Cerity Partners is seeking an experienced and highly credentialed Principal Tax Advisor to join our Tax Advisory Services team. In this senior-level role, you will serve as a trusted advisor to a dedicated list of high-net-worth individual, family, and business clients, providing expert tax compliance and planning services. The Principal Tax Advisor holds signing authority for tax returns, leads and mentors junior staff, and is expected to contribute meaningfully to client retention, team development, and firm growth.
Primary Responsibilities:Client Relationship Management- Maintain and grow a dedicated client portfolio, serving as the primary point of contact for all tax-related matters.
- Develop deep, trusted advisor relationships with clients including high-net-worth individuals, families, business owners, and entities.
- Proactively identify and communicate tax planning opportunities, legislative changes, and risk areas relevant to each client.
- Conduct client meetings and presentations to discuss tax strategies, return results, and year-round planning initiatives.
- Manage client expectations and ensure timely, high-quality deliverables throughout the year.
Tax Return Review & Signing- Review and sign federal and multi-state individual (Form 1040), trust (Form 1041), partnership (Form 1065), S corporation (Form 1120-S), and C corporation (Form 1120) tax returns, as applicable.
- Ensure technical accuracy, completeness, and compliance with current tax laws and regulations across all signed returns.
- Apply professional judgment to complex tax positions and document conclusions in accordance with firm standards.
- Coordinate timely filing and extension management for all returns within your client portfolio.
- Oversee quality control procedures and ensure all workpapers and supporting documentation meet firm and regulatory standards.
Staff Management & Development- Directly supervise, mentor, and develop assigned staff member(s), including setting performance expectations, conducting reviews, and providing ongoing coaching.
- Delegate work appropriately to staff, review their work product, and provide constructive feedback to support professional growth.
- Foster a collaborative, learning-oriented team environment consistent with firm culture and values.
- Assist in recruiting, onboarding, and training new staff members as needed.
Technical & Advisory Responsibilities- Research complex federal and state tax issues and provide well-reasoned written and verbal guidance to clients and colleagues.
- Lead or contribute to tax planning engagements including income tax projections, entity structuring, Roth conversions, charitable giving strategies, and estate/gift tax planning.
- Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and assess the impact on clients and firm service offerings.
- Represent clients before the IRS or state taxing authorities on examination and notice matters, as applicable.
Required Qualifications: - Active CPA license in good standing (required); EA credential may be considered in lieu of CPA for certain roles.
- Minimum of 6-8 years of progressive tax experience in public accounting or a wealth management/multi-family office environment.
- Demonstrated experience reviewing and signing complex tax returns across multiple entity types.
- Prior supervisory or management experience with direct reports.
- Strong technical knowledge of federal and multi-state individual and business income tax.
- Exceptional client relationship and communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Proficiency with professional tax preparation software (e.g., UltraTax, Sureprep, or similar).
Preferred Qualifications: - Experience serving high-net-worth individuals, families, and closely held business owners.
- Familiarity with trust and estate taxation, partnership taxation, and/or international tax matters.
- Advanced degree (MST, LLM in Taxation) strongly preferred.
- Experience working in a wealth management or integrated advisory firm environment.
Why Cerity Partners:Our people drive our success by working together to deliver exceptional service to our clients. Below is a glimpse of the key elements of our total rewards package:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance - day 1!
- 401(k) savings and investment plan options with 4% match
- Flexible PTO policy
- Parental Leave
- Financial assistance for advanced education and professional designations
- Opportunity to give back time to local communities
- Commuter benefits
