About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Trust & Estate Tax Director to lead our trust and estate tax practice out of our Newport office. This is a senior leadership position for a seasoned tax professional who wants to build and manage a high-performing team, own client relationships at the highest level, and shape the strategic direction of our trust and estate services.

This role is ideal for a director-level tax leader who thrives on technical complexity, mentorship, and driving practice growth.

What You'll Do

•      Lead and oversee all aspects of trust, estate, and gift tax compliance and planning for a diverse portfolio of high-net-worth individuals, families, trusts, and estates

•      Serve as the primary technical and relationship leader for complex trust and estate engagements, including fiduciary income tax returns (Form 1041), estate tax returns (Form 706), gift tax returns (Form 709), and related filings

•      Develop and implement sophisticated estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax planning strategies in coordination with clients' attorneys and financial advisors

•      Manage, mentor, and develop a team of tax managers, senior associates, and staff — including reviewing work product, providing technical guidance, and supporting career development

•      Build and maintain strong relationships with high-net-worth clients, family offices, attorneys, and financial advisors, acting as a trusted advisor on complex fiduciary and wealth transfer matters

•      Identify and pursue opportunities to grow the trust and estate practice, including business development and cross-selling of firm services

•      Stay current on federal and state tax law changes affecting trusts, estates, and fiduciary income tax, and communicate implications to clients and staff

•      Oversee quality control, risk management, and adherence to firm policies and professional standards across all trust and estate engagements

•      Collaborate with firm leadership on practice strategy, staffing, budgeting, and long-term planning

What We're Looking For

•      10+ years of progressive experience in trust and estate taxation, with significant experience at the manager/senior manager or director level

•      CPA license required; JD or LL.M. in Taxation a strong plus

•      Deep technical expertise in fiduciary income tax, estate and gift tax, and wealth transfer planning

•      Proven experience managing and developing tax professionals in a leadership capacity

•      Strong track record of managing complex, high-net-worth client relationships

•      Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex tax concepts clearly to clients, attorneys, and advisors

•      Business development experience and a demonstrated ability to grow a book of business

•      Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; advanced degree preferred

Compensation & Benefits

•      Pay Rate: $100–$120 per hour + signing bonus, commensurate with experience

•      Schedule: Full-time

•      Medical, dental, and vision insurance

•      401(k) with employer match

•      Paid time off and firm holidays

•      Continuing education and professional development support

•      CPA license renewal and professional dues coverage

Location

This is an on-site/hybrid leadership role based in our Newport office (4000 MacArthur Blvd, Newport Beach).

Relocation support available.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing relevant trust and estate tax leadership experience.

Equal Opportunity / Non-Discrimination Notice

It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all applicants and employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age (40 and over), physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer-related and genetic characteristics), genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other basis protected by the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), applicable local ordinances, or other applicable federal, state, or local law.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

In accordance with the California Fair Chance Act and applicable local fair chance ordinances, qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment. We will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities and for pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, unless doing so would result in an undue hardship, consistent with applicable law.

We do not tolerate harassment or retaliation of any kind against employees or applicants who exercise their rights under FEHA or any other protected activity. Any applicant who requires a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process may request one by contacting Human Resources.

Sponsorship

Please note that we are unable to provide employment-based visa sponsorship for this position, either at the time of hire or in the future. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for sponsorship now or later.