Tax Director

Tax DirectorNew York, NY, US On-site Vaco $USD 170000 - 200000 Direct HireOld Title: Senior Tax Accountant / Client Manager (Hybrid Review & Strategic Advisory)Industry: Public Accounting / Professional ServicesEmployment Type: Full-TimePosition OverviewThe client is seeking a seasoned Senior Tax Accountant / Client Manager with 5 to 7 years of small-firm public accounting experience to manage a dedicated client portfolio. This role requires a shift away from pure transactional "doing" toward high-level tax review, client advisory, technical research, and portfolio oversight.The ideal candidate will manage a balanced workload comprised of roughly two-thirds individual tax (including high-net-worth) and one-third corporate/business tax. Operating within a forward-thinking, tech-forward firm, this professional will actively participate in ongoing AI implementation while delivering high-touch advisory services to clients.Key ResponsibilitiesClient Portfolio Management: Serve as the primary point of contact for a dedicated book of business (~1,800 clients), ensuring strong ongoing relationships, clear communication, and high-quality, timely deliverables.Tax Preparation, Review & Compliance: Review, prepare, and file complex federal, state, and local tax returns across diverse entity structures:Individual: Form 1040 (High-Net-Worth and complex filings)Corporate & Business: Form 1120, Form 1120-S, and Form 1065Exempt & Estate/Gift: Form 990 (Non-Profit) and Form 709 (Gift Tax)International & Specialty: Form 5471, Form 5472, and 1031 Tax-Deferred ExchangesStrategic Advisory & Tax Planning: Proactively consult with individual and business clients on tax minimization strategies, financial planning, regulatory shifts, and structured transactions.Technical Research & Consultation: Act as a subject-matter expert on complex technical tax inquiries, providing clear research, written memos, and actionable advice to clients during quarterly/annual planning sessions.Audit Representation & Authority Support: Assist clients in resolving inquiries, audits, and notices from federal (IRS), state, and local tax authorities.Technology & AI Integration: Leverage cutting-edge tax software and participate in the adoption and implementation of new AI-driven accounting tools to optimize firm operations.Must-Have Requirements & QualificationsDedicated Public Accounting Track Record: 5–7 years of continuous, full-time tax experience within a small-to-midsize CPA firm (Big 4 or large national firm experience is not aligned for this role).Review Experience: 1–3 years of direct experience reviewing complex individual and corporate tax returns, transitioning away from pure prep work into quality control and advisory.Balanced Entity Exposure: Proven experience handling both individual (1040) and business/corporate returns (1120, 1120-S, 1065) with a general breakdown of ~67% individual and ~33% corporate.Career Pathing: Dedicated career trajectory in tax accounting from the start (candidates who transitioned into tax after years in general finance/corporate accounting will not be considered).Employment Stability: Demonstrated history of tenure and career longevity (no freelance, short-term contract, or sporadic project history).Technical Research Skills: Strong ability to research complex tax code, interpret regulations, and translate technical findings into clear client recommendations.Tech-Savvy & Adaptable: Advanced proficiency in modern tax software and enthusiasm for adopting new AI tools and workflow automations.Credentials: CPA or Enrolled Agent (EA) license is a significant advantage, but non-credentialed candidates with the exact required public accounting depth are encouraged to apply.By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions.