Tax Principal or Signing Director

CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA); Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401k plan

Job summary

CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen) is seeking a Tax Principal or Signing Director to support our Southern California offices. The role leads a tax and industry team, delivering tax compliance and consulting services while developing client relationships and expanding services.

CPA licensure and 10+ years in public accounting are required. The compensation range for this position in California is $165,000 - $400,000, with a focus on client advisory and leadership within a collaborative, growth‑oriented

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s in accounting, Taxation or related field
• Current CPA licensure required. (JD or EA may be accepted in lieu of CPA)
• 10+ years of public accounting experience in a tax role with a public accounting and/or professional services firm
• Deep healthcare or individual tax knowledge

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of tax and industry professionals to deliver tax compliance and consulting services
• Assume full responsibility for all services for clients in a book of business
• Review and sign engagement letters, discuss the nature and terms of assignments with clients and staff, and approve fees
• Review and approve work papers and tax returns prepared by staff
• Review and sign client deliverables
• Keep current on tax law changes
• Actively develop new business and expand services to existing clients
• Demonstrate commitment to the firm through a willingness to devote time to the practice

Skills

Tax leadership

Client advisory

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in accounting

CPA licensure

Job description

CLA is a top 10 national professional services firm where our purpose is to create opportunities every day, for our clients, our people, and our communities through industry-focused wealth advisory, digital, audit, tax, consulting, and outsourcing services. Even with more than 8,500 people, 130 U.S. locations, and a global reach, we promise to know you and help you.

CLA is dedicated to building a culture that invites different beliefs and perspectives to the table, so we can truly know and help our clients, communities, and each other.

CLA is currently seeking a Tax Principal or Signing Director to support our Southern California offices . This role contributes at the highest level in their industry and excels at client advisory, service advocacy, relationship development, and leadership.

How you'll create opportunities in this role:

• Lead a team of tax and industry professionals to deliver tax compliance and consulting services, including mentoring the team to get to know and help their clients by developing a deep understanding of their businesses and delivering the firm’s services to fully meet client’s needs.
• Assume full responsibility for all services for clients in a book of business.
• Review and sign engagement letters, discuss the nature and terms of assignments with clients and staff, and approve fees.
• Review and approve work papers and tax returns prepared by staff.
• Review and sign client deliverables.
• Keep current on tax law changes.
• Actively develop new business and expand services to existing clients.
• Demonstrate commitment to the firm through a willingness to devote time to the practice.

What you will need:

• Bachelor’s or master’s in accounting, Taxation or related field
• Current CPA licensure required. (JD or EA may be accepted in lieu of CPA).
• 10+ years of public accounting experience in a tax role with a public accounting and/or professional services firm
• Deep healthcare or individual tax knowledge

Our approach to compensation emphasizes collaboration and career growth. We pay competitive wages and view compensation as an investment in our people. Factors such as geography, experience, education, skills, and knowledge may impact position of pay within the range.

The compensation range for this position in California is $165,000 - $400,000

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

Wellness at CLA

To support our CLA family members, we focus on their physical, financial, social, and emotional well-being and offer comprehensive benefit options that include health, dental, vision, 401k and much more.