Tax Managing Director

WHY we get up in the morning

At GHJ we help our people and clients pursue their passions, build thriving businesses, and create a better future.

WHAT we believe

We believe that collaboration is the foundation for success. We work as a business advocate for our clients - providing personalized service and building long-term relationships to help position our clients for the future.

HOW we succeed

We are deeply committed to our core values of Bright Minds, Brave Hearts and Bold Actions and incorporate them into every aspect of our business. By living these values, we are able to meet our strategic objectives of Remaining Fiercely Independent (financial success), Meeting client demands/needs (client success), Reinforcing and expanding cultural distinction (people success).

Summary of Role:

Tax Managing Director will be responsible for leading client engagements for several significant clients of the firm. The responsibilities will include developing existing client relationships and working with business owners on both their business and personal taxes.

Advanced technical skills in a variety of tax areas, along with well-developed and demonstrated management and supervisory skills are required. Administrative, leadership, marketing, practice development, and business development responsibilities are also key elements for this position.

You will be responsible for:

• Extensive experience with individual, gift, trust, and estate tax returns (1040s, 709s, 1041s, 5227s, 706s) and informed in partnerships, S Corporations and Corporate tax filings (1065s, 1120S and 1120s).

• Leads several client engagements as the tax engagement leader. Builds client relationships both with existing and new clients of the firm.

• Leads client meetings and works with internal teams to develop client planning opportunities.

• Performs technical tax review and approval of all tax returns for clients of the firm.

• Communicates effectively across the many functions of the firm regarding client matters

• Delegates, manages, and performs tax research projects to achieve an accurate and efficient product.

• Acts as a resource for tax preparers/specialists on specific tax issues and/or questions.

• Communicates to the appropriate firm personnel important tax and tax developments affecting the firm's clients, including tax blogs and articles.

• Manages and leads governmental tax examinations; may represent the client before the appropriate taxing authorities.

• Supervises members of the tax team and provides on-the-job training.

• Works to develop responsible, trained staff by assisting in recruiting, performance evaluations, developing training aids, and acting as an instructor in professional development programs.

• Possesses a complete knowledge of the firm's philosophy and its positions on tax issues.

• Maintains knowledge of general economic and political trends of possible tax or other legislation that could affect the business climate.

• Assists in the client pursuit process (developing proposals, presenting at client pitch meetings, etc.)

• Proactively continues to grow professional network and attends or participates in specific industry events

• Participates in thought leadership applicable to the individual's functional area

• Collaborates with peers in other GHJ departments promoting and identifying potential cross selling opportunities

• Takes ownership of billing process for their clients and is actively engaged in the AR collection process.

• Works to effectively plan engagement including addressing any complex issues in advance of the start of the project

• Identifies value-added projects and opportunities for expanded client business

• Presence and regular engagement on social media networking platforms (e.g. LinkedIn)

• May lead a tax department or firm initiative.

What skills & experience you'll bring to us:

• 10+ years of experience in public accounting (tax), demonstrating a proven ability in handling tax complexity, scope, and research.

• Prior leadership of client engagements and supervisory experience of managers and staff

• Participation in career development program to improve managerial, communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Excellent oral & written communication skills.

• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and use good judgment.

• Strong interpersonal skills

• Strong coaching skills and the desire to participate in our Coaching Program.

• Creative thinker with entrepreneurial approach to client interactions, including tax planning and bringing value to clients.

• Willingness to lead firm or tax department initiatives and be seen as a leader in the tax department.

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business, or related equivalent.

• Masters of Science degree in Taxation or a J.D. highly preferred

• CPA certification required.

Six decades, overriding focus: our people and our clients.

GHJ was founded in 1953, making us one of the oldest independent firms in the Los Angeles area. Ranked as a top 20 largest accounting firm on the Los Angeles Business Journal's Book of Lists, the firm has 22 partners and over 250 staff members that serve over 3,000 clients. Our firm is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the AICPA Governmental Audit Quality Center (GAQC), Public Company Accounting Oversite Board (PCAOB), the California Society of CPAs and the California Association of Nonprofits (CAN). Collaboration and maintaining strong relationships are the cornerstones of our success.

We are also an independent member of HLB International, a worldwide organization of over 250 member professional accounting firms and business advisors. This affiliation gives us access to the subject matter experts of other member firms and provides consulting and professional services in over 158 countries through its nearly 800 offices worldwide.

Equal Employment Opportunity

GHJ is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with applicable law, we prohibit discrimination against any applicant or employee based on any legally-recognized basis, including, but not limited to: race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age (40 and over), national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed service member status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law. Our commitment to equal opportunity employment applies to all persons involved in our operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee, including Department Heads and co-workers.