Senior Tax Director Laguna Beach Newport Beach

Benefits:

401(k) matching

Bonus based on performance

Competitive salary

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Opportunity for advancement

Paid time off

Relocation bonus

Training & development

Vision insurance

About the Firm

Thoerner & Toma is a fast-growing, multi-state tax and advisory firm serving high-net-worth individuals, closely held businesses, and family offices across California and beyond. As we continue to expand, we are seeking a Tax Director who is ready to step into a visible leadership role — one that combines deep technical expertise with a genuine passion for growing a practice, building client relationships, and showing up in the community.

This is not a heads-down compliance role. We are looking for someone who leads from the front: presenting at industry events, developing referral relationships with attorneys and financial advisors, and becoming a recognized voice in the high-net-worth tax advisory space.

What Makes This Opportunity Different

· Direct Partner Track within 3–5 years for the right candidate

· Opportunity to build and lead a practice area — and put your name on it

· Work directly with high-net-worth clients, business owners, and family offices

· A platform for thought leadership: speaking engagements, professional associations, and community visibility

· Less bureaucracy and more autonomy than a traditional Big Four or national firm

· Entrepreneurial culture with strong peer collaboration and leadership influence

The Role

As Tax Director, you will serve as a senior technical leader and firm ambassador. Your days will be split between advising complex clients, developing new relationships, and mentoring the next generation of tax professionals. You will report directly to firm Partners and play a meaningful role in strategic direction.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

· Provide advanced tax planning and advisory services to high-net-worth individuals, closely held businesses, and family offices

· Review complex returns across individual, corporate, partnership, fiduciary, and multi-state engagements

· Guide clients through sophisticated tax strategies including entity structuring, estate and gift planning, and transaction advisory

Business Development & Community Engagement

· Develop and maintain referral relationships with attorneys, wealth managers, financial advisors, and family office professionals

· Represent the firm through public speaking, professional association participation, and networking events

· Contribute to thought leadership through articles, presentations, and community visibility

· Identify and pursue opportunities to expand the firm's client base and advisory platform

Client Relationship Management

· Serve as primary trusted advisor to key client relationships

· Collaborate cross-functionally with attorneys, financial advisors, and family office teams

· Deliver proactive, high-touch client service with a focus on long-term relationships

Leadership & People Development

· Lead, mentor, and develop tax managers, seniors, and staff

· Provide technical training, guidance, and quality oversight across engagements

· Contribute to a culture of excellence, accountability, and professional growth

Strategic Contribution

· Partner with firm leadership on growth strategy and practice development

· Help shape the firm's tax advisory platform and service offerings

· Participate in partnership-level conversations as you build toward the Partner track

You Are a Great Fit If...

· You are a technically excellent CPA who also loves being in the room — with clients, at events, and in the community

· You have a track record of building trusted advisor relationships, not just managing engagements

· You are energized by the idea of growing a practice and becoming a recognized leader in your market

· You want the autonomy and upside of an entrepreneurial environment without starting from scratch

· You are a natural communicator and presenter who is comfortable on stage or in a boardroom

Qualifications

· Active CPA license required

· 10+ years of public accounting experience, with significant time in tax advisory

· Director or Senior Manager experience preferred

· Strong technical background in tax planning for high-net-worth individuals and closely held businesses

· Demonstrated business development activity or strong interest in expanding in this area

· Experience with multi-state, fiduciary, partnership, and/or estate and gift taxation a plus

· Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required; Master's in Taxation a plus

Compensation & Benefits

· Base salary: $280,000+, commensurate with experience (posted in compliance with California SB 1162)

· Performance-based incentive compensation

· Partnership track within 3–5 years

· Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits

· Retirement plan with employer contribution

· Paid time off, paid holidays, and California Paid Sick Leave

· Flexible and hybrid work arrangements

Equal Opportunity Employer

Thoerner & Toma is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law, including the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations in accordance with California law.

This position is not eligible for sponsorship and we do not sponsor applicants for work visas.

The salary range listed reflects the genuine, good-faith compensation range for this role in compliance with California's pay transparency requirements (SB 1162). Final compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and geographic location.

Seniority Level

Director

Industry

Accounting

Employment Type

Full-time

Job Functions

Accounting/Auditing

Finance

Skills

Certified Public Accounting

Accounting

Business

Fiduciary

Confidentiality

Tax Law

Taxation

Income Tax

Trust Taxation

Tax Preparation