Tax Staff - Public

Please reach out to Melissa (Painter) Ford via LinkedIn for immediate consideration. We are looking for an experienced tax specialist to join a public accounting firm in California, supporting clients with sophisticated trust and estate matters. This position is well suited for someone who is comfortable managing client interactions, handling complex filings, and contributing practical tax guidance. The role offers the opportunity to work closely with clients and their advisors while supporting a broad range of compliance and planning needs.

Responsibilities:

• Prepare and examine trust, estate, and individual tax filings to ensure complete, timely, and compliant submissions.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for clients, legal counsel, and outside advisors on ongoing tax-related questions and deliverables.
• Take responsibility for an established portfolio of client accounts and maintain strong, responsive relationships with minimal ramp-up time.
• Contribute to tax planning strategies involving trusts, estates, and related entities by identifying issues and recommending practical solutions.
• Support additional tax compliance, accounting, and reporting work as client needs require.
• Coordinate with internal team members and external professionals to gather documentation, resolve issues, and keep engagements moving efficiently.
• At least 5 years of experience in public tax work or a closely related accounting environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in trust and estate taxation is required.
• Experience preparing or reviewing individual tax returns.
• Strong knowledge of tax accounting fundamentals and applicable compliance standards.
• Ability to work directly with clients and build credibility through clear, detail-focused communication.
• Comfortable collaborating with attorneys and other external stakeholders on sensitive tax matters.
• CPA certification, or meaningful progress toward obtaining it, is preferred.