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Tax Managing Director, Private Client Services

BDO USA, Chicago, IL, United States


JOB DESCRIPTION

Private Client Services at BDO is a boutique practice within our firm, serving high‑net‑worth individuals, families, family offices, C‑Suite executives, athletes, entertainers, and others with complex tax and financial structures. The practice provides comprehensive estate, income, gift, and trust tax consulting and compliance; charitable giving and philanthropic foundations; executive compensation; and cash‑flow, retirement, and life insurance planning.

Job Summary

A Tax Managing Director, Private Client Services (PCS) leads highly complex tax and consulting engagements for our high‑net‑worth clients. Critical to the office/region leadership team, this role combines education, experience, and strong communication, time‑management, leadership, and technical skills to deliver expert tax compliance and advisory services.

Responsibilities

  • Lead tax and consulting engagements, training team members to identify client needs, tax planning, and consulting opportunities.
  • Serve as the primary client contact for preparation, presentation, and resolution of issues.
  • Review complex individual, trust, estate, S‑Corp, foundation, partnership, and gift tax returns, providing written and verbal feedback.
  • Maintain communication with government agencies on high‑complexity matters.
  • Identify technical issues, conduct advanced tax research, and develop sound recommendations for PCS leadership, clients, and advisors.
  • Expand in‑depth tax knowledge through client engagements and current tax developments.
  • Prioritize and review work to keep engagements on schedule.
  • Apply strong analytical, research, critical thinking, and decision‑making skills to support client needs.
  • Assist with PCS/firm contribution responsibilities, including billing, recruiting, attendance, and participation in CPE activities and training.
  • Build new relationships and maintain existing relationships with BDO professionals and external sources.

Supervisory Responsibilities

  • Supervise associates, senior associates, and managers as needed.
  • Review work prepared by associates and senior associates, providing review comments.
  • Act as a career advisor to associates, senior associates, and managers.
  • Schedule and manage the workload of associates, senior associates, and managers.
  • Provide verbal and written performance feedback.

Education & Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree required; major in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Statistics preferred.
  • Master’s degree in Accountancy or Taxation preferred.

Experience

  • Ten (10) or more years of experience in accounting, finance, or law required.
  • Expertise in private client services required.
  • Prior supervisory experience required.
  • Experience in public accounting preferred.

License / Certifications

  • Certified Public Accountant credential, IRS Enrolled Agent (EA) credential, Attorney (U.S. jurisdiction), or equivalent required.
  • Additional professional degrees or certifications applicable to the role preferred.

Software

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Adobe Acrobat.
  • Experience with tax compliance process software (GoSystems, BNA Tax Planner, GoFileRoom, SurePrep) preferred.
  • Experience with tax research tools (BNA Portfolio, CCH IntelliConnect, Checkpoint, Lexis N*is) preferred.

Other Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

  • Initiative
    • Owns career and technical development, actively pursuing projects to fill knowledge gaps.
    • Takes joint responsibility for the success of the practice.
  • Communication
    • Expresses ideas clearly verbally and in writing, synthesizing complex thoughts into concise narratives.
    • Communicates status to clients per desired frequency; resolves client service issues promptly.
  • Leadership
    • Manages key performance indicators (KPIs) as established for the practice.
    • Acts as part of the leadership group, involved in recruitment, training, scheduling, and retention.
  • Technical Skills
    • Develops deep technical and practical expertise for high‑net‑worth clients.
    • Provides expert tax advice, recommending alternative compliance methods.
    • Introduces and develops ideas to improve client, firm, or personnel outcomes.
  • Business Development
    • Develops a network of key decision makers and referral sources.
    • Seizes new professional contact opportunities, networking beyond BDO.
  • People Development
    • Supervises, develops, and trains employees.
    • Acts as a career advisor, meeting regularly to set goals and provide holistic feedback.
    • Coaches for career growth and performance improvement.

Salary Ranges

California: $215,000 - $270,000 | Colorado: $170,000 - $225,000 | Illinois: $175,000 - $250,000 | Maryland: $185,000 - $260,000 | Massachusetts: $215,000 - $300,000 | Minnesota: $170,000 - $250,000 | New Jersey: $190,000 - $350,000 | NYC/Long Island/Westchester: $230,000 - $350,000 | Washington: $180,000 - $240,000 | Washington DC: $190,000 - $300,000

About Us

Join BDO, where you’ll find more than a career—you’ll find impact, value, and growth opportunities. Our culture centers on meaningful connections, curiosity, and authenticity, all while making a positive difference. BDO’s purpose of helping people thrive is at the heart of everything we do, focusing on exceptional, sustainable outcomes for our people, clients, and communities. As an ESOP company, BDO shares its financial success with U.S. team members, offering a comprehensive Total Rewards package.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. BDO USA, P.A. is an equal opportunity employer.

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