Welcome to Cole Gavlas, PC - Tax and Business Advisory Services

Career Opportunities

Located in Portage, MI, Cole Gavlas, PC. aims to build a team of bright, eager individuals who come to work each day excited to pursue their passion. While technical ability is important, so is a desire to excel in a team environment and pursue growth together. We strive to create an internal culture built intentionally to support the development of our team and our community.  

As a firm, our philosophy is simple: we believe in the power of good information delivered by passionate professionals to help entrepreneurs succeed. We are dedicated to transforming our expertise into the ultimate client experience. Our team members draw on their specialized knowledge to offer insight into complex issues and advice for making sound decisions in unique industries. As a member of our firm, you will have the opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients and gain valuable experience in a variety of industries and services. 

As an independent member of the BDO Alliance, we have access to the resources of BDO USA, LLP, the world’s 5th largest accounting and consulting firm. Our office has global reach, and our employees have access to an unlimited amount of resources to gain valuable information on levels that most local firms do not encounter. 

Apply and learn more about joining our team by emailing your resume to Angie Immekus at aimmekus@colegavlas.com.

Current Opportunities:

Intern

As an intern, you will gain firsthand experience in the accounting field in a positive, supportive atmosphere, where you will love being a member of the team! In this competitively paid, full-time role, you will gain valuable experience preparing a variety of tax returns for both individuals and businesses. You will become familiar with managing clients and delivering excellent customer service in all interactions. You will learn directly from seasoned professionals in a collaborative environment where our partner’s doors are always open. We are seeking a candidate who is a highly motivated self-starter with the ability to multi-task and complete assignments within time constraints and deadlines. 

Responsibilities of an intern include:  

  • Working mid-January through April 15, up to 65 hours per week 
  • Preparing both personal and business tax returns 

 

Qualifications 

The successful candidate will be currently enrolled in a Postsecondary Education Program and will have completed an introductory tax accounting class.  

Additional Qualifications Include: 

  • Strong verbal/ written communication skills 
  • Strong academic credentials – minimum 3.0 GPA 
  • Demonstrated problem-solving ability 
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team 

 

Benefits 

Life at Cole Gavlas is guided by our firm’s core values: Choose Accountability, Be Inquisitive, Empower Yourself Through Knowledge, and Be a Team Player. In the same way these core values serve as the foundation of our long-standing client relationships, they empower us to create a culture of growth and collaboration within our firm.  

Our team is our most valuable asset, and we make sure they know it, by offering not only competitive pay and generous benefits, but also perks that make the workday enjoyable, like weekly firm lunches, monthly birthday celebrations, and regular team outings. During tax season, we keep each other sane with a different fun activity every week.  

If Cole Gavlas sounds like the right place for you, apply today! We’re excited about the opportunity to welcome you to our team. 

Bookkeeper

As bookkeeper, you will be entrusted with documenting and maintaining accurate financial records for the firm, including purchases, sales, receipts, and payments.  

Responsibilities of the bookkeeper include: 

  • Recording financial transaction details 
  • Preparing financial reports 
  • Entering and validating data 
  • Notifying senior staff of any accounting errors 

 

Qualifications 

The successful candidate will have experience with QuickBooks software, as well as performing duties related to accounts payable, payroll, and bank reconciliation.  

Additional qualifications include: 

  • Experience with data entry 
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy 
  • Proficiency in English and MS Office 
  • Excellent interpersonal skills 

 

Benefits 

Life at Cole Gavlas is guided by our firm’s core values: Choose Accountability, Be Inquisitive, Empower Yourself Through Knowledge, and Be a Team Player. In the same way these core values serve as the foundation of our long-standing client relationships, they empower us to create a culture of growth and collaboration within our firm.  

Our team is our most valuable asset, and we make sure they know it, by offering not only competitive pay and generous benefits, but also perks that make the workday enjoyable, like weekly firm lunches, monthly birthday celebrations, and regular team outings. During tax season, we keep each other sane with a different fun activity every week.  

If Cole Gavlas sounds like the right place for you, apply today! We’re excited about the opportunity to welcome you to our team. 

Staff Accountant

As staff accountant, you will have primary day-to-day responsibility for preparing a variety of tax returns and financial statements for entrepreneurs. In this full-time, associate-level position, you will research and consult on various tax matters, utilize tax-related software, and become familiar with all procedures and programs necessary for completing client financial statements, payroll, and payroll taxes. 

Responsibilities of the staff accountant include: 

  • Maintaining and continue developing relationships with clients, identify additional opportunities with current clients 
  • Managing workload for multiple clients with various deadlines and expectations 
  • Working with client management and staff at all levels to perform tax services 
  • Maintaining good working relationships with clients to enhance customer satisfaction 

 

Qualifications 

The successful candidate will be a CPA or CPA candidate.  

Additional qualifications include: 

  • CPA or CPA candidate 
  • Excellent interpersonal skills – ability to get along well with diverse personalities, tactful, mature, & flexible 
  • Ability to operate independently on “self-managed” projects as well as function in a team environment 
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills 

 

Benefits 

Life at Cole Gavlas is guided by our firm’s core values: Choose Accountability, Be Inquisitive, Empower Yourself Through Knowledge, and Be a Team Player. In the same way these core values serve as the foundation of our long-standing client relationships, they empower us to create a culture of growth and collaboration within our firm.  

Our team is our most valuable asset, and we make sure they know it, by offering not only competitive pay and generous benefits, but also perks that make the workday enjoyable, like weekly firm lunches, monthly birthday celebrations, and regular team outings. During tax season, we keep each other sane with a different fun activity every week.  

If Cole Gavlas sounds like the right place for you, apply today! We’re excited about the opportunity to welcome you to our team. 

Senior Tax Accountant

As senior tax accountant, you will have primary day-to-day responsibility for reviewing, conducting research, and training staff and will be involved in networking and business development activities. You will have direct exposure to clients in various industries, including construction, manufacturing and distribution, professional services, real estate, and more. The ideal candidate is a professional who thrives within a team environment and is highly interested in professional development.  

Responsibilities of the senior tax accountant include: 

  • Maintaining and updating Quality control process (reviewing tax returns) 
  • Researching and consulting on various tax matters 
  • Utilizing tax-related software 
  • Training and supervising staff accountants 
  • Participating in client presentations and marketing activities 

 

Qualifications 

The successful candidate will be a CPA with at least four years of experience and a strong knowledge and understanding of the Internal Revenue Code.  

Additional qualifications include: 

  • Strong problem-solving and creative skills and the ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions based on accurate and timely analyses  
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills 
  • A self-starter with a results-orientation 
  • Excellent interpersonal skills – ability to get along well with diverse personalities, tactful, mature, & flexible 
  • Proven experience training and supervising a team 
  • Ability to operate independently on “self-managed” projects as well as function in a team environment 

 

Benefits 

Life at Cole Gavlas is guided by our firm’s core values: Choose Accountability, Be Inquisitive, Empower Yourself Through Knowledge, and Be a Team Player. In the same way these core values serve as the foundation of our long-standing client relationships, they empower us to create a culture of growth and collaboration within our firm.  

Our team is our most valuable asset, and we make sure they know it, by offering not only competitive pay and generous benefits, but also perks that make the workday enjoyable, like weekly firm lunches, monthly birthday celebrations, and regular team outings. During tax season, we keep each other sane with a different fun activity every week.  

If Cole Gavlas sounds like the right place for you, apply today! We’re excited about the opportunity to welcome you to our team. 

Manager

As manager, you will oversee the firm’s Business Services division. You will be expected to supervise staff and report directly to a senior staff member. We are seeking a professional with proven experience in audit or tax, with strong knowledge of general accounting/bookkeeping practices, experience in managing direct reports, and an advanced understanding of accounting-related software.  

Responsibilities of the manager include: 

  • Overseeing the month-end and year-end closing process for multiple clients/companies 
  • Reviewing accounts payable/receivable, cash receipts, general ledger, payroll and utilities, treasury, budgeting, cash forecasting, revenue and expenditure variance analysis, capital assets reconciliation, trust account statement reconciliation, check runs, fixed asset activity, debt activity, etc. 
  • Monitoring and analyzing accounting data and producing financial reports or statements 
  • Establishing and enforcing proper accounting methods, policies, and principles 
  • Providing recommendations to clients concerning accounting practices and methodology 
  • Improving systems and procedures and initiating corrective actions 
  • Assigning projects and directing staff to ensure compliance and accuracy 

 

Qualifications 

A successful candidate will have 5-7 years of experience in audit or CAS. This is a position with room for growth. Individuals applying should aspire to ownership in the firm. 

Additional qualifications include: 

  • Advanced computer skills in MS Office, QuickBooks, and other accounting software/databases 
  • Knowledge of accounting software systems and their implementation 
  • Ability to manipulate large amounts of data 
  • Proven knowledge of accounting principles, practices, standards, laws, and regulations 
  • High attention to detail and accuracy 
  • Proven ability to direct and supervise staff 
  • Bachelor of Science in accounting or master’s degree in a related field and CPA designation or candidacy is preferred 

 

Benefits 

Life at Cole Gavlas is guided by our firm’s core values: Choose Accountability, Be Inquisitive, Empower Yourself Through Knowledge, and Be a Team Player. In the same way these core values serve as the foundation of our long-standing client relationships, they empower us to create a culture of growth and collaboration within our firm.   

Our team is our most valuable asset, and we make sure they know it, by offering not only competitive pay and generous benefits, but also perks that make the workday enjoyable, like weekly firm lunches, monthly birthday celebrations, and regular team outings. During tax season, we keep each other sane with a different fun activity every week.  

If Cole Gavlas sounds like the right place for you, apply today! We’re excited about the opportunity to welcome you to our team.