Tax Principal

Gross, Mendelsohn & Associates, P.A.; Fair Lakes (VA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Free parking

Benefits package

Job summary

Gross Mendelsohn seeks an experienced Tax Principal to lead complex federal and state tax work in our Fairfax practice. You will manage client relationships, oversee engagement teams, and deliver strategic tax planning.

You will mentor staff, provide technical guidance, and collaborate across advisory services to support firm growth while upholding exceptional client service standards.

Qualifications

• Strong technical expertise in federal, state, and local taxation.
• Proven ability to manage multiple tax engagements end-to-end.
• Experience mentoring senior staff and overseeing engagement teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple tax engagements from planning through completion.
• Review complex federal, state, and local returns for various entities.
• Provide tax planning guidance and identify opportunities for clients.
• Manage engagement budgets, timelines, and staffing.
• Serve as primary client contact and nurture long-term relationships.
• Mentor and develop staff through coaching and feedback.

Skills

Technical tax expertise

Client relationship management

Engagement leadership

Mentoring staff

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/Taxation/finance

CPA license

Master's in taxation (preferred)

Tools

Tax software platforms

Job description

Gross Mendelsohn, one of the Mid-Atlantic’s leading independent audit, tax and advisory firms, is seeking an experienced Tax Principal to join our growing Tax Department.This is a high-profile, client-facing leadership role for professionals who want to lead complex tax work, manage important client relationships, and help grow our Fairfax practice. The Tax Principal will bring strong technical expertise in federal and state taxation, along with the ability to manage client relationships, oversee engagement teams, and deliver thoughtful tax planning strategies.The role includes oversight of tax return preparation and review, engagement management, and mentoring tax staff. The Tax Principal will also serve as a trusted advisor to clients while supporting the firm’s continued growth and commitment to exceptional client service.Recognized with nine Top Workplace awards, Gross Mendelsohn is committed to professional excellence, collaboration, and long-term growth. This role offers the opportunity to work with sophisticated clients while helping to shape the future of the firm’s tax practice.What You Will LeadClient Engagement & Technical Tax LeadershipManage multiple tax engagements from planning through completion.Review and oversee the preparation of complex federal, state, and local tax returns, including individual, business, partnership, S corporation, and C corporation returns.Provide technical guidance on tax compliance and planning matters for business and individual clients.Research and interpret tax laws to address complex tax issues and identify planning opportunities.Develop tax strategies that help clients optimize tax positions while maintaining compliance.Ensure accurate and timely preparation and filing of client tax returns through the firm's tax systems.Client LeadershipServe as a primary point of contact for assigned tax clients.Build and maintain trusted relationships with business owners, executives, high-net-worth individuals, and other client decision-makers.Participate in client meetings and tax planning discussions.Communicate complex tax matters clearly and professionally.Identify opportunities to expand services and support long-term client relationships.Work closely with clients throughout the year, not just during tax season.Managing Work and TeamsOversee all aspects of tax engagement planning, scheduling, workflow, and budget management.Manage engagement teams and delegate responsibilities effectively.Ensure projects are completed efficiently while maintaining high standards of quality.Monitor engagement progress and proactively address issues affecting deadlines or deliverables.Tax Planning & AdvisoryDevelop and implement proactive tax planning strategies.Analyze the tax implications of business transactions, investments, ownership changes, and other significant events.Assist clients with estimated tax planning, projections, entity structuring, succession planning, and other tax-related business decisions.Research tax law changes and assess their impact on clients.Collaborate with accounting, audit, wealth management, and business advisory professionals to provide comprehensive solutions.Team Leadership and DevelopmentMentor and develop Seniors, Staff Accountants, and Associates through coaching, training, and ongoing feedback.Review staff work and provide timely, constructive technical guidance.Support staff growth through knowledge sharing and professional development.Participate in recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, performance evaluations, and team development initiatives.Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing culture.Serve as a resource for staff on technical tax questions and complex engagements.Firm Engagement & Professional DevelopmentStay current on changes in tax laws, regulations, and compliance requirements.Share technical insights and relevant tax updates with colleagues and clients.Support firm growth through prospective client meetings, professional organizations, community involvement, and networking.Introduce clients to other Gross Mendelsohn service lines when appropriate.Demonstrate and promote the firm's Mission, Vision, and Values.Technology & EfficiencyUse tax software and accounting technology to improve engagement efficiency.Identify opportunities to automate repetitive processes and reduce manual work.Embrace emerging technologies and AI-enabled tools that improve tax research, preparation, review, and workflow.Support initiatives that improve tax processes, efficiency, and the client experience.Bachelor's degree in accounting, taxation, finance, or related field.Current CPA license required.Master's degree in taxation preferred.9+ years of progressive public accounting and tax experience.Experience preparing and reviewing complex individual and business tax returns.Strong knowledge of federal and multi-state tax compliance and planning.Experience supervising staff and managing tax engagements.Required Skills and CompetenciesTechnical ExpertiseStrong knowledge of federal and state tax compliance and planning.Ability to research and interpret complex tax issues.Experience with tax software, research platforms, and financial systems.Experience with individual taxation, partnerships, S corporations, C corporations, multi-state taxation, closely held businesses, high-net-worth individuals, estate and trust taxation, tax planning, and complex tax research.Client Service & Professional SkillsExcellent verbal and written communication skills.Strong client-service mindset with the ability to build trusted relationships.Ability to translate complex tax matters into practical guidance for clients.Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.Leadership & CollaborationCollaborative mindset with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.Strong organizational and time management skills.Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.Why This Is a Great Career MoveJoin a growing independent firm where strong performance creates real opportunity.Take ownership of meaningful client relationships and sophisticated tax work.Lead, mentor, and build a high-performing team.See a clear path to greater leadership opportunities.Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package.Free parking.Hybrid flexibility.Work EnvironmentThis role offers a hybrid work environment. The Tax Manager will be expected to work in the office or attend client meetings as business needs require, particularly for collaboration, team leadership, and client service engagements.Physical RequirementsAbility to sit for extended periods, lift up to 20 pounds, and manage physical files and documentation as needed.Join UsIf you are a tax professional who enjoys working with clients, mentoring staff, and contributing to a growing professional services firm, we encourage you to apply.Gross Mendelsohn is an equal opportunity employercommitted to fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace.