Tax Principal

Gross, Mendelsohn & Associates, P.A.; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Gross Mendelsohn, a leading Mid-Atlantic audit, tax and advisory firm, seeks an experienced Tax Principal to join our Fairfax 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

Qualifications

• Experience leading complex federal and state tax engagements.
• Strong client relationship management and leadership.
• Mentor and develop tax staff and seniors.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple tax engagements from planning through completion.
• Review and oversee preparation of complex federal, state, and local returns for individuals and entities.
• Provide technical guidance on compliance and planning matters.
• Develop tax strategies while ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Oversee engagement planning, scheduling, budgeting, and staffing.
• Mentor and develop tax staff and seniors.

Skills

Client relationship management

Engagement leadership

Tax planning

Mentoring staff

Tax research

Tools

Tax software

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 Lead

Client Engagement & Technical Tax Leadership

• Manage 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 Leadership

• Serve 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 Teams

• Oversee 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 & Advisory

• Develop 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 Development

• Mentor 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 Development

• Stay 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 & Efficiency

• Use 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.