Job Description:OverviewBaker Tilly is seeking an entrepreneurial Tax Principal to play a key leadership role in growing our State and Local Tax (SALT) Income & Franchise Tax practice across the Northeast. This individual will help shape the regional market strategy, build and develop high-performing teams, and drive execution against measurable growth, client service and talent objectives while serving as a trusted technical advisor on complex multistate tax matters.
The Principal will bring deep state income and franchise tax expertise, including executive-level review of complex state returns and material tax positions, leadership of state tax controversy matters, and oversight of sophisticated consulting engagements. Working with SALT and other tax and advisory leaders, this individual will strengthen Baker Tilly's market presence and delivery capabilities throughout the Northeast while supporting clients nationally.
Our SALT practice includes approximately 300 professionals across the U.S. delivering income and franchise, indirect, property, employment, and controversy services. The role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a collaborative, growth-oriented practice.
ResponsibilitiesNortheast Market and Practice LeadershipPartner with SALT leadership to establish and execute a Northeast market strategy, identifying priority industries, clients, markets, service opportunities and investments.
- Set clear business development, revenue, client service, talent and operational goals; translate priorities into actionable plans, monitor progress and hold teams accountable for results.
- Build a cohesive, entrepreneurial regional team by recruiting experienced professionals, developing emerging leaders, aligning resources across offices and creating a culture of collaboration and ownership.
- Cultivate relationships with office, industry and service-line leaders to bring integrated solutions to clients, expand existing relationships and improve market coverage.
- Advance market visibility through strategic relationships, speaking engagements, professional organizations and relevant thought leadership.
Technical Excellence, Quality and Risk Management- Serve as a senior technical resource for complex state income and franchise tax matters involving nexus, apportionment, sourcing, combined/unitary reporting, state modifications, entity structures and transactions.
- Provide Principal-level quality control and risk review of significant multistate income and franchise tax returns, workpapers, uncertain tax positions and material technical conclusions; resolve difficult review issues and guide consistent, defensible positions.
- Lead high-stakes state tax controversies, including audit strategy, information requests, protests, administrative appeals, settlement evaluation and coordination with legal counsel where appropriate.
- Direct sophisticated consulting projects such as state tax planning, restructuring, acquisition and disposition diligence, exposure studies, refund opportunities, voluntary disclosures and process improvements.
- Promote effective engagement methodologies, technical training, documentation, appropriate use of technology and continuous improvement in quality and delivery.
Client Development and Engagement Leadership- Originate and expand client relationships by identifying business issues, developing differentiated solutions, leading proposals and converting opportunities into sustainable engagements.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to middle-market and larger businesses, delivering practical recommendations that balance technical positions, risk, commercial objectives and implementation considerations.
- Provide executive oversight of significant engagements, including scoping, staffing, pricing, client communications, realization, collections and profitability, while delegating day-to-day execution to qualified engagement leaders.
People Leadership and Firm Stewardship- Coach Principals-in-development, Directors, Managers and other professionals in technical judgment, client leadership, business development, delegation and professional growth.
- Lead through others: establish expectations, provide candid feedback, recognize high performance and foster accountability, inclusion and ethical decision-making.
- Collaborate with national SALT leadership on talent planning, resource allocation, technical priorities and initiatives that enhance the long-term strength of the practice.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Taxation or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.
- CPA or JD required; LLM in Taxation or other relevant advanced credential desirable.
- 15+ years of progressively responsible experience in state and local taxation, with significant income and franchise tax experience in public accounting, professional services or a comparable leadership environment.
- Deep technical knowledge of multistate corporate and pass-through entity income and franchise taxation, including demonstrated review experience involving complex state tax filings and positions.
- Substantial experience directing state tax audits, appeals and controversy resolution, and advising on complex multistate planning and transaction-related matters.
- Proven ability to develop market strategy, build teams, set goals, execute growth plans and lead professionals across multiple offices or locations.
- Demonstrated success in business development, executive-level client relationship management and cross-functional collaboration.
- Excellent communication, commercial judgment, negotiation, organizational and leadership skills; commitment to technical excellence, professional standards and client service.
- Established Northeast professional network and familiarity with significant Northeast state tax regimes strongly preferred; willingness to travel as client and practice needs require.
