Associate Director of Tax

King & Spalding • Washington, DC

5d • $215,000 - $270,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

King & Spalding is a leading global law firm with a commitment to excellence, innovation, and the seamless delivery of legal services. We harness innovative technology and exceptional talent to meet the complex needs of our clients in a fast-paced and dynamic legal landscape. The Associate Director of Tax supports the Director of Tax in leading the Firm’s tax function and serves as the Director’s primary delegate for day-to-day leadership, execution, and risk management across domestic and international tax matters. The Associate Director is responsible for leading and developing the Firm’s tax team (Managers and Analysts) and operates as the primary reviewer for tax deliverables, analyses, and recommendations prior to elevation to the Director of Tax. Within assigned areas, the Associate Director ensures accurate and timely compliance, anticipates tax developments impacting the Firm and its partners, and prepares decision-ready recommendations for Director review and approval on matters of significance, including tax planning, risk exposure, controversy, process improvements, and major regulatory initiatives.

Requirements

• Master’s in Tax and CPA required.
• Minimum 8 years of public accounting experience (or equivalent), with demonstrated progression in responsibility and leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to lead managers and teams; strong delegation, coaching, and accountability-setting skills.
• Strong technical tax knowledge across partnership and professional services tax considerations; ability to translate tax law changes into practical business guidance.
• Strong judgment, discretion, and diplomacy when handling sensitive partner and Firm matters; executive-ready written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex deadlines and deliver high-quality work product; strong attention to detail and process orientation.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills; advanced Excel capabilities; ability to synthesize complex information into clear recommendations.
• Strong project management mindset with ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and drive process improvement and standardization.

Nice To Haves

• Professional services experience strongly preferred, particularly within a partnership structure.
• Experience with international tax matters, including VAT and multi-jurisdictional compliance preferred.
• Experience operationalizing transfer pricing processes and supporting implementation of major regulatory initiatives (e.g., OECD Pillar II) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Firmwide Tax Compliance Oversight (Domestic & International)
• Partnership Tax & Partner-Facing Responsibilities
• Tax Advisory, Planning Support & Technical Analysis
• Vendor & Advisor Management
• Tax Controversy / Audits
• Process Improvement, Governance & Controls
• Reporting, Budget Support & Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Major Regulatory & Strategic Initiatives
• Leadership & People Management
• Primary Review & Quality Assurance

Benefits

• The firm offers a generous total compensation package with bonuses and raises awarded in recognition of individual merit-based performance.
• All full-time Business Services employees may participate in King & Spalding’s comprehensive benefit program including health and wellness plan, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts and a health savings account, a 401(k) plan, profit sharing plan, and a substantial Paid Time Off (PTO) program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager