Tax Advisor

Heffernan Financial; Walnut Creek (CA); On-site; USD 84,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus program

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Heffernan Financial is seeking an experienced Tax Advisor to join our team in Walnut Creek, CA. The role focuses on providing strategic tax guidance to employees and clients, including preparing federal and state returns for individuals, trusts, and small businesses.

The ideal candidate holds a CPA, with at least 3 years in tax advisory or related fields, and excels in communication and collaboration across teams and advisors. A client-centric, detail-oriented mindset is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or related field.
• CPA designation required.
• Minimum of 3 years of tax advisory, public accounting, or financial services.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, both written and oral.
• Experience working with financial advisors, insurance professionals, or in a brokerage environment is a plus.
• Solid understanding of individual and small business taxation.

Responsibilities

• Provide tax advice and planning strategies to internal employees and existing clients.
• Prepare or review federal and state tax returns for individuals, trusts, and small businesses.
• Develop tax strategies that align with clients’ financial goals and investment strategies.
• Assist in the preparation of financial statements and reports as needed.
• Offer year-round support for tax questions, notices, and audits.
• Collaborate with Financial Advisors to identify tax-saving opportunities as part of comprehensive financial plans.
• Assist with tax-related onboarding of new clients or benefit offerings.
• Educate internal teams on tax-related matters relevant to insurance and retirement planning.
• Stay informed about current tax regulations and changes that may affect employees or clients.
• Ensure compliance with ethical standards and applicable laws.

Skills

Communication skills

Collaboration

Leadership

Problem solving

Analytical skills

Listening skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or related field

Job description

Compensation: $100,000 - $140,000 / year

Department: Financial Services

Location: Walnut Creek, CA

Compensation: $100,000 - $140,000 / year

Description

Heffernan Financial is looking for an experienced, motivated, and focused Tax Advisor to join its expanding team. The Tax Advisor will play a vital role in supporting the financial well-being of our employees and clients by providing accurate, timely, and strategic tax guidance. This position requires a combination of technical tax knowledge, excellent communication skills, and a customer-centric approach.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide tax advice and planning strategies to internal employees and existing clients.
• Prepare or review federal and state tax returns for individuals, trusts, and small businesses.
• Develop tax strategies that align with clients’ financial goals and investment strategies.
• Assist in the preparation of financial statements and reports as needed.
• Offer year-round support for tax questions, notices, and audits.
• Collaborate with Financial Advisors to identify tax-saving opportunities as part of comprehensive financial plans.
• Assist with tax-related onboarding of new clients or benefit offerings.
• Educate internal teams on tax-related matters relevant to insurance and retirement planning.
• Stay informed about current tax regulations and changes that may affect employees or clients.
• Ensure compliance with ethical standards and applicable laws.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Education – Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• CPA designation required.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in tax advisory, public accounting, or financial services.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, both written and oral.
• Experience working with financial advisors, insurance professionals, or in a brokerage environment is a plus.
• Solid understanding of individual and small business taxation.
• Excellent listening skills to thoroughly understand client needs.
• Leadership qualities, with the ability to effectively educate and sell to clients.
• Problem-solving and analytical skills, with high attention to detail.
• Professional demeanor and conduct required.
• Must maintain a positive attitude and sense of humor.

Why Choose Heffernan?

At Heffernan, our culture is guided by the Heffernan Habits, prioritizing communication, respect, fun, community impact, and celebrating what makes each of us unique. We’re proud of our strong commitment to philanthropy and giving back, and we support our employees with a comprehensive benefits package designed to promote well-being, growth, and long-term success.

Heffernan Habits: These are core values that represent our unique culture.

• Answer The Phone (And Email): Communication is the foundation of success in life, work, and relationships. It begins with being present and responsive to both clients and colleagues. Listen to what is said and notice what goes unsaid.
• Have Fun: Fun is something we don’t shy away from, and participation brings us together on many different levels. Take the time to know your colleagues and let barriers fall away. If we are happy and enjoy time together, we will do a better job for our clients and for one another!
• Be Respectful: Lend a hand, be kind, and smooth the path. Respect is the cornerstone of developing and maintaining strong relationships. Lead with humility, take ownership of your actions, and ease the way for others. We are in this together as a team, as a family, and as trusted advisors to many.
• Do Good: This is our core. We strive to do good for our clients, our community, and our planet.
• Celebrate & Value Our Differences: “Because You’re Different”. It is our differences, when valued and amplified, that allow us to innovate, to learn, to connect, and to stand apart from the rest.

The compensation for this role will depend on the geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, among other factors. This role will be eligible to participate in an annual bonus program.