Tax Director / Partner

Wertz & Associates; Madison (WI); Hybrid; USD 220,000 - 350,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangements

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with match

Professional development

Job summary

Wertz & Associates in Madison, Wisconsin, seeks a Tax Director / Partner to join the executive leadership team. This role combines leadership with high-level tax strategy and client advisory services for sophisticated firms and ever-growing families.

The position offers a total compensation range of $220,000–$350,000+, with potential equity or partner-track opportunities and hybrid work flexibility. Strong business acumen and client mentorship are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Active CPA license required.
• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or equivalent.
• 10–15+ years of progressive tax experience in public accounting or corporate tax.

Responsibilities

• Oversee federal, state, and local tax compliance and planning.
• Design and implement advanced tax strategies to improve client profitability.
• Advise on complex transactions, entity structuring, ownership transitions, and succession planning.
• Represent clients during audits and tax controversies.
• Lead technical tax initiatives and mentor colleagues.

Skills

CPA license

Client advisory

Multi-state tax

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting

Job description

Compensation: $220,000–$350,000+ Total Compensation Potential (Base + Bonus + Partner/Equity Consideration)

Location: Madison, Wisconsin (Hybrid Flexibility Available)

Our client, one of Wisconsin's most highly recognized and award-winning tax advisory firms, is seeking an experienced Tax Director / Partner to join its executive leadership team.

This is not simply a senior tax position.

This is an opportunity to help shape the future of a growing advisory-focused firm while partnering closely with executive leadership, key stakeholders, and the firm's Chief Tax Officer.

The ideal candidate is a highly accomplished tax leader who combines deep technical expertise with strong business acumen, client advisory capabilities, leadership experience, and a passion for helping both clients and team members succeed.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• $220,000–$350,000+ total compensation opportunity
• Potential Partner and/or equity-track opportunity
• Significant influence over firm strategy and growth
• Hybrid and flexible work arrangements
• Award-winning culture and workplace environment
• Advisory-first service model
• No public company audit conflicts or SEC-related complexity
• Sophisticated privately held business client base
• Strong investment in technology, automation, and innovation
• Exceptional work-life balance compared to traditional firms

Exceptional candidates with significant books of business, niche tax expertise, proven practice-growth success, or executive leadership experience may be considered above the posted compensation range.

The Opportunity

As Tax Director / Partner, you'll help lead one of the firm's most important service lines while serving as a strategic advisor to business owners, executives, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth individuals.

You'll oversee complex tax planning and compliance matters, mentor future firm leaders, guide operational initiatives, and contribute to the continued expansion of the firm's advisory capabilities.

This role combines:

• Executive Leadership
• Tax Planning & Strategy
• Business Advisory Services
• Practice Growth
• Team Development
• Client Relationship Leadership
• Technology & Process Improvement
• Strategic Firm Initiatives

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Tax Leadership

• Provide oversight for federal, state, and local tax compliance and planning services
• Design and implement sophisticated tax strategies that support client profitability and long-term objectives
• Advise clients on complex transactions, entity structuring, ownership transitions, and succession planning
• Represent clients during audits, examinations, and tax controversies
• Lead technical tax initiatives across the firm

Executive Client Advisory

• Serve as a trusted advisor to closely held businesses and ownership groups
• Translate complex tax matters into actionable business guidance
• Build and maintain long-term strategic relationships with key clients
• Collaborate with attorneys, financial advisors, bankers, and other professional partners
• Identify planning opportunities that improve client outcomes and create long-term value

Firm Leadership & Growth

• Help shape strategic initiatives and the future direction of the tax practice
• Establish KPIs, SOPs, and quality-control processes
• Champion innovation, automation, and technology adoption
• Lead operational improvements that drive efficiency and scalability
• Participate in firm-wide leadership planning and decision-making

Team Development

• Mentor, coach, and develop tax professionals at all levels
• Build future managers, directors, and partners
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning
• Assist with recruiting and retention initiatives
• Promote technical excellence throughout the organization

Business Development

• Lead networking, referral, and relationship-building initiatives
• Participate in proposals, presentations, and thought leadership efforts??
• Support growth through strategic partnerships and community involvement
• Identify opportunities to deepen and expand client relationships
• Drive practice and revenue growth initiatives

Qualifications

Required

• Active CPA license
• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting
• 10–15+ years of progressive tax experience
• Significant public accounting or sophisticated corporate tax experience
• Deep expertise with pass-through entities, partnerships, and S-Corporations
• Multi-state tax experience
• Proven leadership and practice management experience
• Strong client relationship and advisory capabilities
• Excellent communication and presentation skills

Who Thrives Here?

The ideal candidate:

• Thinks like a business advisor rather than simply a tax professional
• Enjoys mentoring and developing future leaders
• Wants meaningful influence on firm strategy and growth
• Values long‑term client relationships over transactional engagements
• Embraces technology and innovation
• Has an entrepreneurial mindset
• Seeks a long‑term executive leadership opportunity

Benefits

• Competitive executive-level compensation package
• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• Potential equity or partner-track opportunities
• Flexible and hybrid work arrangements
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Professional development and leadership training
• Paid community involvement and networking time
• Team‑building events and firm-sponsored activities
• Modern technology and collaborative work environment
• Strong commitment to work‑life balance

Why Professionals Join This Firm

Unlike traditional CPA firms that focus heavily on compliance, our client operates with an advisory‑first philosophy. Their professionals work closely with business owners and entrepreneurs throughout the year, helping clients make smarter decisions, improve profitability, and achieve long‑term goals.

The firm has been repeatedly recognized as one of Wisconsin's best places to work and one of the nation's top accounting firms due to its people‑first culture, commitment to flexibility, focus on innovation, and dedication to employee growth.

Professionals here enjoy the opportunity to perform sophisticated work, influence strategic decisions, build meaningful client relationships, and advance their careers without sacrificing quality of life.

About Our Client

Our client is a nationally recognized tax advisory and consulting firm serving privately held businesses, entrepreneurs, high‑net‑worth individuals, and growing organizations throughout the region. The firm's reputation has been built on technical excellence, proactive advisory services, innovation, and a culture that prioritizes both client success and employee well‑being.

As the organization continues to grow, they are seeking a proven tax leader who can help drive the next phase of expansion while continuing to deliver exceptional value to clients and developing the next generation of firm leadership.