Looking for input on the best way to approach needing flexibility (remote and either reduced or flexible hours due to having young children) while interviewing for tax positions. For reference, this is my first time interviewing post having my kids and I am totally lost on how to best approach the topic. Maybe I'm just overthinking it, hopefully.

Ask if they have Alternative Work Arrangements. My firm does, allowing for reduced hours or a compressed schedule. I work at 80%

As someone who has been on a reduced schedule in public accounting for 15 years, I totally get wanting a reduced schedule. I do think it's going to be difficult to find an employer who is open to that during the hiring process (much easier, in my opinion, to ask for it once you've already established trust as an existing employee) - this is why - if they have two candidates and one is a normal, full-time hire, they're going to pick the full-time person, its just easier. So, you're fighting an uphill battle from the start. But it's not impossible. I'd suggest trying to find out ahead of time if any of these employers even offer a reduced/flexible schedule option. If they already have a policy for it, I think you have a better shot. I'd also think through what exactly you're looking for so you can sound confident in how it will work and be mutually beneficial. For example, "Ideally, I'd like to work 30 hours/week outside of busy season and 35 hours/week from January 15 to April 15. I understand that my compensation will be prorated according compared to full-time hours, and that I'll need to be flexible with my hours, as needed to meet deadlines." You'll also want to get a feel for the expectations of in-person vs remote work if that matters to you.

Do you have good relationships with any of your old firms that would accommodate you for such a thing? Otherwise would you be interested in a seasonal/contractor gig? At least at your level you’re in higher demand, but it’ll probably be hard to get a foot in the door if you’re going in looking for reduced. Wishing you all the luck… I’m about to have 2 under 2 and have a feeling I’ll be in this same position soon.

Not to sound harsh but you don’t get special treatment because you have young children. Look for roles that meet your criteria for flexibility. The reasons you want/need it aren’t relevant to your future employer.

I believe that all of the big 4 offer this but I don’t know if it is immediately available to new hires. I’ve only ever seen people who have been at EY for multiple years go on a flexible work arrangement. Tax SM1 has good advice. If you truly want a reduced schedule then look for contract work. That will be a good way to have what you need while working at a Big 4.

You can always ask but generally if a role is budgeted for then they need 100% of the person's time. If they were to fill a role at less than 100% then they would have to get budget for an additional hire to fill the entitre need.