JOB SUMMARY

As an Estate, Gift, and Trust Principal, you will play a key leadership role in overseeing the firm’s estate, gift, and trust practice, managing its most complex and high-value client engagements, and guiding the strategic direction of the department. You will serve as the primary advisor for high-net-worth individuals, families, and their teams of advisors, providing comprehensive tax planning, compliance, and wealth management services. This senior-level position combines technical expertise, client relationship management, and firm leadership to drive exceptional outcomes for both clients and the firm.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Description 

Strategic Tax Compliance and Oversight:

• Lead the preparation and review of complex estate, gift, and trust tax returns (Forms 706, 709, and 1041) for high-net-worth individuals, families, and trusts
• Ensure the accuracy and compliance of all tax filings with federal, state, and local tax regulations, while identifying and addressing complex tax issues
• Provide expert consultation on complex estate, gift, and trust tax matters, serving as the go-to resource for internal teams and clients

Comprehensive Tax Planning and Advisory Services:

• Lead the development of advanced estate and gift tax strategies to help clients minimize tax liabilities and optimize wealth transfer to future generations
• Work closely with clients, their attorneys, financial advisors, and other stakeholders to design, implement, and monitor comprehensive estate plans
• Deliver personalized advisory services, focusing on long-term financial goals, tax minimization, and family wealth preservation

Client Relationship Management and Business Development:

• Cultivate and maintain deep, trusted relationships with clients, serving as the principal point of contact for all estate, gift, and trust-related matters
• Proactively identify and address clients' evolving needs, offering new solutions and services as their circumstances change
• Lead business development efforts within the estate and trust practice, driving growth by attracting new clients and expanding services to existing clients

Leadership and Firm Development:

• Provide leadership and strategic direction to the estate, gift, and trust team, ensuring alignment with the firm’s goals and client service standards
• Mentor and develop the next generation of leaders within the firm, supporting the growth and professional development of junior staff and managers
• Contribute to the overall growth and success of the firm by participating in firm-wide initiatives and maintaining strong collaboration with other departments

Technical Expertise and Research Leadership:

• Maintain a deep understanding of estate, gift, and trust tax laws, regulations, and industry best practices
• Conduct advanced research on technical tax issues and provide leadership on complex matters requiring sophisticated solutions
• Stay ahead of legislative changes and trends in the tax industry, ensuring clients benefit from the most current and strategic advice

Operational Excellence and Innovation:

• Oversee the optimization of estate, gift, and trust tax compliance processes, ensuring efficiency and high-quality service delivery
• Drive innovation within the department by exploring new technologies, tools, and methodologies that enhance client service and streamline operations

Supervisory responsibilities

• Will supervise subordinate staff

Work environment

• Work is conducted in a professional office environment with minimal distractions

Physical demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and performing work in front of a computer screen for long periods of time
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time

Travel required

• Travel may be frequent and unpredictable, depending on client’s needs

Required education and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field
• 10+ years of relevant experience
• 8+ years of progressive tax leadership experience in a CPA firm or related professional service environment
• Possession of professional certification(s) such as CPA, Enrolled Agent, LLM, CFP, MST, or Juris Doctor (JD)
• Responsible for completing the minimum CPE credit requirement
• Specific positions may require additional industry or specialization certifications
• Software: Axcess Tax, Axcess Document, Axcess Workstream, Thomson Reuters Fixed Assets CS, Checkpoint for Tax Research

Preferred education and experience

• Advanced degree (Master