Tax Director (Greater Chicago Area)

About You

• Strategic Tax Expert: You bring deep expertise in complex tax planning and compliance, translating technical tax matters into practical recommendations that support clients’ broader financial goals.
• Collaborative Partner: You build trusted relationships with clients, financial advisors, and cross-functional teams, communicating complex concepts clearly and delivering a coordinated client experience.
• People-Focused Leader: You develop high-performing teams through coaching, mentorship, and accountability while continuously improving processes and service quality.

The Role

We’re looking for an experienced, client-focused tax professional to join our Tax Services team as Director, Tax Services. In this role, you’ll lead tax planning, compliance, and client service for high-net-worth individuals and related entities while partnering with financial advisors to deliver integrated tax strategies as part of our Personal Office® experience. You’ll oversee complex tax engagements, provide technical guidance, and develop team members to ensure accurate, timely, and exceptional service. The ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and is known for sound judgment, proactive problem-solving, and strong leadership.

This role can be located in our Minneapolis, MN, Deer Park, IL, or San Francisco, CA office.

What You’ll Do

• Lead proactive, year-round tax planning for high-net-worth individuals and related entities, addressing income, investments, business interests, charitable giving, and wealth transfer.
• Partner with financial advisors and cross-functional teams to develop and implement tax strategies aligned with clients’ broader financial goals.
• Serve as a trusted tax resource to clients and advisors, communicating complex tax considerations and providing clear, actionable recommendations.
• Oversee the preparation and review of complex tax returns, ensuring accuracy, timely completion, and alignment with tax planning strategies.
• Provide guidance on trust and gift tax planning and compliance in collaboration with estate planning professionals and other specialists.
• Research complex federal, state, and local tax matters, document technical conclusions, and coordinate responses to tax notices, examinations, and audits.
• Lead, coach, and develop Tax Services team members through technical guidance, performance feedback, and professional development.
• Manage client and advisor expectations through proactive communication, timely follow-up, and effective resolution of service needs.
• Identify opportunities to enhance workflows, improve operational efficiency, and deliver a consistent, high-quality client experience.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a related field required; Master’s degree in Taxation preferred.
• Active CPA license required.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in public accounting and tax services, including extensive experience serving high-net-worth clients.
• Minimum of two years of formal supervisory experience, with demonstrated success developing and leading tax professionals.
• Advanced expertise in complex tax return preparation, review, tax planning, and consulting for high-net-worth individuals and related entities.
• Experience managing tax authority inquiries, examinations, audits, and complex compliance matters.
• Proficiency with professional tax preparation, research, and workflow systems, including CCH Axcess and BNA.
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide sound technical guidance and practical recommendations.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, including the ability to explain complex tax matters to clients and colleagues.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities, improve team processes, and maintain exceptional service quality under deadlines.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and collaboration skills, with a commitment to developing talent and fostering accountability.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.
• Successful completion of a credit and criminal background check is required.

Compensation & Benefits

The estimated base salary range for this role is $182,000 – $250,000 per year. Compensation is based on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographical work location. This role may also be eligible for variable pay (bonuses, commissions, incentives).

Benefits include a company-funded ESOP, strong retirement plans, tuition reimbursement, comprehensive healthcare/dental/vision coverage, and generous PTO.

About NorthRock Partners

At NorthRock Partners, we help people reach their potential through impactful advice. Our Personal Office® model delivers integrated financial and lifestyle guidance tailored to each client’s unique goals.

NorthRock Partners is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation throughout the application and employment process. For assistance, contact View email address on apply.placed-app.com.