Tax Experienced Manager, Private Client Services

BDO USA; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 136,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

BDO USA is seeking a Tax-Experienced Manager for their Private Client Services in San Diego, California. This role demands strong communication and leadership skills, alongside a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Responsibilities include managing tax and consulting engagements for high net-worth clients, reviewing tax returns, and supervising project teams. The compensation range for this position is competitive, reflecting experience and market standards.

Qualifications

• Six or more years of prior experience in accounting, finance, or law.
• Experience working in public accounting or the private client service area is preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant credential or equivalent designation is required.

Responsibilities

• Manages tax and consulting engagements and identifies client needs.
• Works directly with clients to gather information for tax returns.
• Reviews various tax returns and provides feedback to staff.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Initiative

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Statistics

Master’s degree in Accountancy or Taxation

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Tax compliance process software (GoSystems, BNA Tax Planner, etc.)

Tax research tools (BNA Portfolio, CCH IntelliConnect, etc.)

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Private Client Services at BDO is a boutique practice within our firm. We serve high net‑worth individuals, families, family offices, C‑Suite executives, athletes, entertainers, and others with complex tax and financial structures. The practice offers expertise in estate, income, gift, and trust tax consulting and compliance; charitable giving and philanthropic foundations; executive compensation; and cash‑flow, retirement, and life insurance planning.

Job Summary

A Tax‑Experienced Manager, Private Client Services is responsible for providing tax compliance and consulting services to high net‑worth clients. The role requires a blend of educational background, professional experience, and strong communication, time‑management, leadership, technical, business‑development, and people skills.

Responsibilities

• Manages tax and consulting engagements, identifying and addressing client needs, tax planning, and consulting opportunities.
• Works directly with clients and their advisors to gather information needed to prepare tax returns.
• Reviews individual, trust, estate, S‑Corp, foundation, partnership, and gift tax returns and provides written and verbal feedback to staff and interns.
• Directs communication with government agencies for matters of the highest complexity.
• Identifies technical issues, conducts advanced tax research, and develops sound recommendations for PCS leadership.
• Develops and expands understanding of tax concepts and knowledge through client engagements and current tax developments.
• Prioritizes and completes tasks both individually and as part of a team.
• Assists with PCS/firm contribution responsibilities including billing, recruiting, attendance, and participation in CPE activities and training.
• Builds new relationships and maintains existing relationships with BDO professionals and external sources.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervises associates and senior associates on all projects.
• Schedules and manages workload of associates and senior associates.
• Reviews work prepared by associates and senior associates and provides review comments.
• Trains associates and seniors on the use of current software tools.
• May act as a career advisor to associates and senior associates.
• Provides verbal and written performance feedback to associates and senior associates.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree, required; major in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Statistics, preferred.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree, required; major in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Statistics, preferred.
• Master’s degree in Accountancy or Taxation, preferred.
• Six (6) or more years of prior experience in accounting, finance, or law, required.
• Experience working in public accounting or the private client service area, preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant credential, IRS Enrolled Agent (“EA”) credential, attorney (admitted to practice in a U.S. jurisdiction), or an equivalent designation, required.
• Possession of other professional degrees or certifications applicable to the role, preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Adobe Acrobat, required.
• Experience with tax compliance process software (GoSystems, BNA Tax Planner, GoFileRoom, SurePrep), preferred.
• Experience with tax research tools (BNA Portfolio, CCH IntelliConnect, Checkpoint, Lexis Nexis), preferred.
• No languages required.
• Initiative
  • Owns career and technical development; demonstrates self‑awareness and actively pursues projects and learning experiences to fill technical knowledge gaps.
  • Manages client engagements, supervises, and reviews work of team members.
• Communication
  • Expresses themselves effectively verbally and in writing; synthesizes complex ideas into clear, concise language.
  • Interacts directly with clients and advisors; maintains communication after work is complete to ensure quality and future service.
  • Resolves client service issues in a timely and acceptable manner.
• Leadership
  • Supports a collaborative, team‑oriented environment while driving strong results and quality work.
  • Acts as primary client contact for issue preparation and presentation to clients.
  • Manages and monitors key performance indicators (KPIs) established by the business line.
• Business Development
  • Seizes opportunities for new professional contacts when presented; actively networks outside BDO.
  • Involves firm specialists and other business lines to increase cross‑service opportunities.
• People Development
  • Supervises, develops, and trains employees.
  • Acts as a mentor to associates and senior associates.
  • Provides verbal and written performance feedback.

Compensation

• California: $136,000 – $165,000
• Colorado: $105,000 – $150,000
• Illinois: $120,000 – $139,000
• Maryland: $121,000 – $145,000
• Massachusetts: $130,000 – $147,750
• Minnesota: $100,000 – $130,000
• New Jersey: $130,000 – $165,000
• Ohio: $110,000 – $170,000
• NYC/Long Island/Westchester: $170,000 – $185,000
• Washington: $130,000 – $145,000
• Washington DC: $140,000 – $162,000

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. BDO USA, P.A. is an EEO employer M/F/Veteran/Disability.