Principal, Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) Tax

Baker Tilly US; Illinois; On-site; USD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading advisory firm in the United States is looking for an experienced Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) Tax Principal to join their Private Equity-focused team. The role requires deep expertise in complex tax structuring and a proven ability to lead high-stakes transactions. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in business development and relationship management, along with the skills to mentor and guide a team towards success. A CPA or bar license is mandatory for this position.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience with Private Equity clients on tax.
• Proven track record in managing complex transactions.
• Leadership and mentoring capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Advise on Private Equity client relationships.
• Deliver exceptional tax consulting services.
• Drive growth by acquiring new Private Equity clients.

Skills

Relationship development

Tax structuring

Business development

Education

CPA or bar licensed attorney

Masters or LLM in Taxation

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking a talented Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) Tax Principal with Private Equity experience and exceptional technical and relationship development skills to join our dynamic Private Equity‑focused team.

The ideal candidate possesses deep technical expertise in complex corporate and flow‑through transaction tax structuring and a proven track record of leading complex, high‑stakes transactions with strategic tax insights that create significant value for Private Equity clients. This individual excels at building and maintaining strong relationships, collaborating seamlessly with deal teams, investment bankers, legal advisors, and portfolio company management to foster confidence and drive deal momentum. They demonstrate outstanding business development acumen, identifying emerging opportunities and articulating tailored tax solutions that resonate with senior stakeholders.

The candidate will be a dedicated mentor and leader, committed to developing and inspiring team members through coaching, feedback, and fostering a collaborative, high‑performance culture that elevates overall team capabilities.

If you are a strategic thinker with entrepreneurial drive and a passion for both client success and talent development, we invite you to apply for an opportunity to help shape the future of our firm.

You Will Enjoy This Role If

• You are excited to drive growth and able to market‑source new Private Equity clients and new business
• You take a strategic approach to the execution of client work and Firm responsibilities; are consulted by clients on most important business and strategic decisions; and implement new ideas in an effort to improve processes and achieve better results
• You want to work for a leading advisory firm that is growing and creating exceptional opportunities
• You are passionate about contributing to your team’s professional growth and development, creating opportunities for others as well as yourself
• You set yourself apart as a role model for others and inspire others to do the same
• You are someone who treats all principals, employees, and clients with respect and is timely and responsive, listens well, considers others' points of view, and is intolerant of disrespectful or unethical behavior

What You Will Do

• Advise and influence substantial Private Equity client relationships to achieve functional objectives and strengthen relationships
• Provide value added services that are critical to our ability to obtain and serve Private Equity clients
• Address complex M&A tax related client matters through both innovative and established approaches
• Drive the delivery of strategies to Private Equity clients with a strong focus on managing risk and safety
• Deliver exceptional tax consulting services to Private Equity clients involved in complex mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and other restructuring transactions
• Utilize your entrepreneurial skills to network and build strong relationships internally and externally with the goal of acquiring new Private Equity clients, projects, and revenue
• Operate within and effectively leverage Baker Tilly's matrixed structure of industry, service, and geography to develop and execute growth strategies and work in close coordination with regional and national leaders
• Be responsible for building your legacy and succession plan through the development of our people
• Represent Baker Tilly and be someone who is sought after in the marketplace for activities such as speaking at conferences or authoring articles, thereby enhancing the global brand of the Firm.

Qualifications

• A leader with a demonstrated ability to develop relationships and serve as a value architect
• Accretive to the team in a manner that allows the Firm to excel against our competition and through the professional and technical advantages brought the candidate
• A partner or principal at current firm
• Experienced with a proven professional services track‑record, working for at least fifteen years with Private Equity clients on tax aspects of complex domestic and cross‑border business transactions including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and restructurings involving debt and equity
• Viewed as immediately capable of leading and elevating the technical base of our people such that we are able to safely expand our service offerings and strengthen our reputation in the marketplace
• A proven entrepreneur with a track‑record of successful business growth
• Able to lead others, provide exceptional client service, demonstrate commitment to continuous learning in order to stay current, see the "big picture" as well as the details, display appropriate ethical knowledge, and exhibit a sense of urgency and commitment to quality and the timely completion of projects
• Capable of providing a technical skill set that allows the Firm to attract a more complex and diverse client base and bring that skillset to our clients and prospects
• Viewed as providing a knowledge base that is a distinguishing factor in our market and will be immediately recognized as a deep specialist in the field, such that your direct involvement in the team elevates the total client experience in a manner that clients and prospects see Baker Tilly as the preferred Firm in the marketplace
• A CPA or bar licensed attorney required; masters or LLM in taxation desired but not required
• Nimble and responsive, with the ability to travel nationally as client and Firm needs may require

Equal Opportunity

Baker Tilly is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable federal, state or local law.

Any unsolicited resumes submitted through our website or to Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP, employee e‑mail accounts are considered property of Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP, and are not subject to payment of agency fees. In order to be an authorized recruitment agency "search firm" for Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP, there must be a formal written agreement in place and the agency must be invited, by Baker Tilly's Talent Attraction team, to submit candidates for review via our applicant tracking system.