Tax Director

Distinct | North America; LaGrange (IN); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity potential

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Distinct | North America is seeking a Managing Principal to lead its local CPA practice. You will be the senior client facing leader, guiding delivery and technical standards while shaping strategy for growth.

The role pairs hands-on leadership with equity potential in the next years, and a practical hybrid schedule—roughly four days in the office—allowing you to balance client service, people development, and operational oversight.

Qualifications

• CPA license is required and active.
• Experience leading a CPA firm or partner-level responsibilities.
• Strong leadership, client management, and strategic planning skills.
• Ability to influence firm direction and grow client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead client delivery and relationships for the practice.
• Define technical standards and guide service delivery.
• Develop people and drive business growth.
• Decide how the practice should evolve and build equity opportunities.

Skills

Client relationship management

Strategic leadership

Financial reporting expertise

Business development

Education

CPA license

Job description

There’s a big difference between wanting to lead a CPA firm and just spending your life running one.

This role gives you a lot of the first, without so much of the second.

You’ll be joining an established CPA firm that has been part of the local community for more than 30 years. They’re independent (and intend to stay that way), and are looking for a Managing Principal to lead the firm from a client and technical perspective.

You’ll become the senior face of the practice, leading client delivery and relationships and having a real say in where the firm goes next.

But importantly, you’re not being handed the keys and left to figure everything out.

There is an experienced CPA Partner alongside you who has been with the firm for 10+ years and knows the clients, team, and practice extremely well.

Ownership also handles much of the operational side, so you won’t be expected to suddenly become an expert in back‑office administration or hiring and staffing.

In fact, they’re actively investing in those areas, particularly technology and AI, so the person leading the CPA practice can spend more time doing the things they’re actually good at.

Working with clients. Developing people. Solving complicated problems. Bringing in business, if that’s something you enjoy. Deciding how the practice should evolve.

The work itself is broad. Around half of the firm’s revenue comes from tax, with the remainder largely coming from CAS work, including month‑end close, bookkeeping, financial statements, and advisory.

Clients include agriculture and farming businesses, agricultural suppliers, horse breeders, manufacturers and other privately owned businesses throughout the local area. Many are long‑standing relationships.

They’re looking for someone already operating close to Partner level, or potentially a Partner at a regional firm who likes the idea of having considerably more influence in a smaller practice.

And, there’s an interesting longer term upside...

From your second year, there is the potential to earn equity in the firm. Not a vague promise of “Partner one day”, but an opportunity to participate in the value you’re helping create.

Outside of busy season, the expectation is typically four days in the office with some hybrid flex. Leadership doesn't want a culture where people are consistently working 60+ hours.

For the right person, it’s a chance to lead a CPA firm without having to buy one or build one from scratch.

You get the clients, the team, the infrastructure and an experienced CPA Partner beside you.

Then you get to help decide what comes next.

If this position isn't quite right, it's highly likely I'll be working on another Public Accounting opportunity that is.