To support the continued growth of our Transaction Tax Services practice, an opportunity has been created for a Senior Associate to join our national team focused on tax due diligence and structuring for private equity (PE) sponsors, family offices and strategic acquirers across the middle market. In this role, you will execute buy-side and sell-side tax diligence engagements, model the impact of acquisition structuring alternatives, and collaborate with deal teams to translate technical findings into actionable recommendations. This is a hands-on, client-facing seat - you will own workstreams, draft client-ready deliverables and support partners and directors on live transactions from initial diligence through close. If you are seeking an opportunity with Big 4-caliber deal exposure that will provide broader responsibilities, faster progression and direct partner access - we're ready to hear from you!

As a Senior Associate, you will:

• Execute federal and state tax due diligence on M&A transactions, including identification and quantification of historical tax exposures across income, sales and use, payroll and unclaimed property
• Analyze target tax attributes and model the impact of transaction structuring alternatives - including Section 338(h)(10) and 336(e) elections, Section 382 limitations on net operating loss (NOL) utilization, basis step-ups, Section 704(c) built-in gain or loss allocations and Section 751 hot asset considerations
• Review target tax profiles across entity types, including consolidated C corporation groups, S corporations, partnerships, LLCs and pass-through structures
• Draft tax diligence reports, structuring memoranda and step plans suitable for delivery to PE deal teams, lenders and legal counsel
• Coordinate with internal and external workstream leads - financial due diligence, valuation, legal and quality of earnings providers - to deliver an integrated view of deal risk
• Support transaction execution, including review of purchase agreement tax provisions (representations, indemnities, tax matters, Section 338(h)(10) language) and post-close integration planning
• Manage day-to-day client communication on assigned workstreams and present findings directly to deal team leads

What you bring to the role:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or related field
• Active CPA or demonstrated progress toward completion desired; JD acceptable in lieu of CPA for candidates with corresponding tax experience
• Minimum two years of progressive tax experience within a national or large regional CPA firm supporting M&A activities or preparing/reviewing federal and state returns for multi-state filers
• Ability to model tax attributes and structuring outcomes in Excel, including NOL and credit utilization, basis calculations and after-tax cash flow analysis
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to convert complex technical analysis into concise, client-ready deliverables
• Proven ability to manage competing deadlines across multiple live deals
• Self-starter mindset and comfort operating in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment

Additional, preferred qualifications:

• Master of Accountancy (MAcc), Master of Science in Taxation (MST) or LL.M.
• Exposure to PE-backed portfolio companies or PE sponsor clients
• Familiarity with deal lifecycle documents (LOI, purchase agreements, disclosure schedules)
• Working knowledge of U.S. federal income tax rules applicable to M&A transactions, including subchapters C, K and S, consolidated return regulations, and Sections 338, 336(e), 382 and 1060

What you can expect from us:

• Our shared values that foster inclusion and belonging including uncompromising integrity, collaboration, trust, and mutual respect
• The opportunity to innovate and do work that motivates and engages you
• A collaborative environment focused on enabling you to further your career growth and continuous professional development
• Competitive compensation and a total rewards package that focuses on all aspects of your wellbeing
• Flexibility to do impactful work and the time to enjoy your life outside of work
• Opportunities to connect and learn from professionals from different backgrounds and with different cultures

Benefits Information:

Cherry Bekaert cares about our people. We offer competitive compensation packages based on performance that recognize the value our people bring to our clients and our Firm. The salary range for this position is included below. Individual salaries within this range are determined by a variety of factors including but not limited to the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education, knowledge, skills, and geographic location. In addition, we offer a comprehensive, high-quality benefits program which includes annual bonus, medical, dental, and vision care; disability and life insurance; generous Paid Time Off; retirement plans; Paid Care Leave; and other programs that are dedicated to enhancing your personal and work life and providing you and your family with a measure of financial protection.

Pay Range:
$95,600 - $140,400