Robert Half Executive Search has been exclusively retained to identify a dynamic Tax Leader for a leading public accounting firm in the DMV that services an established mix of corporate and high net worth clients. Their strategy has been to continue to build their firm organically with a focus on defining a culture that benefits both its clients and their employees.
The Tax Leader will lead the delivery of tax services to the firm's clients, with primary expertise in High-Net-Worth Individuals, Real Estate, and Construction/Development. The role also includes servicing clients in manufacturing, wholesale distribution, professional services, and non-profits tied to high-wealth individuals.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the delivery of comprehensive tax services, with a primary focus on High-Net-Worth Individuals, Real Estate, and Construction/Development clients.
- Provide tax expertise across a range of additional sectors, including manufacturing, wholesale distribution, professional services, and non-profits associated with high-wealth individuals.
- Serve as a strategic advisor, offering clear, informed tax guidance and recommendations tailored to each client's business context.
- Engage regularly with C-level executives, board members, and other senior stakeholders, effectively presenting complex tax matters in a clear and professional manner.
- Exercise sound judgment in tax-related decisions, appeals, calculations, and planning strategies.
- Represent the firm at professional seminars and events, demonstrating both subject matter expertise and strong presentation skills.
- Manage and deepen relationships with existing clients, ensuring high-quality service and responsiveness to their evolving needs.
Education and Certification/License Credentials
- Bachelor's degree in accounting or a closely related field is required.
- CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or EA (Enrolled Agent) designation strongly preferred.
Functional Competencies
- Minimum of six (6) years of progressive tax experience in public accounting, legal, or consulting firms, with demonstrated advancement in responsibility and leadership.
- Specialized expertise in real estate, construction, and development sectors, with a proven track record of serving large and growing entities within these industries.
- Broad experience advising clients across diverse industries, ownership structures (S-Corps, partnerships, LLCs), and operational jurisdictions, including multistate and international companies.
- Deep understanding of S-Corporation tax planning, compliance, and structuring, including pass-through taxation and shareholder implications.
- Strong background in private company tax matters, with clear insight into how these differ from public company strategies.
- Extensive experience serving high-net-worth individuals and families, particularly those with trusts, private foundations, and complex real estate holdings.
- In-depth knowledge of tax accounting principles, regulatory compliance, and best practices in tax advisory and consulting services.
- Strong technical tax expertise and client service skills, with the ability to lead complex engagements, manage cross-functional teams, and communicate effectively with executive-level stakeholders.
Leadership and Management
- Proven leadership capabilities with a strong track record of coaching, mentoring, and developing both junior and senior team members.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with the business acumen to contribute meaningfully to internal leadership discussions and client-facing advisory engagements.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct in-depth research and leverage specialized resources to provide accurate, insightful, and relevant tax guidance.
- Skilled in translating complex technical concepts into clear, accessible insights for clients and colleagues without specialized tax or industry knowledge.
- Highly collaborative and resourceful, with a proactive approach to teaming with others to deliver exceptional client service and continually expand personal expertise.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with the confidence and adaptability to apply these skills effectively in both individual and group settings.
- Excellent project management skills, with the ability to plan, prioritize, and execute complex engagements across multiple clients and deadlines.
There is tremendous opportunity for personal and professional growth in this role along with the opportunity to work at a very well established and reputed public accounting firm. This is a great role for tax professionals that are looking to join a firm where they can help clients along the way and make an impact in their career journey.