Tax Director

Tax Director - Lead the Tax Practice, Shape the Firm Elm Grove, WI Own the tax strategy. Shape the client experience. Build the next-generation team. You’re not looking for another busy season. You’re looking for a seat at the table where you set direction, elevate the work, and become the go‑to strategic tax voice for closely held businesses and their owners. In this Tax Director role, you’ll lead the entire tax practice for a full-service firm that serves manufacturers, real estate and construction companies, and professional services clients. You’ll set strategy, drive execution, and be the trusted advisor clients call before they make big moves. You’ll build and develop a high-performing tax team, tighten processes, and partner directly with firm leadership on growth, quality, and profitability. If you’re a CPA tax leader who loves complex work, leading people, and shaping a department—not just managing files—we should talk. What You'll Work On You’ll sit at the center of the firm’s tax strategy, operations, and client relationships: Tax department strategy, structure, and financial performance Complex individual, business, partnership, and pass-through tax engagements Proactive tax planning and consulting for closely held and middle‑market clients Firmwide tax processes, workflows, and engagement delivery Cross‑functional collaboration with other service lines Client experience and long‑term advisory relationships Tax research, regulatory and industry trend monitoring Department KPIs, budgeting, and P&L performance You’ll leverage Microsoft Office, tax software platforms, and, ideally, Thomson Reuters CS Professional Suite to deliver work that’s accurate, efficient, and highly valued. This is where technical excellence meets true practice leadership. What You’ll Be Doing Leading the Tax department to support firm growth, profitability, and long‑term strategic goals Driving an exceptional client experience through proactive tax planning and responsive, high‑quality guidance Building, developing, and retaining a strong Tax team through coaching, accountability, and professional development Creating and refining efficient tax processes and workflows that support timely, accurate engagement delivery Overseeing daily workflow, engagement assignments, and department capacity planning Monitoring department performance and KPIs, and implementing improvements in quality, efficiency, and consistency Interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and mentoring tax professionals at all levels Conducting performance evaluations and providing timely, constructive feedback Researching federal and state tax law developments and clearly communicating implications to clients and internal teams Serving as strategic tax advisor for key clients and maintaining trusted relationships with business owners and individuals Leading and reviewing complex returns for individuals, businesses, partnerships, and pass‑through entities Driving business development through networking, thought leadership, and market visibility while representing the firm at client and industry events Collaborating with other service lines to deliver integrated solutions and identify cross‑selling opportunities Supporting annual and quarterly budgeting, financial planning, and achievement of department P&L goals What We’re Looking For Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field Active CPA license Minimum of 10 years of public accounting tax experience with progressive leadership responsibility Advanced knowledge of federal and state tax rules, planning strategies, and tax research Significant experience reviewing and managing complex business and individual tax returns Experience advising closely held businesses and middle‑market clients preferred Proven ability to mentor, influence, and develop high‑performing professionals Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines Excellent verbal and written communication skills, especially explaining complex tax matters clearly Proficiency with Microsoft Office and tax software platforms; experience with Thomson Reuters CS Professional Suite preferred The Experience That Will Really Get Our Attention You’re the person clients ask for by name—because you understand their businesses, anticipate their tax issues, and bring practical, actionable ideas to the table. You’ve led teams, owned complex engagements, and you’re ready to run a practice, not just a book of business. You’ve worked extensively with closely held and middle‑market clients, especially in manufacturing, real estate, construction, and professional services, and you know how to turn tax expertise into long‑term advisory relationships and new opportunities for the firm. Why This Opportunity? This is a true leadership role: you set the vision for the Tax department, drive operational excellence, and influence firmwide strategy—not just this year’s workload. You’ll have the platform to build a strong internal culture where collaboration, accountability, innovation, and service excellence are expected and supported. You’ll work in an environment that values strong internal relationships as the foundation for strong client relationships, and encourages you to contribute ideas, grow professionally, and build meaningful long‑term client partnerships. Active CPA license required. Minimum of 10 years of public accounting tax experience with progressive leadership responsibility required. Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field required. #J-18808-Ljbffr