Tax Managing Director, Accounting Methods

BDO USA•Chicago, IL

11d

About The Position

An Accounting Methods (AM) Director is responsible for providing written tax advice to clients, evaluating, and recommending alternate courses of action to lessen tax burden and cost of compliance, recognizing potential tax risks, and identifying potential changes in tax policy and regulations. In this role, the Tax Managing Director, Accounting Methods will be charged with marketing, networking, and business development within his/her area of experience and specialization and maintaining and expanding key client relationships. Additionally, the Tax Managing Director, Accounting Methods is a critical part of the office’s / region’s Tax Services leadership team and in this capacity will act as source for guidance on complex tax questions and issues.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, required
Prior experience supervising tax professionals on a project or engagement basis, required
CPA certification or other relevant certification, required
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Superior analytical and research skills
Solid organizational skills especially ability to meet project deadlines with a focus on details
Ability to successfully multi-task while working independently or within a group environment
Proven ability to work in a deadline-driven environment and handle multiple projects simultaneously
Able to effectively manage a team of tax professionals and delegate work assignments as needed
Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and client personnel
Ability to encourage team environment on engagements and contribute to the professional development of assigned personnel
Executive presence and ability to act as primary contact on assigned engagements
Ability to successfully interact with professionals at all levels
Advanced knowledge of appropriate application of tax standards to ensure effective and efficient delivery of tax services
Advanced knowledge of sources of relevant information utilized in tax filings
Advanced knowledge and understanding of cause / effect for taxable conditions on clients and the potential tax issues

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Taxation, preferred
Juris Doctorate (J.D.), preferred
Ten (10) or more years of prior experience in Accounting Methods tax consulting, preferred
Prior experience preparing and/or reviewing tax provisions, preferred
Prior experience with corporate taxation, consolidations, and partnerships, preferred
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel and Word, preferred
Experience with tax related software and research databases such as Caseware, GoSystems, and other comparable programs, preferred

Responsibilities

Identifies all situations when research is necessary and conducts appropriate investigation on identified topics
Analyzes researched facts and the sources utilized
Prepares studies of tax implications and outlines alternative courses of action to clients
Develops comprehensive sales Talking Points document for marketing and sales opportunities
Ensures clients comply with applicable authorities while identifying options for minimizing the client’s tax and reporting burdens
Identifies “gray areas” and recognizes related risk potential for contingent tax liabilities
Completes pro forma Forms 3115 and related statements and documentation
Ensures tax engagement letters are adopted prior to engagement work commencing
Communicates with appropriate clients, Core Tax Services and Assurance personnel regarding any issues during reviews
Develops, recommends, and implements standard tax methods to provide clients with maximum tax benefits related to current and future tax obligations
Identifies and assists in maximizing all potential Accounting Methods opportunities, from a federal, international, and state perspective, that are legally available to clients
Aids in response to inquiries from federal and state agencies regarding all tax Accounting Methods issues
Monitors implementations of workplans for tax consulting projects
Provides recommended solutions by combining tax knowledge and knowledge of business / industry
Represents clients before any tax authority on contested issues
Responds to all questions from federal or state agencies
Utilizes technology and tax research databases and other tax-related software in the completion of assigned tasks
Develops an in-depth understanding of the technical and practical issues and opportunities regarding Accounting Methods opportunities and risks
Acts as industry expert in Accounting Methods
Identifies cross-selling opportunities with other tax specializations
Manages Accounting Methods services provided to assigned clients
Develops tools and/or improvements allowing for enhance the efficiency or services of the Accounting Methods practice
Understands and applies industry standards, along with firm policies and BDO Tax Quality Manual requirements as they relate to FAS 109 and FIN48
Recognizes, measures and documents financial benefits to clients
Develops new or improved ideas to advance the position of clients, the firm or firm personnel through reduction in taxes or expenses or offering of non-tax benefits
Researches and implements new tax strategies
Leads marketing campaigns and external Accounting Methods initiatives
Supervises the day-to-day work of AM Managers, Senior Associates and Associates on assigned engagements and reviews work product
Ensures AM Managers, Senior Associates, Associates, and Interns are trained on all relevant tax issues and software
Evaluates and works effectively to enhance the performance of AM Managers, Senior Associates and Associates and assists in the development of their professional goals and objectives
Delivers frequent unofficial and periodic official performance feedback and completes performance evaluations for AM Managers, Senior Associates, Associates, and Interns
Acts as Career Advisor to AM Managers, Senior Associates and Associates, as appropriate