Tax Principal - Estate, Gift & Trust

UHY International • Farmington Hills, MI

11d

About The Position

As an Estate, Gift, and Trust Principal, you will play a key leadership role in overseeing the firm’s estate, gift, and trust practice, managing its most complex and high-value client engagements, and guiding the strategic direction of the department. You will serve as the primary advisor for high-net-worth individuals, families, and their teams of advisors, providing comprehensive tax planning, compliance, and wealth management services. This senior-level position combines technical expertise, client relationship management, and firm leadership to drive exceptional outcomes for both clients and the firm. JOB DESCRIPTION Job Description Strategic Tax Compliance and Oversight: Lead the preparation and review of complex estate, gift, and trust tax returns (Forms 706, 709, and 1041) for high-net-worth individuals, families, and trusts Ensure the accuracy and compliance of all tax filings with federal, state, and local tax regulations, while identifying and addressing complex tax issues Provide expert consultation on complex estate, gift, and trust tax matters, serving as the go-to resource for internal teams and clients Comprehensive Tax Planning and Advisory Services: Lead the development of advanced estate and gift tax strategies to help clients minimize tax liabilities and optimize wealth transfer to future generations Work closely with clients, their attorneys, financial advisors, and other stakeholders to design, implement, and monitor comprehensive estate plans Deliver personalized advisory services, focusing on long-term financial goals, tax minimization, and family wealth preservation Client Relationship Management and Business Development: Cultivate and maintain deep, trusted relationships with clients, serving as the principal point of contact for all estate, gift, and trust-related matters Proactively identify and address clients' evolving needs, offering new solutions and services as their circumstances change Lead business development efforts within the estate and trust practice, driving growth by attracting new clients and expanding services to existing clients Leadership and Firm Development: Provide leadership and strategic direction to the estate, gift, and trust team, ensuring alignment with the firm’s goals and client service standards Mentor and develop the next generation of leaders within the firm, supporting the growth and professional development of junior staff and managers Contribute to the overall growth and success of the firm by participating in firm-wide initiatives and maintaining strong collaboration with other departments Technical Expertise and Research Leadership: Maintain a deep understanding of estate, gift, and trust tax laws, regulations, and industry best practices Conduct advanced research on technical tax issues and provide leadership on complex matters requiring sophisticated solutions Stay ahead of legislative changes and trends in the tax industry, ensuring clients benefit from the most current and strategic advice Operational Excellence and Innovation: Oversee the optimization of estate, gift, and trust tax compliance processes, ensuring efficiency and high-quality service delivery Drive innovation within the department by exploring new technologies, tools, and methodologies that enhance client service and streamline operations Supervisory responsibilities Will supervise subordinate staff Work environment Work is conducted in a professional office environment with minimal distractions Physical demands Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and performing work in front of a computer screen for long periods of time Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time Travel required Travel may be frequent and unpredictable, depending on client’s needs Required education and experience Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field 10+ years of relevant experience 8+ years of progressive tax leadership experience in a CPA firm or related professional service environment Possession of professional certification(s) such as CPA, Enrolled Agent, LLM, CFP, MST, or Juris Doctor (JD) Responsible for completing the minimum CPE credit requirement Specific positions may require additional industry or specialization certifications Software: Axcess Tax, Axcess Document, Axcess Workstream, Thomson Reuters Fixed Assets CS, Checkpoint for Tax Research Preferred education and experience Advanced degree (Master's) or additional relevant certifications Other duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the colleague for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field
• 10+ years of relevant experience
• 8+ years of progressive tax leadership experience in a CPA firm or related professional service environment
• Possession of professional certification(s) such as CPA, Enrolled Agent, LLM, CFP, MST, or Juris Doctor (JD)
• Responsible for completing the minimum CPE credit requirement
• Specific positions may require additional industry or specialization certifications
• Software: Axcess Tax, Axcess Document, Axcess Workstream, Thomson Reuters Fixed Assets CS, Checkpoint for Tax Research

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree (Master's) or additional relevant certifications

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and review of complex estate, gift, and trust tax returns (Forms 706, 709, and 1041) for high-net-worth individuals, families, and trusts
• Ensure the accuracy and compliance of all tax filings with federal, state, and local tax regulations, while identifying and addressing complex tax issues
• Provide expert consultation on complex estate, gift, and trust tax matters, serving as the go-to resource for internal teams and clients
• Lead the development of advanced estate and gift tax strategies to help clients minimize tax liabilities and optimize wealth transfer to future generations
• Work closely with clients, their attorneys, financial advisors, and other stakeholders to design, implement, and monitor comprehensive estate plans
• Deliver personalized advisory services, focusing on long-term financial goals, tax minimization, and family wealth preservation
• Cultivate and maintain deep, trusted relationships with clients, serving as the principal point of contact for all estate, gift, and trust-related matters
• Proactively identify and address clients' evolving needs, offering new solutions and services as their circumstances change
• Lead business development efforts within the estate and trust practice, driving growth by attracting new clients and expanding services to existing clients
• Provide leadership and strategic direction to the estate, gift, and trust team, ensuring alignment with the firm’s goals and client service standards
• Mentor and develop the next generation of leaders within the firm, supporting the growth and professional development of junior staff and managers
• Contribute to the overall growth and success of the firm by participating in firm-wide initiatives and maintaining strong collaboration with other departments
• Maintain a deep understanding of estate, gift, and trust tax laws, regulations, and industry best practices
• Conduct advanced research on technical tax issues and provide leadership on complex matters requiring sophisticated solutions
• Stay ahead of legislative changes and trends in the tax industry, ensuring clients benefit from the most current and strategic advice
• Oversee the optimization of estate, gift, and trust tax compliance processes, ensuring efficiency and high-quality service delivery
• Drive innovation within the department by exploring new technologies, tools, and methodologies that enhance client service and streamline operations
• Will supervise subordinate staff

Benefits

• Enjoy a collaborative and supportive work environment where teamwork is valued.
• Our compensation is competitive and tailored to reflect the role, qualifications, and expertise of each individual.
• Access comprehensive benefits including group health insurance, dental and vision coverage, 401(k) retirement plans, and generous paid time off (PTO) allowances.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees