Area Director of Business Development

Tanner LLP, Utah's largest public accounting firm and one of INSIDE Public Accounting's Best of the Best Accounting firms, has recently been named as one of Accounting Today's Top Regional Leaders and Firms to watch for and top 100 firms in the US. Our stellar reputation in the marketplace for being value add strategic partners to the clients we serve has made us the firm of choice for Utah's premier businesses. Our commitment to excellence, innovation, and client satisfaction has earned us a position of trust and respect within the industry.


Our professionals choose to build careers at Tanner because they appreciate our growth mindset and share our values, Gratitude, Excellence in All We Do, and Personal Accountability. Firm leadership is down the hall, not across the country, creating a close-knit and collaborative work environment with curated paths for career advancement and opportunity. Our community of colleagues create an environment that can't be matched. We are a public accounting firm characterized by our investment in our team - Voted #1 in Training multiple years running - and distinctive culture, which sets us apart and defines the experience for our professionals.

Role Summary
The Area Director of Business Development is responsible for growing Tanner's book of business in the Phoenix market by building trusted relationships with CFOs and finance leaders at middle-market and high-growth companies. This role will report to the Director of Business Development and coordinate with local and regional Partners to advance qualified opportunities and deliver value through events, partnerships, sponsorships, to develop strategic relationships across the Arizona business community.

Location
Phoenix, AZ (hybrid/in-office expectations based on business needs). Occasional travel for collaboration with Partners and leadership in Utah.

The ideal candidates will have the following qualities:
Required

• 5+ years of business development, relationship management, or client development experience in professional services (CPA, advisory, consulting, banking/finance, or similar).
• Proven ability to put together industry and professional CPE events.
• Experience developing professional referral ecosystems and generating opportunities through relationships and partnership events.
• Strong communication skills and a high level of professionalism in client-facing settings.
• Organized, self-directed, and comfortable coordinating multiple internal stakeholders for opportunities.

Preferred

• Established Arizona/Phoenix network across finance leaders and centers of influence.
• Experience working in a partner-led firm or complex stakeholder environment.
• Familiarity with CRM-driven pipeline management and pursuit coordination.

Professional responsibilities will include tasks such as the following:

• Develop and advance opportunities: Build and manage a pipeline of qualified prospects; coordinate first meetings and next steps with Tanner Partners and service-line leaders.
• Enable Partner growth: Identify and qualify where Tanner can help, connect Partners into the right conversations, and support pursuits through disciplined follow-through.
• Build strategic referral networks: Develop relationships with VC and PE firms, bankers, fractional CFOs, attorneys, and professional organizations to drive introductions and collaboration.
• Design and execute executive-level events: Plan and host professional events that attract executives and referral partners, create meaningful connections, and deliver industry insights (e.g., roundtables, panels, private dinners, sponsor activations).
• Represent Tanner in the market: Maintain an active presence across relevant industry communities and leadership networks to increase visibility and trust.
• Track leads and communicate progress: Maintain CRM discipline and provide clear reporting on activity, pipeline, introductions, and wins.

What Success Looks Like

• Win CPA business and show KPI growth in the Phoenix market.
• Consistent Partner introductions into qualified opportunities.
• Demonstrated value to key partners and prospects through high-quality connections, insights, and follow-up.
• A respected presence across CFO circles and the broader finance ecosystem.

We're sure you will tell us what you have to offer, but here is what we bring to the table:

• The best training through Tanner LLC, Allinial Global, and other quality providers
• Open PTO policy, paid holidays, and a company wide shut down between the week of Christmas and New Years Day
• Excellent health, life, disability and dental insurance
• 401(k) plan with guaranteed company contribution
• Unique coaching & opportunities for advancement
• Exceptional technical resources
• Competitive compensation