Tax Director/ Partner

Berndt CPA LLC; Madison (WI); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation and bonus program

Flex-time or full-time options with partial remote work

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Berndt CPA LLC is seeking a Tax Director / Partner to join their leading tax advisory team in Madison, Wisconsin. This role involves managing tax planning and compliance for a diverse portfolio of clients while fostering a high-performing tax team. Ideal candidates will have 10-15 years of experience, a CPA license, and strong leadership skills. The position offers flexibility, competitive compensation, and a collaborative work environment focusing on professional growth and community involvement.

Qualifications

• 10–15 years of progressive tax experience, including leadership roles.
• Proficient with tax software and analytics tools.
• Experience with business passthrough tax returns (S Corporations and Partnerships).

Responsibilities

• Manage tax planning, compliance, and strategy for clients.
• Oversee audits and negotiations with tax authorities.
• Develop a high-performing tax team and enhance department efficiency.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Business acumen

Problem-solving capabilities

Excellent communication

Leadership aptitude

Networking experience

Education

CPA license

MST or JD/LLM in Taxation

Tools

Tax software

Research and analytics tools

Digital tax platforms

Job description

Make a difference. Empower clients. Lead the future of tax and tax advisory services.

Join Berndt CPA LLC as a strategic, client‑centric Tax Director / Partner and help lead one of Wisconsin's top‑rated tax advisory teams alongside our Chief Tax Officer.

Position Summary

The Tax Director / Partner will assist in managing the firm's tax planning, compliance, and strategy for a portfolio of businesses, while actively contributing to client growth, firm leadership, and mentoring. This leader collaborates closely with firm partners and executive stakeholders with extensive influence and autonomy.

Description of Duties

• Provide oversight for all federal, state, local, and tax compliance and filings.
• Design and implement tax planning strategies to legally minimize liability and support client profitability.
• Represent clients during audits, tax controversies, and negotiations with tax authorities.
• Consult on tax implications for business transactions, M&A, and structural decisions.
• Supervise and develop a high‑performing tax team, fostering technical growth.
• Stay current with evolving tax laws and disseminate insights across the firm.
• Enhance tax department efficiency through process improvements, SOPs, automation, and innovative technology adoption.
• Actively engage in business development – contributing to RFPs, networking, and thought leadership.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with accounting, payroll, and HR teams to deliver integrated client solutions.

Recommended Skills and Qualifications

• CPA license (MST or JD/LLM in Taxation highly preferred).
• 10–15 years of progressive tax experience, including leadership roles within public or corporate settings.
• Proficient with tax software, research and analytics tools.
• Strong strategic thinking, business acumen, and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills for diverse audiences.
• Leadership aptitude with a track record of mentoring and developing tax teams.
• Business development experience: networking, proposals, and client engagement.
• Commitment to ethics and compliance under Circular 230 and professional standards.
• Demonstrated proficiency with digital tax platforms and openness to emerging technologies, including AI‑driven tools.

Best Practices for Success in This Role

• Anticipate and translate tax implications into business insights aligned with goals.
• Significant experience with business passthrough tax returns (S Corporations and Partnerships).
• Significant experience with multi‑state tax compliance for both business entities and high‑net‑worth individuals.
• Working knowledge of estate and trust taxation preferred.
• Our firm does not perform any work for publicly traded companies.
• Establish KPIs and SOPs to ensure quality and consistency in deliverables.
• Cultivate deep, strategic relationships with clients and external advisors.
• Champion process improvement via tech adoption, automation, and digital transformation.
• Maintain high ethical standards and ensure material compliance across all practice areas.
• Mentor team members and actively build the next generation of firm leaders.
• Support business growth through thought leadership, events, speaking engagements, and referrals.
• Lead periodic evaluations of tax strategy ROI, performance metrics, and improvement opportunities.

What We Offer

At Berndt CPA LLC, we support our team members in maintaining a healthy work‑life balance. We provide a collaborative environment where professional growth is encouraged, and personal flexibility is respected. This position offers:

• Competitive compensation and bonus program.
• Flex‑time or full‑time options with partial remote work available.
• Comprehensive benefits package (health, dental, vision, 401k match).
• Supportive, people‑first firm culture with regular team events.
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities.
• Paid time for community involvement and networking.
• Modern technology and tools in a collaborative environment.