Tax Managing Director, Accounting Methods

BDO USA; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 158,000 - 420,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP ownership

Total Rewards benefits

Equal Opportunity Employer

Job summary

BDO USA is seeking a Tax Managing Director, Accounting Methods to provide expert tax guidance, lead client engagements, and drive business development. You will oversee AM teams, ensure compliance, and deliver strategic tax advice across federal, international, and state matters.

You will mentor staff, develop tools to improve service efficiency, and collaborate with the Tax Services leadership team to advance firm objectives.

Qualifications

• Requires CPA or equivalent certification and a strong background in Accounting Methods.
• Minimum ten years of experience in Accounting Methods tax consulting or related field.
• Experience supervising tax professionals and managing multiple engagements.

Responsibilities

• Research and analyze tax implications, drafting written guidance for clients.
• Develop and implement tax strategies to minimize client burden and risk.
• Lead marketing and business development within Accounting Methods.
• Supervise AM staff and provide performance feedback.

Skills

Tax research

Tax analysis

Client relationship

Communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting

Master’s degree in Taxation

Juris Doctorate (JD)

CPA certification

Tools

Caseware

GoSystems

Microsoft Office (Excel/Word)

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

An Accounting Methods (AM) Director is responsible for providing written tax advice to clients, evaluating, and recommending alternate courses of action to lessen tax burden and cost of compliance, recognizing potential tax risks, and identifying potential changes in tax policy and regulations. In this role, the Tax Managing Director, Accounting Methods will be charged with marketing, networking, and business development within his/her area of experience and specialization and maintaining and expanding key client relationships. Additionally, the Tax Managing Director, Accounting Methods is a critical part of the office’s / region’s Tax Services leadership team and in this capacity will act as source for guidance on complex tax questions and issues.

An Accounting Methods (AM) Director is responsible for providing written tax advice to clients, evaluating, and recommending alternate courses of action to lessen tax burden and cost of compliance, recognizing potential tax risks, and identifying potential changes in tax policy and regulations. In this role, the Tax Managing Director, Accounting Methods will be charged with marketing, networking, and business development within his/her area of experience and specialization and maintaining and expanding key client relationships. Additionally, the Tax Managing Director, Accounting Methods is a critical part of the office’s / region’s Tax Services leadership team and in this capacity will act as source for guidance on complex tax questions and issues.

Job Duties

• Research:
  • Identifies all situations when research is necessary and conducts appropriate investigation on identified topics
  • Analyzes researched facts and the sources utilized
  • Prepares studies of tax implications and outlines alternative courses of action to clients
  • Develops comprehensive sales Talking Points document for marketing and sales opportunities
• Tax Compliance:
  • Ensures clients comply with applicable authorities while identifying options for minimizing the client’s tax and reporting burdens
  • Identifies “gray areas” and recognizes related risk potential for contingent tax liabilities
  • Completes pro forma Forms 3115 and related statements and documentation
  • Ensures tax engagement letters are adopted prior to engagement work commencing
  • Communicates with appropriate clients, Core Tax Services and Assurance personnel regarding any issues during reviews
• Tax Consulting:
  • Develops, recommends, and implements standard tax methods to provide clients with maximum tax benefits related to current and future tax obligations
  • Identifies and assists in maximizing all potential Accounting Methods opportunities, from a federal, international, and state perspective, that are legally available to clients
  • Aids in response to inquiries from federal and state agencies regarding all tax Accounting Methods issues
  • Monitors implementations of workplans for tax consulting projects
  • Provides recommended solutions by combining tax knowledge and knowledge of business / industry
• Tax Controversy:
  • Represents clients before any tax authority on contested issues
  • Responds to all questions from federal or state agencies
• Tax-Related Software:
  • Utilizes technology and tax research databases and other tax-related software in the completion of assigned tasks
• Tax Specialization:
  • Develops an in-depth understanding of the technical and practical issues and opportunities regarding Accounting Methods opportunities and risks
  • Acts as industry expert in Accounting Methods
  • Identifies cross-selling opportunities with other tax specializations
  • Manages Accounting Methods services provided to assigned clients
  • Develops tools and/or improvements allowing for enhance the efficiency or services of the Accounting Methods practice
• ASC740-10:
  • Understands and applies industry standards, along with firm policies and BDO Tax Quality Manual requirements as they relate to FAS 109 and FIN48
  • Recognizes, measures and documents financial benefits to clients
• Strategy Development:
  • Develops new or improved ideas to advance the position of clients, the firm or firm personnel through reduction in taxes or expenses or offering of non-tax benefits
  • Researches and implements new tax strategies
  • Leads marketing campaigns and external Accounting Methods initiatives
• Other duties as required

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervises the day-to-day work of AM Managers, Senior Associates and Associates on assigned engagements and reviews work product
• Ensures AM Managers, Senior Associates, Associates, and Interns are trained on all relevant tax issues and software
• Evaluates and works effectively to enhance the performance of AM Managers, Senior Associates and Associates and assists in the development of their professional goals and objectives
• Delivers frequent unofficial and periodic official performance feedback and completes performance evaluations for AM Managers, Senior Associates, Associates, and Interns
• Acts as Career Advisor to AM Managers, Senior Associates and Associates, as appropriate

Education

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, required
• Master’s degree in Taxation, preferred
• Juris Doctorate (J.D.), preferred

Experience

• Prior experience supervising tax professionals on a project or engagement basis, required
• Ten (10) or more years of prior experience in Accounting Methods tax consulting, preferred
• Prior experience preparing and/or reviewing tax provisions, preferred
• Prior experience with corporate taxation, consolidations, and partnerships, preferred

License/Certifications

• CPA certification or other relevant certification, required

Software

• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel and Word, preferred
• Experience with tax related software and research databases such as Caseware, GoSystems, and other comparable programs, preferred

Other Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Superior analytical and research skills
• Solid organizational skills especially ability to meet project deadlines with a focus on details
• Ability to successfully multi-task while working independently or within a group environment
• Proven ability to work in a deadline-driven environment and handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Able to effectively manage a team of tax professionals and delegate work assignments as needed
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and client personnel
• Ability to encourage team environment on engagements and contribute to the professional development of assigned personnel
• Executive presence and ability to act as primary contact on assigned engagements
• Ability to successfully interact with professionals at all levels
• Advanced knowledge of appropriate application of tax standards to ensure effective and efficient delivery of tax services
• Advanced knowledge of sources of relevant information utilized in tax filings
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of cause / effect for taxable conditions on clients and the potential tax issues

Individual salaries that are offered to a candidate are determined after consideration of numerous factors including but not limited to the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and geography.

National Range: $157,500 - $420,000

Maryland Range: $157,500 - $420,000

NYC/Long Island/Westchester Range: $157,500 - $420,000

Washington DC Range: $157,500 - $420,000

About Us

At BDO, how we show up matters. We build strong relationships by supporting one another, our clients, and our communities with care, curiosity, and a commitment to helping one another grow and succeed. Here, you’ll find meaningful work, leaders invested in your success, and opportunities to build a career around what matters most to you.

Our purpose is to be the people our clients count on to grow with confidence and achieve what matters most. Our values guide how we bring that purpose to life each day. Together, they shape how we work with one another, serve our clients, and create meaningful impact.

BDO provides assurance, tax, and advisory services to clients across the U.S. and around the world. No matter your role, you’ll be part of a team helping clients navigate complexity and move forward with clarity.

We are proud to be an ESOP company, offering participants a stake in the firm’s success through beneficial ownership and a unique opportunity to enhance their financial well‑being. As a qualified retirement plan, the ESOP is a meaningful addition to our comprehensive compensation and Total Rewards benefits* offerings. It also reinforces an ownership mindset that strengthens our connection to one another, our clients, and the future we’re building together.

Learn more about our benefits: BDO Total Rewards encompass more than traditional benefits.

Benefits may be subject to eligibility requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets

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 EO employer M/F/Veteran/Disability”