Tax Director

MDS Search; Santa Rosa (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and welfare benefits

401(k) retirement plan with match

Paid time off and holiday schedule

Professional development support

Hybrid/ flexible scheduling options

Job summary

MDS Search in Santa Rosa, CA, is seeking a Tax Director to drive the strategic vision, technical quality, and growth of the tax practice. You will oversee sophisticated tax planning and compliance engagements for high-net-worth individuals, family offices, multi-entity structures, and cross-border operations.

Lead complex tax engagements, provide executive-level advisory, and guide a high-performing team. Represent the firm in the Bay Area and collaborate with advisory, assurance, and client

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive, high-level tax experience in public accounting.
• Active CPA license is required; MST/MTax preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field.
• Strong leadership and client management capabilities.
• Ability to simplify complex tax issues for executives.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex tax engagements for high-net-worth individuals and multi-entity structures.
• Oversee planning, compliance, and cross-border tax work.
• Develop and mentor tax managers and senior managers.
• Drive growth and profitability of the tax practice.
• Collaborate with advisory and assurance teams for holistic solutions.

Skills

Tax leadership

CPA license

Team management

Strategic communication

Tax research proficiency

Cross-border tax

Education

CPA licensure

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field

MST or Master’s in Tax (preferred)

Tools

Tax research software

Workflow management software

Accounting software (ERP)

Job description

We are a premier, top-tier advisory firm that combines deep technical tax expertise with a human-first approach. We don’t just work with numbers—we partner with people, building lasting relationships and delivering strategic solutions in accounting, assurance, tax, advisory, and private client services.

As Tax Director, you will serve as a core leader within our practice, driving the strategic vision, technical quality, and growth of our tax practice. You will oversee sophisticated tax planning and compliance engagements for high-net-worth individuals, family offices, multi-entity business structures, and cross-border operations.

• Strategic Client Advisory: Lead the execution of complex tax engagements, serving as the primary trusted advisor on advanced tax strategies, including M&A structuring, business succession planning, entity optimization, and long-term tax minimization.
• Technical Authority: Act as the firmwide technical subject matter expert on evolving tax legislation, distilling complex regulatory changes into actionable strategies for clients, internal leadership, and specialized teams (Estate, SALT, International).
• Practice Leadership & Operational Excellence: Oversee risk management, quality control, and compliance practices. Drive continuous improvement by refining tax processes, adopting cutting-edge tax technology, and optimizing workflow scalability.
• Team Development & Mentorship: Direct resource planning and guide a high-performing team of managers and senior managers through coaching, performance development, and strategic succession planning.
• Cross-Functional Growth & BD: Collaborate with partner teams across advisory, assurance, and client accounting to deliver holistic financial solutions. Support business development efforts through strategic client pitches, proposal reviews, and account expansion.
• Industry Leadership: Represent the firm in the regional marketplace through industry events, networking, and thought leadership, driving visibility and market presence in Santa Rosa and the broader Bay Area/Northern California region.

Qualifications & Expertise

• Experience: 10+ years of progressive, high-level tax experience in public accounting, with demonstrated expertise managing complex, multi-faceted engagements.
• Licensure & Education: Active CPA license required; Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field (MST or Master’s in Tax strongly preferred).
• Technical Mastery: Deep command of federal, state, and local tax laws across high-net-worth individuals, multi-entity pass-throughs, C-Corporations, and cross-border operations.
• Leadership & Team Building: Proven track record of scaling teams, developing future leaders, and building an accountable, high-trust culture focused on technical excellence.
• Strategic & Commercial Acumen: High executive presence with an ability to simplify technical jargon for C-suite executives and business owners, while driving firm profitability and client retention.
• Systems Proficiency: Mastery of modern tax research, compliance, and workflow management software.

California Salary Range: $170,000 – $250,000 / year + bonuses.

Actual compensation is determined based on skills, experience, leadership track record, and relevant qualifications. In addition to base pay, this role is eligible for discretionary annual incentive compensation based on individual, practice, and firm performance.

What We Offer

• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, flexible scheduling options, and a firmwide winter closure.
• Health & Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus employer-paid life and disability insurance.
• Financial Security: 401(k) retirement savings plan with firm match.
• Family Support: Paid parental leave (available after one year of service).
• Professional Development: Mentorship networks, executive coaching, support for advanced certifications, and firm-sponsored continuous learning.