Stambaugh Ness is seeking an experienced Tax Director to serve as a trusted advisor and primary relationship leader for a portfolio of closely held business and individual tax clients. This leadership role combines technical tax expertise, strategic client advisory, team development, and operational oversight.
The ideal candidate is a client-focused tax professional who enjoys building long-term relationships, leading high-performing teams, and helping business owners navigate complex tax and business decisions. Beyond tax compliance, you will serve as a year-round advisor, collaborating with specialists across the firm to deliver comprehensive solutions that help clients achieve their goals.
What you’ll do at SN:
Client Advisory & Relationship Management
- Serve as the primary relationship leader for an assigned client portfolio.
- Develop a deep understanding of clients' businesses, ownership structures, and strategic objectives.
- Build and maintain trusted relationships with business owners, executives, and key stakeholders.
- Proactively advise clients on tax, operational, and strategic business matters.
- Identify opportunities to deliver additional value through the firm's advisory, accounting, technology, and consulting services.
- Coordinate resources and specialists to provide integrated client solutions.
Tax Compliance, Planning & Advisory
- Oversee the delivery of tax compliance and advisory services for business and individual clients.
- Review complex partnership, S corporation, C corporation, and individual tax returns.
- Provide tax planning guidance related to ownership structures, business decisions, and growth initiatives.
- Collaborate with subject matter experts on state tax, transactions, accounting methods, credits and incentives, and other specialized tax matters.
- Stay current on tax law developments and communicate implications to clients and team members.
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop Tax Senior Managers, Managers, and staff.
- Provide technical guidance, coaching, and performance feedback.
- Foster collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning across engagement teams.
- Support employee growth through mentoring and professional development initiatives.
Engagement & Practice Leadership
- Oversee service delivery, engagement quality, and client satisfaction across your portfolio.
- Monitor engagement performance, including realization, utilization, WIP, and accounts receivable.
- Ensure projects are completed efficiently, on time, and within budget.
- Contribute to operational improvements, process enhancements, and strategic initiatives that support firm growth and scalability.
What you may have done before:
- Worked successfully in a fully remote environment.
- Worked within the Tax Department of a leading professional service firm.
- Worked within the AEC Industry
What it takes to be a Tax Director:
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field.
- Active CPA or EA license
- 10+ years of public accounting tax experience.
- Strong technical expertise in partnership, S corporation, C corporation, and individual taxation.
- Proven ability to build and maintain executive-level client relationships.
- Experience managing multiple client engagements and engagement economics.
- Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience serving Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) or other closely held business clients.
- Master's degree in Taxation (MST) or related advanced degree.
- Experience with federal tax credits and incentives, state tax planning, M&A tax, accounting methods, or other specialty tax areas.
- Experience with tax and practice management software such as CCH Axcess, GoSystem, ProSystem fx, Deltek, or similar platforms.
- Demonstrated success identifying cross-service opportunities and supporting firm growth initiatives.
What's in it for you:
- Health & Wellness Your Way: Choose from three medical plans designed to fit different needs and budgets.
- Wellness Support: Access to Teladoc's zero-cost telehealth services and Husk Wellness for exclusive discounts on gym memberships, nutrition guidance, and mental health support
- Time Off, When You Need It: Recharge with our flexible PTO policy and enjoy 10 paid holidays
- Flexible Spending Options: Maximize your health and dependent care through employer-backed HSAs and FSAs
- Peace of Mind: Your well-being is covered with employer-paid life, AD&D, and comprehensive short- and long-term disability
- More Ways to Thrive: Tap into our Employee Assistance Program for support, plus access to InsurChoice for personal insurance options.
Salary: The salary range for this position is an estimate of $180,000 - $205,000. A final compensation offer within this range will be based on factors including an individual’s skill sets, experience, knowledge, licensure and certifications, and geography.
About Stambaugh Ness
At SN, we’re a powerhouse of passionate, talented professionals making a real impact, together. We believe that innovation thrives in an environment of engaged minds, even when fully remote. Here, you’ll be challenged, inspired, and supported by a team that embraces change and envisions the future. Fast-paced and fast-growing, we have created a close-knit team that genuinely enjoys working together.
SN believes in an inclusive workplace and is committed to building a team from a variety of backgrounds. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive the other benefits and privileges of employment.
