Part time / Temporary Tax Preparer

Who We Are

COPAL, Communities Organizing Latine Power and Action, is a member-based organization established in 2018 to improve the quality of life of Latine families. Grounded in the Principles of Jemez, COPAL is committed to continue building meaningful relationships that transcend both identity and geographical boundaries. COPAL envisions a Minnesota where everyone lives with dignity and respect.

Why You'll Love Working Here

Our greatest asset is the dedication and commitment of our board, staff, members, and interns, as well as our valued volunteers, partners, coalition members, and leaders of the Latine community. With a clear mission and vision of a better future for all, we can mobilize people to bring about transformation and lead social, political, and economic change.

Wages

Hourly wage at $19.00 per hour

Benefits

Paid Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST); COPAL sponsors a retirement plan with 6% employer contribution after 90 days of service and immediate vesting. Participants may also qualify for resources provided in the COPAL Youth Program such as:

• Financial counseling, scholarship searches, and financial aid application assistance.
• Pre-paid gas or public transportation cards once entering unsubsidized employment.
• Support achieving future goals including career exploration, counseling, goal setting, action planning, and professional development opportunities.

Schedule

This is a temporary position that will work from February 1st - April 15th of 2026. Prior to this, the Tax Preparer Interns will complete a 25-hour training to become certified tax preparers from the IRS (in January). The position will require interns to work two 3 hour shifts twice a week for 11 weeks. Once tax season ends, there is potential for interns to continue working once a month for 4 months.

Please note: The State of Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) funded (or funded in part) this training through a grant. The grant recipient created this training. DEED does not endorse this publicity or training or make guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability or ownership of the information herein or elsewhere.

A Typical Day in the Life...

This position as a Tax Preparer at COPAL will provide the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and develop key competencies in accounting, finance and related industries. Responsibilities will include the following:

• Assisting clients in the preparation and filing of individual tax returns while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations.
• Providing clear and accurate explanations of tax laws and processes to Spanish-speaking clients.
• Reviewing financial records, income statements, and other relevant documents to calculate tax returns.
• Conducting interviews with clients to gather information and clarify any questions or concerns.
• Ensuring accurate completion of all tax forms and submitting them to the appropriate tax authorities on time.
• Staying up to date on changes to tax laws, especially those that impact the Latine community.
• Maintaining confidentiality and ensuring client information is securely handled.
• Offering tax planning advice and recommendations for minimizing tax liabilities.
• Answering questions and resolving issues related to clients' tax filings.
• Communicating effectively with program leaders.

Who You Are

• You are in or want to be working in finance, business, accounting, or a related field.
• You are bilingual in English and Spanish.
• You reside in Minnesota and have the ability to work in-person at our Minneapolis Worker's Center located in South Minneapolis.
• You can provide proof of authorization to work in the United States.
• You are available to work for 3-hour shifts twice a week from February 1st to April 15th, 2026.
• You have the ability to complete the paid Minnesota Online Tax Information Training before February 1st, which will take place in December 2025 and January 2026.
• You demonstrate a willingness to learn a variety of tasks and possess excellent communication skills, a thorough understanding of nonprofit practices, a serious work ethic, and a desire to work in a team-oriented environment.
• You possess the ability to work independently, establish priorities, and meet deadlines.
• You have knowledge and experience with diverse groups of people from lower socioeconomic conditions.
• You are competent in basic computer skills, such as navigating the web, joining virtual meetings, and checking emails.
• You demonstrate strong attention to detail with the ability to handle confidential information with care.
• You have the ability to maintain a good working relationship with all co-participants and the public.

Diversity and open expression are fundamental to the work of COPAL. We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working environment where everyone can belong. Every member of our team enriches our work by exposing us to a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and to discover, design, and deliver solutions. We welcome everyone to apply, especially those individuals who are underrepresented in our sector: individuals who identify as BIPOC, Indigenous or people of culture, LGBTQI+ and gender fluid or gender nonconforming, individuals with disabilities (both seen and unseen), veterans, people of any age or family status. We encourage you to apply even if you feel like you don't fit 100% of the technical requirements. Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, disability, marital status, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, familial status, genetic information or a protected veteran's status.

Our organization has a partnership with Metropolitan Alliance of Connected Communities (MACC) to provide administrative services including management of the hiring process. If you apply for this position, you may see references to MACC in some online materials.