Tax Director

dolinsgroup; Northbrook (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Dolinsgroup is seeking an experienced Tax Director in Northbrook, Illinois. The role involves guiding tax staff, completing complex individual and corporate tax returns, and directly communicating with clients. The ideal candidate has at least 10 years of experience in tax preparation and holds a Bachelor's in Accounting.

The Tax Director will manage engagements efficiently, lead tax preparers, and develop lasting relationships with clients. Strong analytical and negotiation skills are essential for success in this position.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience preparing/reviewing complex individual, corporate, partnership, and S-corp tax returns.
• Ability to communicate complex tax issues to non-tax professionals.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the day-to-day contact for clients.
• Manage engagement efficiently through timely assignment and supervision.
• Lead and supervise various tax preparers.

Skills

Tax return preparation

Client relationship management

Team leadership

Technical tax review

Negotiation and persuasion

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting

CPA or EA required

Advanced degree (MST or JD with Tax Emphasis) preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

UltraTax

Tax-planning software

Cloud-based tax research software

Job description

Position Summary

Tax Director is responsible for providing guidance to tax staff on the completion of individual, corporate, partnership, and trust tax returns. They will also review the work of the tax preparer and correspond directly with the Partner or Client.

Essential Job Functions

• Serve as the day-to-day contact for clients.
• Manage engagement efficiently by timely assignment, supervision and review of work; conduct timely billing on all engagements for which they are responsible.
• Lead larger, more complicated tax returns and delegate to, train, and supervise various tax preparers.
• Perform technical tax review and approve most tax returns.
• Develop a professional relationship with the client and serve as the main point of contact.
• Inform the client of engagement progress and expectations.
• Generate new business opportunities within current client base and outside network.
• Respond to federal and state tax notices that impact clients.
• Supervise staff, provide feedback, evaluate progress, and offer guidance and direction.
• Identify staff qualifications and review staff assignments to ensure alignment with qualifications.
• Develop responsible, trained staff by assisting in recruiting, performance evaluations, developing training aids, and acting as an instructor in professional development programs.
• Identify basic, complex, and advanced issues during engagement and approve all assigned projects.
• Build long-term relationships with clients, understanding their unique needs to provide tailored service.
• Communicate complex tax issues to non-tax professionals and clients.
• Maintain knowledge of general economic and political trends that could affect the business climate.
• Manage tax research, ensure the accuracy of conclusions reached, and document researched matters properly.
• Keep up to date with new technologies and leverage firm technology to maximize team productivity and efficiency.
• Consistently demonstrate ownership and accountability for all assigned clients and projects.
• Translate complex data from a range of sources into client-ready insights and deliverables.
• Participate in firm’s practice development efforts through involvement with referral sources, community, and industry activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience and Skills

• At least 10+ years of experience preparing/reviewing complex individual, corporate, partnership, and S‑corp tax returns.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and CPA or EA required.
• Holding or working towards an advanced degree (MST or JD with Tax Emphasis) preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (particularly Excel and Word), UltraTax, tax‑planning software and cloud‑based tax research software.
• Demonstrate sound judgment and analysis skills, distinguishing between relevant and irrelevant information.
• Strong negotiation and persuasion skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment as well as independently.
• Handle sensitive/confidential matters in a tactful and discreet manner.
• Interface with a variety of management levels and think creatively in seeking optimal solutions for clients.