Lead Advisor

CSI Group•Howell Township, NJ

About The Position

As a Lead Advisor at CSI Group, you serve as both a branch leader and a hands-on tax professional. You are responsible for the quality and timeliness of member tax work, lead the team preparing returns, and use members’ tax situations to deliver CSI 360 meetings connecting them with the firm’s broader services. The role helps align branch operations with corporate objectives, build long-term member relationships, and uphold high standards for tax and advisory services. You oversee branch operations and staff development, review and prepare tax returns, manage return workflows through filing, provide tax planning and holistic advisory meetings, and serve as an escalation point for complex member needs. You also help improve member experience, collaborate with operational and corporate teams, support compliance and process improvement, and contribute to branch performance, member acquisition, and community engagement.

Requirements

Enrolled Agent (EA) license required.
At least 2 years of tax preparation experience, including reviewing returns prepared by others.
Demonstrated leadership experience managing a team or comparable operations.
Strong knowledge of federal and state tax regulations, compliance standards, and industry best practices.
Experience with professional tax software and handling IRS and state notices.
Proven record of delivering excellent member service and building trust.
Excellent communication, relationship-building, and coaching skills, with the ability to inspire and lead teams.
Results-oriented approach and ability to balance branch leadership with hands-on member service.
Commitment to continuous learning, professional development, and industry certifications.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or a related field preferred.
Advisory experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

Provide day-to-day leadership and operational oversight of designated branch locations.
Supervise, coach, and mentor Member Services Representatives, associate advisors, preparers, and support staff.
Conduct one-on-one check-ins, branch meetings, and performance reviews.
Foster a collaborative, high-performance, member-focused culture aligned with CSI’s values.
Partner with the Director of Member Advisory Services on talent development, succession planning, and skills training.
Review and approve individual, business, trust, and estate tax returns prepared by the team for accuracy and compliance.
Prepare complex tax returns when needed.
Manage member returns through document collection, preparation, review, member approval, invoicing, e-filing, and acknowledgment.
Track extensions, e-file rejections, and returns awaiting review, and resolve bottlenecks ahead of deadlines.
Price tax engagements according to firm guidelines.
Respond to and resolve IRS and state notices on behalf of members.
Deliver CSI 360 meetings using members’ tax returns as a starting point for retirement, investment, tax, and estate planning conversations.
Provide proactive tax planning, including projections, estimated payments, and year-end strategies.
Introduce members to relevant supporting solutions, including CSI Law for legal planning needs.
Maintain technical expertise in tax law, CSI offerings, and compliance requirements, and serve as a subject matter expert for members and staff.
Act as an escalation point for complex member needs and ensure professional, caring resolution.
Build and sustain long-term relationships with members and understand their evolving financial goals.
Ensure member interactions are personalized and consistent with CSI’s service and integrity commitments.
Monitor and address member feedback, service scores, and engagement metrics to improve satisfaction and retention.
Partner with Member Advisory Operations, Financial Operations, and corporate teams to align branch initiatives with company strategy.
Contribute to the design and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures that improve efficiency and service quality.
Participate in firmwide programs, campaigns, and events supporting member growth and engagement.
Collaborate with compliance teams to ensure adherence to regulations, policies, and ethical standards.
Meet or exceed tax, advisory, and member service KPIs to drive branch performance.
Support new member acquisition through referrals, networking, and community events.
Identify opportunities to connect members with CSI services, including CSI Law, Restore, and other solutions.
Represent CSI Group in community partnerships and professional organizations to support local brand awareness.