Assistant Director, LITC Clinic

Description

 Through tax assistance, advocacy, small business technical assistance, and partnerships, Accounting Aid Society is focused on creating an economy that works for everyone. Accounting Aid seeks a self-starter who is as invested in economic mobility and poverty alleviation as we are. We’re using taxes to build relationships, and relationships to build futures- including yours. 

The Assistant LITC Director will provide direct representation to low-income taxpayers facing IRS disputes, contribute to systemic advocacy efforts, and support the overall management and growth of the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC). This role requires strong tax law knowledge, advocacy experience, and relationship-building skills. The ideal candidate will be comfortable engaging with board members, fundraising, and developing relationships with law firms, community organizations, and other stakeholders.

The Assistant Director will support the LITC Clinic’s strategic and operational functions and will be positioned for potential succession into the LITC Director role over time, based on demonstrated performance and organizational needs. This role provides a structured pathway for professional development and leadership advancement within the program.

Accounting Aid Society, a Crain’s Best-Managed Nonprofit, fosters an always-learning and innovative environment, offering best-in-class benefits and values employee well-being and collaboration. 

 Job Responsibilities:

Tax Law & IRS Procedures (30%)

• Represent low-income taxpayers in tax controversies with the IRS, including audits, collections, appeals, and Tax Court cases.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state tax laws, with a focus on taxpayer rights and advocacy.
• Assist in identifying systemic issues affecting low-income taxpayers and work on strategies to address them.

Legal & Advocacy Expertise (20%)

• Act as a legal advocate for taxpayers, working with the IRS, tax authorities, and policymakers to address systemic tax law challenges.
• Collaborate with legal aid organizations and tax professionals on tax-related issues affecting underserved communities.

Client & Community Engagement (15%)

• Conduct outreach and education for potential clients, community organizations, and legal professionals.
• Provide training to pro-bono attorneys, volunteers, and law students to enhance service quality for low-income taxpayers.
• Develop accessible materials to educate clients on tax rights and responsibilities.

Leadership & Management (15%)

• Assist the LITC Clinic Director in program development, strategic planning, and grant compliance.
• Supervise legal interns, volunteers, and pro bono attorneys working with the clinic.
• Contribute to performance evaluations and professional development of clinic staff.

Collaboration & Relationship Building (10%)

• Build and maintain relationships with law firms, bar associations, tax professionals, and community organizations to enhance clinic resources and advocacy efforts.
• Support fundraising and donor cultivation efforts in partnership with the Development Department.
• Engage with board members and external stakeholders to strengthen the clinic’s impact.

Compliance & Reporting (10%)

• Assist in maintaining compliance with IRS LITC grant requirements, including case tracking and reporting.
• Support grant writing and financial reporting activities to secure ongoing funding.

Requirements

 Job Qualifications

Successful candidates will possess all or many of the following qualifications and/or skills:

Education & Certification: 

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., nonprofit management, business administration, accounting, tax or related discipline). A master's degree is desirable.
• Must be licensed as a CPA, Enrolled Agent (EA), or attorney in Michigan

Experience:

• Minimum of three years of experience in tax law, IRS procedures, or tax controversy representation.
• Experience working with underserved or low-income populations.
• Strong public speaking skills and ability to conduct outreach and training.
• Advocacy experience, particularly in tax law, public policy, or legal aid settings.
• Demonstrated experience in team leadership and management, fostering collaboration, and achieving results through others.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities, with the capability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in using software and databases.
• Ability to work with compassion and understanding, particularly with clients facing financial stress, language barriers, or systemic disadvantages.
• Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and a commitment to equity and inclusion.
• Maintains high standards of integrity and discretion, especially when handling sensitive client information and legal matters.

Preferred Qualifications:

• To better serve our diverse client base, bilingualism is preferred (Spanish or Arabic preferred).
• Experience in nonprofit, legal aid, or community-based tax assistance programs.
• Familiarity with IRS LITC grant management and reporting.

Benefits

Accounting Aid Society offers a comprehensive employee benefits package, including:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Paid Time Off (12 observed paid holidays, vacation days accrual & bereavement days)
• Life insurance
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Pre-Tax Flexible Spending Accounts (Health Care Account & Dependent Account)
• HSA (Health Savings Account)
• Certification Assistance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 20% off of tuition and fees, University of Michigan-Dearborn & Davenport University; additional discount on select Michigan State offerings
• Hybrid Work Schedule (in/out of office work)

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Accounting Aid Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, transgender, sex stereotyping, protected veteran or military status, and other categories protected by federal, state or local law.