Tax Director (Business Management)
About The Position
Ascend, backed by private equity from Alpine Investors, is building a dynamic platform for regional accounting firms, enabling them to remain independent while accessing resources typically found in a Top 25 firm. These resources include growth capital, robust talent acquisition and training, leading quality management, best-of-breed technology, AI tools, an offshore captive, shared back-office services, a catalytic leadership system, and modernized equity incentives. Lucas Horsfall, a CPA firm celebrating its 68th anniversary in 2025, attributes its exceptional growth and low turnover to its appreciation of its people and clients, offering professional growth and advancement opportunities. The firm is seeking a Tax Director to provide personal and experienced service to its diverse client base. As a Tax Director in the Business Management group at Lucas Horsfall, you will oversee the Tax Department's operations, protocols, and team development. This role involves directing the preparation and review of complex federal and multi-state tax returns, with a strong emphasis on strategic planning and client advisory services. In addition to managing client engagements, the Tax Director establishes departmental standards, ensures compliance, and drives service excellence. They will lead and mentor all tax staff, fostering growth through training, performance oversight, and technical guidance. The role also includes tax research, workflow supervision, resolution of tax notices, and direct communication with clients and tax authorities. This role will be achieved in a hybrid environment out of the Encino, CA or Pasadena, CA office locations.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field
- Active licensed CPA
- 10+ years of relevant experience, including significant supervisory experience
- Proven technical ability and experience preparing and reviewing all types of tax returns
- Excellent project management, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills
- Self-motivator with the ability to multi-task and complete assignments within time constraints and deadlines
- A strong desire toward career advancement and goal toward future firm ownership
Nice To Haves
- Consultative/Advising Experience
- Proficiency in MS Office
- Knowledge of CCH Axcess Tax and BNA
Responsibilities
- Provide high-level review of federal and multi-state income tax returns for individuals, corporations, flow-through entities, and Trusts; prepare and review quarterly estimates
- Work with clients and partners on tax planning and related tax issues
- Assume responsibility for client engagements and demonstrate strong leadership skills in monitoring assignments and planning staff workload; includes developing a system to monitor the completion of assignments in a timely and consistent manner
- Assist in management functions such as workflow supervision and planning, training, and mentoring of staff, and developing/improving processes and procedures
- Tax research and provide solutions on technical matters
- Respond to tax notices and interact with Federal, State and Local tax authorities
- Effectively communicate with clients and engagement team; ensure quality of work
Benefits
- great benefits
- competitive salary
- tuition reimbursement for advanced education
- comprehensive benefits package that supports well-being, health, and ongoing professional growth
- Flexible PTO
- Excellent Voluntary Insurance Options
- 401(k) Matching
- Discretionary Bonus
- Commitment to Professional Development
- Meaningful work that makes a difference in our clients' lives
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
