Tax Associate

Ketel Thorstenson, LLP (KT) is seeking a motivated Tax Associate to join our Tax team in our Spearfish or Rapid City, SD office location.

If you are looking to grow your career in public accounting and thrive in a collaborative, client-focused environment, we invite you to apply. Join KT and be part of a firm where relationships, innovation, and professional growth come together to make an impact.

Essential Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Using discretion and judgment to prepare individual, partnership, corporate, and other various tax returns, including any related research as may be needed.
• Using knowledge of accounting to analyze and interpret data to make recommendations to clients regarding routine tax and accounting inquiries. 
• Continue to gain knowledge about tax laws and stay updated with law changes through in-office training and independent research.
• Develop working relationships with clients and co-workers. Including participating in the firm’s liaison and coaching programs.
• Attend professional development and training sessions on a regular basis.
• Attend firm sponsored community service events and team building activities.
• Assist in staff recruiting efforts including attending career fairs, interviews, and other activities
• Develop proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, accounting, and tax preparation software, and other applications relevant to job requirements. 
• Adhere to the highest degree of professional standards and strict client confidentiality.
• Become familiar with and adhere to Ketel Thorstenson’s policies and procedures. 
• Assist in brainstorming ideas for change/improvement for the firm as well as implementing and facilitating these changes.
• Other duties as assigned by Partner-in-Charge or another member of the Partner group.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Supervisory Responsibility

None.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field such as Finance or Business.
• Foundational knowledge of accounting principles and tax concepts required.
• Demonstrate professionalism through strong ethical conduct.
• Willingness to put forth the necessary effort to meet client’s deadlines and accommodate client needs.
• Exceptional client service and communications skills, including written and verbal communications.
• The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers. Strong dedication to teamwork.
• Be a problem solver with focus and drive; ability to use critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 
• Ability to manage multiple engagements and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. 
• Possess efficient organization and time management skills.
• Demonstrate a high-level of commitment to KTLLP; possess a positive attitude; and ability to have fun.
• Participate as a team player to meet the goals of the department and firm.
• Excellent computer skills and willingness/ability to learn new systems.
• Utilize AI-enabled tools, when appropriate, to support and enhance daily job functions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or EA (Enrolled Agent) preferred, but not required.
• Internship or prior experience in public accounting, tax, or related field preferred.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, scanners, and fax machines.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; sit; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. 

The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. 

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Full-time, exempt position
• Standard schedule is 40 hours per week (non-peak season)
• Increased hours (up to 60+) required during peak tax season

Travel:

The employee may be required to travel for business purposes. Travel may be in town, out of town, and/or overnight.

Compensation & Benefits:

Salary depends on experience and expertise. Compensation includes a comprehensive benefits package.

Featured Benefits Include:

Paid Time Off and Holiday

Paid Parental Leave

Flexible Work Schedules

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability Coverage

401(k) Retirement Plan and Financial Wellness Resources

Professional Development and Training

Certification Assistance

Tuition Reimbursement

Paid Volunteer Time and Community Involvement Opportunities

Company Info

Ketel Thorstenson, LLP is a full-service accounting and consulting firm established in 1936. With offices across South Dakota and Wyoming, and a team with over 25 partners and 50+ CPAs, KT serves a diverse client base across a wide range of industries—from closely held businesses to complex organizations in agriculture, construction, hospitality, nonprofit, government, and beyond.

We’re more than a traditional accounting firm—we’re a team that values relationships, innovation, and impact. At KT, you’ll find a collaborative, growth-focused environment where your ideas are welcomed, your contributions matter, and your career can evolve alongside the clients and communities we serve.