Director of Tax

Lucida is a full-service accounting firm serving closely held businesses and individuals across a range of industries, including manufacturing, real estate, construction and professional services. The firm is committed to delivering an exceptional client experience through practical advice, technical excellence and collaborative problem-solving.

Position Overview

The Director of Tax is a leadership role responsible for setting and executing the strategic direction of the Tax practice while serving as a trusted advisor to key clients. This position combines deep technical tax expertise, departmental leadership, team member development, engagement execution and delivery, client relationship management and firmwide business development. The Director of Tax leads complex tax engagements, develops high-performing team members and works closely with firm leadership to drive growth, quality and operational excellence.

Job Goals

• Lead the Tax department in a way that supports firm growth, profitability and long-term strategic goals.
• Deliver an exceptional client experience through proactive tax planning, tax compliance, responsive service and high-quality technical guidance.
• Build, develop and retain a strong Tax team through coaching, accountability and professional development.
• Create efficient department processes that are deployed firm wide and execute staffing plans and workflows that support timely and accurate engagement delivery.
• Expand client relationships and identify opportunities for additional advisory and cross-department services.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Provide vision, direction and oversight for the Tax department, including strategy, staffing and financial performance.
• Ensure team and individual KPIs are consistently achieved across the department.
• Interview, hire, onboard and develop Tax team members at all levels, emphasizing the development of future leaders across the department.
• Oversee daily workflow, engagement assignments and departmental capacity planning.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide timely, constructive coaching and feedback.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation and service excellence.
• Partner with firm leadership on operational initiatives, budgeting and departmental goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Tax Department in the successful and efficient execution of processes, client experience, and resource management.
• Monitor department performance and identify opportunities to improve quality, efficiency and consistency.
• Review client processes and recommend improvements that support stronger outcomes and better decision-making.
• Coordinate with other firm service lines to provide integrated solutions and identify cross-selling opportunities.
• Research tax law developments, interpret their impact and communicate recommendations clearly to clients and internal teams.
• Serve as the strategic tax advisor for key clients and maintain strong, trusted relationships with business owners and individuals.
• Lead and review complex tax engagements for individuals, businesses, partnerships and pass-through entities.
• Provide proactive tax planning, consulting, projections and business guidance tailored to client goals.
• Contribute to firm growth through business development, networking, thought leadership and market visibility.
• Represent the firm in client meetings, industry events and other professional settings as a senior tax leader.
• Stay current on regulatory developments, industry trends and continuing education requirements.
• Support annual and quarterly budgeting, financial planning and achievement of department P&L goals.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of federal and state tax rules, tax planning strategies and tax research.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to mentor, influence and develop high-performing professionals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to explain complex tax matters clearly.
• Strong analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and complex engagements in a deadline-driven environment.
• Ability to build trusted relationships with clients, team members and firm leadership.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and tax software platforms; experience with Thomson Reuters CS Professional Suite preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a related field required.
• Active CPA license required.
• Minimum of 10 years of public accounting tax experience with progressive leadership responsibility.
• Significant experience reviewing and managing complex business and individual tax returns.
• Experience advising closely held businesses and middle-market clients preferred.

Why Lucida

Lucida is committed to creating a workplace where strong internal relationships support strong client relationships. Team members are encouraged to grow professionally, contribute ideas, collaborate across departments and build meaningful long-term client partnerships.