Description
About the Firm
Thoerner & Toma is a fast-growing, multi-state tax and advisory firm serving high-net-worth individuals, closely held businesses, and family offices across California and beyond. As we continue to expand, we are seeking a Tax Director who is ready to step into a visible leadership role — one that combines deep technical expertise with a genuine passion for growing a practice, building client relationships, and showing up in the community.
This is not a heads-down compliance role. We are looking for someone who leads from the front: presenting at industry events, developing referral relationships with attorneys and financial advisors, and becoming a recognized voice in the high-net-worth tax advisory space.
What Makes This Opportunity Different
Direct Partner Track within 3–5 years for the right candidate
Opportunity to build and lead a practice area — and put your name on it
Work directly with high-net-worth clients, business owners, and family offices
A platform for thought leadership: speaking engagements, professional associations, and community visibility
Less bureaucracy and more autonomy than a traditional Big Four or national firm
Entrepreneurial culture with strong peer collaboration and leadership influence
The Role
As Tax Director, you will serve as a senior technical leader and firm ambassador. Your days will be split between advising complex clients, developing new relationships, and mentoring the next generation of tax professionals. You will report directly to firm Partners and play a meaningful role in strategic direction.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership
Provide advanced tax planning and advisory services to high-net-worth individuals, closely held businesses, and family offices
Review complex returns across individual, corporate, partnership, fiduciary, and multi-state engagements
Guide clients through sophisticated tax strategies including entity structuring, estate and gift planning, and transaction advisory
Business Development & Community Engagement
Develop and maintain referral relationships with attorneys, wealth managers, financial advisors, and family office professionals
Represent the firm through public speaking, professional association participation, and networking events
Contribute to thought leadership through articles, presentations, and community visibility
Identify and pursue opportunities to expand the firm's client base and advisory platform
Client Relationship Management
Serve as primary trusted advisor to key client relationships
Collaborate cross-functionally with attorneys, financial advisors, and family office teams
Deliver proactive, high-touch client service with a focus on long-term relationships
Leadership & People Development
Lead, mentor, and develop tax managers, seniors, and staff
Provide technical training, guidance, and quality oversight across engagements
Contribute to a culture of excellence, accountability, and professional growth
Strategic Contribution
Partner with firm leadership on growth strategy and practice development
Help shape the firm's tax advisory platform and service offerings
Participate in partnership-level conversations as you build toward the Partner track
You Are a Great Fit If...
You are a technically excellent CPA who also loves being in the room — with clients, at events, and in the community
You have a track record of building trusted advisor relationships, not just managing engagements
You are energized by the idea of growing a practice and becoming a recognized leader in your market
You want the autonomy and upside of an entrepreneurial environment without starting from scratch
You are a natural communicator and presenter who is comfortable on stage or in a boardroom
Qualifications
Active CPA license required
10+ years of public accounting experience, with significant time in tax advisory
Director or Senior Manager experience preferred
Strong technical background in tax planning for high-net-worth individuals and closely held businesses
Demonstrated business development activity or strong interest in expanding in this area
Experience with multi-state, fiduciary, partnership, and/or estate and gift taxation a plus
Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required; Master's in Taxation a plus
Compensation & Benefits
Base salary: $280,000+, commensurate with experience (posted in compliance with California SB 1162)
Performance-based incentive compensation
Partnership track within 3–5 years
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
Retirement plan with employer contribution
Paid time off, paid holidays, and California Paid Sick Leave
Flexible and hybrid work arrangements
Equal Opportunity Employer
Thoerner & Toma is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law, including the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations in accordance with California law.
This position is not eligible for sponsorship and we do not sponsor applicants for work visas.
The salary range listed reflects the genuine, good-faith compensation range for this role in compliance with California's pay transparency requirements (SB 1162). Final compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and geographic location.
Requirements
Qualifications
- Active CPA license required
- 10+ years of public accounting experience, with significant time in tax advisory
- Director or Senior Manager experience preferred
- Strong technical background in tax planning for high-net-worth individuals and closely held businesses
- Demonstrated business development activity or strong interest in expanding in this area
- Experience with multi-state, fiduciary, partnership, and/or estate and gift taxation a plus
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required; Master's in Taxation a plus
