Tax Director

Ascend; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 215,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible PTO

Excellent Voluntary Insurance Options

401(k) Matching

Discretionary Bonus

Commitment to Professional Development

Job summary

Ascend, a reputable CPA firm, is looking for a Tax Director to oversee their Tax Department in a hybrid work setting at their Encino or Pasadena office. The role entails the management of complex federal and multi-state tax returns, strategic planning, and client advisory services. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in accounting and a CPA license, with over 10 years of supervisory experience. The position offers a competitive salary range of $175,000 - $215,000 per year along with various benefits, including flexible PTO and 401(k) matching.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant experience, including significant supervisory experience.
• Proven technical ability and experience preparing and reviewing all types of tax returns.
• Strong desire toward career advancement and goal toward future firm ownership.

Responsibilities

• Provide high‑level review of federal and multi‑state income tax returns.
• Work with clients and partners on tax planning and related tax issues.
• Assist in management functions such as training and mentoring of staff.

Skills

Project management

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Self-motivation

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field

Active licensed CPA

Tools

MS Office

CCH Axess Tax

BNA

Job description

Lucas Horsfall, a CPA firm celebrating 68 years, is looking for a Tax Director to lead the Tax Department in our Business Management group. The role is based in Encino or Pasadena, CA, hybrid environment.

Role Summary

As a Tax Director in the Business Management group at Lucas Horsfall, you will oversee the Tax Department's operations, protocols, and team development. This role directs the preparation and review of complex federal and multi-state tax returns, with a strong emphasis on strategic planning and client advisory services. In addition to managing client engagements, the Tax Director establishes departmental standards, ensures compliance, and drives service excellence. They lead and mentor all tax staff, fostering growth through training, performance oversight, and technical guidance. The role also includes tax research, workflow supervision, resolution of tax notices, and direct communication with clients and tax authorities. This role will be achieved in a hybrid environment out of our Encino, CA or Pasadena, CA office locations.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high‑level review of federal and multi‑state income tax returns for individuals, corporations, flow‑through entities, and Trusts; prepare and review quarterly estimates
• Work with clients and partners on tax planning and related tax issues
• Assume responsibility for client engagements and demonstrate strong leadership skills in monitoring assignments and planning staff workload; includes developing a system to monitor the completion of assignments in a timely and consistent manner
• Assist in management functions such as workflow supervision and planning, training, and mentoring of staff, and developing/improving processes and procedures
• Tax research and provide solutions on technical matters
• Respond to tax notices and interact with Federal, State and Local tax authorities
• Effectively communicate with clients and engagement team; ensure quality of work

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field
• Active licensed CPA
• 10+ years of relevant experience, including significant supervisory experience
• Proven technical ability and experience preparing and reviewing all types of tax returns
• Excellent project management, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Self‑motivator with the ability to multi‑task and complete assignments within time constraints and deadlines
• A strong desire toward career advancement and goal toward future firm ownership

Preferred Qualifications

• Consultative/Advising Experience
• Proficiency in MS Office
• Knowledge of CCH Axess Tax and BNA

What We Offer

• Flexible PTO
• Excellent Voluntary Insurance Options
• 401(k) Matching
• Discretionary Bonus
• Commitment to Professional Development
• Meaningful work that makes a difference in our clients' lives

The pay range for this role is $175,000 - $215,000+ per year. This range includes the anticipated low and high end of the pay range for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on various factors, including experience, education, and/or skill level.

At Ascend, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Ascend hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.