiduciary, estate, gift, and income tax matters who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced legal environment.
This hybrid position offers a work schedule of 3 days a week in the Minneapolis office.
Why Join Us?
Innovative Work Environment: Join a forward-thinking firm with substantial support and visibility from executive leadership.
Professional Development: Take advantage of continuous learning opportunities and avenues for career growth.
Inclusion: Join a Business Resource Group and share cultural, experiential, or job-related interests, experiences, and/or backgrounds.
Impactful Contributions: Play a pivotal role in developing industry-leading solutions that make a significant difference in legal practice and client service.
Your Role:
As an Estate Specialist/Tax Accountant within our Private Client Services team you will:
Prepare Federal and State fiduciary income tax returns, including individual and partnership tax returns, partnership accounting, and calculation of individual estimated tax payments and liquidity estimates.
Prepare Federal and State estate and gift tax returns.
Prepare trust accountings, including conservatorship and estate accountings filed with the appropriate courts.
Prepare foundation tax returns, including Forms 990-PF and applications for recognition of exemption (Form 1023).
Monitor and remain current on relevant tax law developments and regulatory changes.
Prepare probate and related filings.
Gather information and coordinate valuation of decedents’ assets.
Oversee fiduciary accounting and bookkeeping functions.
What We’re Looking For:
Growth Mindset: Self-motivated with a passion for continuous learning and problem-solving.
Communication: Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication abilities.
Detail-Oriented: Keen attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines independently.
Required Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required.
Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience required, though 5 years preferred.
Legal or professional services experience is preferred.
CPA or Enrolled Agent designation strongly preferred.
Strong mathematical proficiency and working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
The salary range for this position is from $115,000 – $150,000 which reflects the Firm’s good faith and reasonable estimate of possible compensation at the time of posting. Actual pay will depend on several factors such as the candidate’s experience and qualifications.
Ballard Spahr offers an excellent benefits package. A summary of available benefits can be found here in the Careers section of the firm’s website.
Ready to Grow with Us?
If you are ready to play a vital role in the Firm’s success, we encourage you to apply and be a part of our commitment to excellence.
At Ballard Spahr, we believe that our skills, perspectives, and backgrounds drive innovation and excellence, while our unique culture fosters collaboration and success. Our culture of thriving together forms the cornerstone of how we deliver exceptional service and position our firm for a strong future. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
Ballard Spahr is an equal opportunity employer. We offer equal consideration to all qualified applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, age, national origin, handicap or disability, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, transgender status, sex stereotyping, genetic information, ancestry, veteran status or any other category protected by applicable law.
The firm is not accepting resumes from search firms for this position.