Zara Pemberton
Tax Intern
| Phone: | (555) 847-2391 |
| Address: | Chicago, IL |
| Website: | https://linkedin.com/in/zarapemberton |
| Email: | [email protected] |
- Dedicated accounting student with strong foundation in federal taxation and hands-on experience through VITA volunteer program
- Proven analytical skills and attention to detail demonstrated through 3.8 GPA and successful completion of advanced tax coursework
- Committed to pursuing CPA certification with plans to begin exam process Summer 2024
Education
Expected May 2024
Northwestern University
Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Expected Graduation: May 2024
GPA: 3.8/4.0
CPA eligible upon graduation with 150 credit hours
Plan to begin CPA exam Summer 2024
Relevant Coursework: Federal Taxation (A), Corporate Tax Planning (A-), Tax Research Methods (A), Individual Taxation (A), State and Local Taxation (B+)
Expected Graduation: May 2024
GPA: 3.8/4.0
CPA eligible upon graduation with 150 credit hours
Plan to begin CPA exam Summer 2024
Relevant Coursework: Federal Taxation (A), Corporate Tax Planning (A-), Tax Research Methods (A), Individual Taxation (A), State and Local Taxation (B+)
Experience
January 2023 - April 2023
Northwestern University VITA Program
VITA Tax Preparation Volunteer
- Prepared 45+ individual tax returns for low-income families using ProConnect tax software
- Achieved 98% accuracy rate across all prepared returns with zero audit flags
- Assisted clients with complex tax situations including Schedule C business income and education credits
- Maintained strict confidentiality protocols while handling sensitive financial information
September 2022 - Present
Northwestern University Learning Center
Accounting Tutor
- Tutored 8 students in Federal Taxation, improving their average test scores by 22%
- Created comprehensive study guides for Individual Taxation concepts, adopted by 25+ students
- Explained complex tax code provisions in simplified terms for student comprehension
- Demonstrated strong communication skills while teaching Schedule A itemized deductions
June 2022 - August 2022
Midwest Credit Union
Financial Services Associate
- Reconciled daily cash drawer with 100% accuracy across 200+ transactions
- Processed complex loan calculations and payment plans for 40+ members daily
- Maintained detailed transaction records and identified discrepancies totaling $1,200
- Handled confidential member financial information in compliance with privacy regulations
Fall 2023
Advanced Federal Taxation Course
Tax Return Preparation Project
- Prepared complete Form 1040 with Schedules A, B, C, and D for complex taxpayer scenario
- Calculated alternative minimum tax and analyzed tax-saving strategies worth $2,800
- Achieved 96% accuracy score while identifying additional deductions totaling $1,950
- Conducted comprehensive tax research using RIA Checkpoint database
Technical Skills
Tax Software: ProConnect Tax Software, Drake Tax, TurboTax Professional
Research Tools: RIA Checkpoint Research Database, CCH IntelliConnect
Software Proficiency: Advanced Excel (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP, Macros), QuickBooks, SAP
Tax Knowledge: Individual taxation (Form 1040), Corporate tax basics, State tax fundamentals, Tax research methodology
Awards and Recognition
2022-2023
Dean's List
Northwestern University
Fall 2022, Spring 2023, Fall 2023 (GPA 3.5+)
2023
VITA Excellence Award
Northwestern University VITA Program
Recognized for preparing 45+ accurate tax returns for low-income families
2023
Outstanding Achievement in Federal Taxation
Northwestern University
Highest grade among 85 students in advanced course
2023
Accounting Student Leadership Award
Northwestern University Business School
Recognized for leadership in accounting program
Professional Skills
Client Service
Experience explaining complex tax concepts in accessible terms
Compliance
Strong understanding of client confidentiality and ethical standards
Analysis
Detail-oriented analysis and deadline management under pressure
Communication
Proven ability to work with diverse client populations
Professional Activities
2022-Present
Beta Alpha Psi Honor Society
Active Member
Active Member
2023-Present
Accounting Club Treasurer
Northwestern University
Treasurer role managing club finances and activities
Spring 2023
Tax Policy Research Project
Impact of Section 199A Deduction on Small Business Tax Planning
Analyzed 15 small business case studies, presented findings to accounting faculty
References
Available Upon Request
References Available Upon Request