Senior Tax Associate

Distinct | North America; Oakbrook Terrace (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Overtime pay

9% employer 401(k) match

15% commission on client referrals

Direct access to Partners

Job summary

Distinct | North America is seeking a seasoned Trust and Estate tax professional to serve high net worth clients, estates, and trusts, while expanding into individual and business tax work. You will engage in planning conversations and provide advisory service, not just compliance, within a small, stable firm environment.

The role offers direct access to Partners, ongoing professional development, and a culture that values long-term relationships and a consultative approach.

Qualifications

• Experience handling Trust and Estate tax returns and planning.
• Strong client relationship skills and advisory capabilities.
• CPA certification preferred and ongoing professional development supported.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and review Trust and Estate, individual, and business tax returns for high net worth clients.
• Build trusted client relationships and participate in planning conversations beyond compliance.
• Collaborate with partners and advisers to provide comprehensive tax planning and advisory services.

Skills

Trust and Estate tax experience

Client relationship skills

Education

CPA certification

Job description

Trust and Estate professionals often find themselves choosing between two very different careers.

You can become highly specialised, doing the same type of work every day. Or you can join a smaller firm where you still use your Trust and Estate expertise, but also become a broader adviser to clients and build relationships that go far beyond one tax return.

This role offers the second option.

You'll work with high-net-worth individuals, trusts, and estates while also gaining exposure to individual and business tax work. If you enjoy variety, client relationships, and being involved in planning conversations rather than simply processing returns, you'll probably find this far more rewarding.

The firm has been serving clients for almost 100 years and has no intention of selling or taking private equity investment. They're growing by bringing smaller firms into the business, creating opportunities for their people without changing the culture that's made them successful.

What makes this opportunity different?

• Overtime is paid for every hour worked over 40 hours. Most people either bank those hours for additional vacation or take the cash payout at the end of the year.
• A 9% employer contribution into your 401(k), regardless of whether you contribute yourself. They've consistently did this for more than 20 years.
• 15% commission on any clients you introduce to the firm for the lifetime of that client. There is no expectation that you bring a book of business.
• A genuinely consultative environment where you'll work closely with clients and their other advisers on planning as well as compliance.
• A stable, independent firm with nearly a century of history and no plans to sell.
• Direct access to Partners in a 12-person team, giving you far more exposure and responsibility than you'd typically see in a larger firm.
• Support for CPA qualification and ongoing professional development.
• Flexibility where it makes sense. They value being together in the office because that's how they develop people and maintain their culture, but they're pragmatic when individual circumstances arise.

You'll be preparing and reviewing a mix of Trust and Estate, individual and business tax returns, working directly with high net worth clients, and becoming a trusted adviser over time rather than simply completing compliance work.

They're looking for someone with previous Trust and Estate tax experience who enjoys building client relationships. Individual tax experience is important, business tax exposure would be a bonus, and a CPA is preferred.

If you are looking for a firm where you can continue developing your Trust and Estate expertise without becoming narrowly specialised, while being rewarded for the value you create, this is worth exploring.