Tax manager of Maximus & Smith CPA

You are the tax manager of Maximus & Smith CPA and have asked the two tax interns to prepare a research memo regarding the same client. You provided each the same information about the client and are using this assignment as one of the indicators to help you decide which one to recommend for a full-time position. Review the following two research memos addressing the same question.

Prepare the feedback you would offer each intern including what changes you would make if any to each memo in order to improve it.

Full Answer Section

     
  • Conclusion: Did the intern summarize the key findings and offer a clear recommendation on how to proceed? Did they provide any additional follow-up steps or research suggestions?
Research and Writing Skills:
  • Accuracy: Are the facts and legal citations presented accurately?
  • Clarity: Is the writing clear, concise, and easy to understand? Did the intern avoid overly technical jargon?
  • Relevance: Did the intern focus on information directly related to the client's situation? Did they avoid going down irrelevant tangents?
  • Organization: Is the memo well-organized and easy to follow? Did the intern use headings and subheadings effectively?
Additional Considerations for Full-Time Potential:
  • Critical Thinking: Did the intern go beyond simply summarizing information and demonstrate the ability to analyze complex tax issues?
  • Judgment: Did the intern consider the potential consequences of different options and provide a well-reasoned recommendation?
  • Professionalism: Is the memo free of grammatical errors and typos? Is the tone professional and appropriate for a business setting?
Here's how you can use this framework to provide feedback to each intern:
  • Start with positive reinforcement: Acknowledge the intern's efforts and highlight the strengths of their memo.
  • Provide specific feedback: Be clear and specific about areas for improvement using the criteria outlined above. Offer suggestions on how they could strengthen their analysis, improve clarity, or better organize their research findings.
  • Offer additional resources: If needed, point the intern towards additional research resources that might help them refine their analysis.
  • End with encouragement: Express your confidence in their abilities and encourage them to continue learning and developing their skills.
By providing constructive feedback, you can help both interns grow their tax research and writing skills. This will not only help you make a more informed decision but also prepare them for future success in the accounting profession.  

Sample Answer

     

Overall Structure:

  • Introduction: Did the intern clearly state the research question and the client's situation?
  • Analysis: Did the intern discuss relevant tax code sections, court cases, and IRS pronouncements? Did they present a balanced analysis of the potential tax implications? Did they identify any potential risks or uncertainties?
  • Conclusion: Did the intern summarize the key findings and offer a clear