Senior Tax Manager (Costa Mesa)

Job Description

About the Firm

We are representing a well-established and rapidly growing boutique CPA practice serving an affluent client base across Southern California. The firm provides comprehensive tax advisory and compliance services to high-net-worth individuals and businesses across professional services industries including real estate, medical, dental, and legal.

About the Role

Our client is seeking a Senior Tax Manager to assume full ownership of the firm's tax practice. This is a high-impact leadership role working directly under the Managing Director. The right candidate will take over an established book of business and lead and mentor a team of 15. This is a long-term seat with a direct path to move up to Associate Director and then Director.

Key Responsibilities

• Assume ownership of the firm's tax book, serving as the primary relationship manager for an established and growing base of individual and business clients
• Prepare and review high‑complexity tax returns across individual, business, and pass‑through entity structures
• Drive proactive tax planning and advisory conversations focused on client tax savings and long‑term strategy
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 15, including staffing assignments, day‑to‑day oversight, and professional growth
• Research complex tax issues and deliver well‑reasoned resolutions
• Manage workflow and prioritize across multiple concurrent engagements
• Collaborate with outside advisors and serve as a trusted senior resource across client relationships

Requirements

• 8–12 years of public accounting experience with a focus on individual and business taxation
• CPA or EA required
• Deep experience with professional services clients — real estate, medical, dental, legal, and similar industries strongly preferred
• Proven track record of leading and developing staff in a client-facing environment
• Proficiency with Lacerte required
• Strong interpersonal skills, professional presence, and the energy to contribute positively to firm culture
• Based in Southern California; ability to come into the Costa Mesa on a hybrid schedule

Benefits

• Competitive salary with bonus opportunities
• Medical benefits
• 401(k) with employer match
• Opportunity for advancement to Associate Director and Director level
• Long-term growth within a thriving and expanding practice