Tax Director

Tax Director

Encino, CA; Irvine, CA; Pasadena, CA

About Ascend

Backed by private equity from people-focused Alpine Investors, Ascend is building a dynamic platform for regional accounting firms that enables them to stay independent while accessing the resources of a Top 25 firm to help them grow. Ascend provides access to growth capital, robust talent acquisition and training, leading quality management resources, best-of-breed technology, AI tools, an offshore captive, shared back-office services, a catalytic leadership system, and modernized equity incentives so that firms can surmount today's industry challenges to reach their full potential. For more information, visit

About Lucas Horsfall

Have you dreamt about a career in public accounting with work-life balance? Enjoying the diversity of clients and the challenging work public accounting offers with the added benefits of professional growth and opportunity for advancement? Have you experienced a culture that is fun and diverse offering an authentic family feel with people that truly care about you and your professional development? Lucas Horsfall is that CPA firm. Celebrating our 68th year anniversary in 2025, we attribute our exceptional growth and low turnover to our appreciation of our people and clients. This growth has provided a need for a Tax Director to help deliver personal and experienced service to our vast array of clients.

The Role

As a Tax Director in the Business Management group at Lucas Horsfall, you will oversee the Tax Department's operations, protocols, and team development. This role directs the preparation and review of complex federal and multi-state tax returns, with a strong emphasis on strategic planning and client advisory services. In addition to managing client engagements, the Tax Director establishes departmental standards, ensures compliance, and drives service excellence. They lead and mentor all tax staff, fostering growth through training, performance oversight, and technical guidance. The role also includes tax research, workflow supervision, resolution of tax notices, and direct communication with clients and tax authorities. This role will be achieved in a hybrid environment out of our Encino, CA or Pasadena, CA office locations.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-level review of federal and multi-state income tax returns for individuals, corporations, flow-through entities, and Trusts; prepare and review quarterly estimates
• Work with clients and partners on tax planning and related tax issues
• Assume responsibility for client engagements and demonstrate strong leadership skills in monitoring assignments and planning staff workload; includes developing a system to monitor the completion of assignments in a timely and consistent manner
• Assist in management functions such as workflow supervision and planning, training, and mentoring of staff, and developing/improving processes and procedures
• Tax research and provide solutions on technical matters
• Respond to tax notices and interact with Federal, State and Local tax authorities
• Effectively communicate with clients and engagement team; ensure quality of work

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field
• Active licensed CPA
• 10+ years of relevant experience, including significant supervisory experience
• Proven technical ability and experience preparing and reviewing all types of tax returns
• Excellent project management, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Self-motivator with the ability to multi-task and complete assignments within time constraints and deadlines
• A strong desire toward career advancement and goal toward future firm ownership

Preferred Qualifications

• Consultative/Advising Experience
• Proficiency in MS Office;
• Knowledge of CCH Axcess Tax and BNA

What We Offer

As a firm, we offer great benefits, a competitive salary and tuition reimbursement for advanced education. Headquartered in Pasadena, CA with offices in Encino and Irvine, Lucas Horsfall is a growing CPA and consulting firm focused on tax, audit, and consulting needs. Explore the opportunities that await you today! Join our team and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that supports well-being, health, and ongoing professional growth:

• Flexible PTO
• Excellent Voluntary Insurance Options
• 401(k) Matching
• Discretionary Bonus
• Commitment to Professional Development
• Meaningful work that makes a difference in our clients' lives

How to Apply

Submit your information in the application section directly below! This will include:

• Basic contact information
• Resume/CV and optional cover letter upload
• Work eligibility, credentials, and compensation
• Voluntary demographic & self-ID questions

For further questions or inquiries about the role, please reach out to Aidan Jebson, Sr. Recruiter at View email address on click.appcast.io.

The pay range for this role is $175,000 - $215,000+ per year. This range includes the anticipated low and high end of the pay range for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on various factors, including experience, education, and/or skill level.

At Ascend, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Ascend hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.