Estate & Trust Tax Professional

The Opportunity:

Are you a detail-oriented CPA with a strong background and passion for estate, gift, and trust taxation and accounting? We are seeking an experienced Estates & Trusts CPA to join our team. In this role, you will be instrumental in delivering comprehensive tax compliance, fiduciary accounting, and strategic advisory services to a diverse client base, including high-net-worth individuals and complex family structures. This is a fantastic opportunity to deepen your specialization in a rewarding field.

This is more than just a job; it's a pathway to long-term professional satisfaction and recognition within your community. Experience the best of both worlds: an office environment coupled with exceptional flexibility, including Fridays off after the tax season to balance the focused 55+ hour weeks during tax season, leading to a lighter summer schedule. We are considering local candidates only.

Key Responsibilities:

Tax Preparation & Compliance:

Manage and prepare federal and state tax returns, including Gift Tax (Form 709), Fiduciary Income Tax (Form 1041 for estates and trusts), final Individual Income Tax returns (Form 1040), and related state filings.

Leverage your time effectively with support from our administrative and tax staff.

Planning & Advisory:

Provide proactive tax planning and consulting to clients and their advisors on estate, gift, and trust matters.

Advise fiduciaries on post-mortem tax planning strategies and elections.

Analyze trust documents and consult on the tax implications of funding and distributions.

Fiduciary Accounting:

Prepare formal and informal fiduciary accounting and beneficiary reporting.

Maintain meticulous financial records, track asset basis, and ensure accurate allocation of receipts and disbursements between principal and income according to governing documents and statutes.

Client Service & Collaboration:

Serve as a key point of contact for clients, beneficiaries, attorneys, and financial advisors.

Communicate complex tax concepts clearly and effectively.

Represent clients before tax authorities as needed.

Research & Development:

Research intricate estate, trust, and gift tax issues.

Stay current with evolving tax laws, regulations, and best practices within the estate and trust field.

Practice Management & Administration:

Manage client onboarding, engagement letters, billing, and collections for your portfolio.

Maintain organized and accurate client files and documentation.

Utilize tax preparation software and related technologies efficiently.

Qualifications:

Active CPA or EA license.

Minimum 5 years of relevant public accounting, bank, or law firm experience with significant, direct experience in estate, trust, and gift tax compliance and planning.

Strong technical knowledge of federal estate, gift, and income tax preparation and related tax law.

Solid understanding of fiduciary accounting principles and applicable regulations.

Proficiency with tax preparation software and Microsoft Office Suite.

Experience working with high-net-worth clients and complex trust structures preferred.

Experience with fiduciary accounting software preferred.

Ideal Candidate Qualities:

Self-motivated, driven, and proactive in achieving results.

Strong problem-solving and client service orientation.

Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Ability to manage multiple engagements and meet deadlines effectively.

Collaborative mindset with a strong professional reputation.

Key Skills

Tax, Estate tax, CPA/EA