UHY

Tax, advisory, and corporate finance experts

Tax Principal - Estate, Gift & Trust

Tax AccountingConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeFarmington Hills, MI, USANo salary listedIn-person

About the Job

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field is required.
At least 10 years of relevant experience is required.
At least 8 years of progressive tax leadership experience in a certified public accounting firm or related professional service environment is required.
Possession of professional certification such as Certified Public Accountant, Enrolled Agent, Master of Laws, Certified Financial Planner, Master of Science in Taxation, or Juris Doctor is required.
Complete the minimum continuing professional education credit requirement.
Specific positions may require additional industry or specialization certifications.
Proficiency with Axcess Tax, Axcess Document, Axcess Workstream, Thomson Reuters Fixed Assets CS, and Checkpoint for Tax Research is required.
The role requires frequent and unpredictable travel depending on client needs.
The role requires the ability to sit at a desk and work in front of a computer screen for prolonged periods.
The role requires the ability to lift up to 15 pounds at a time.

Responsibilities

Lead the preparation and review of complex estate, gift, and trust tax returns, including Forms 706, 709, and 1041, for high-net-worth individuals, families, and trusts.
Ensure the accuracy and compliance of tax filings with federal, state, and local tax regulations while identifying and addressing complex tax issues.
Provide expert consultation on complex estate, gift, and trust tax matters for internal teams and clients.
Lead the development of advanced estate and gift tax strategies to minimize tax liabilities and optimize wealth transfer to future generations.
Work with clients, attorneys, financial advisors, and other stakeholders to design, implement, and monitor comprehensive estate plans.
Deliver personalized advisory services focused on long-term financial goals, tax minimization, and family wealth preservation.
Cultivate and maintain trusted client relationships as the principal contact for estate, gift, and trust matters.
Identify and address clients' evolving needs by offering new solutions and services as circumstances change.
Lead business development efforts within the estate and trust practice by attracting new clients and expanding services for existing clients.
Provide leadership and strategic direction to the estate, gift, and trust team in alignment with firm goals and client service standards.
Mentor and develop junior staff and managers and support the growth of future firm leaders.
Participate in firm-wide initiatives and collaborate with other departments.
Maintain expertise in estate, gift, and trust tax laws, regulations, and industry best practices.
Conduct advanced research on technical tax issues and provide leadership on complex matters requiring sophisticated solutions.
Monitor legislative changes and tax-industry trends to provide current and strategic client advice.
Oversee optimization of estate, gift, and trust tax compliance processes for efficient, high-quality service delivery.
Drive departmental innovation by exploring technologies, tools, and methodologies that improve client service and streamline operations.
Supervise subordinate staff.

Desired Qualifications

An advanced master's degree or additional relevant certifications is preferred.

JOB SUMMARY

As an Estate, Gift, and Trust Principal, you will play a key leadership role in overseeing the firm’s estate, gift, and trust practice, managing its most complex and high-value client engagements, and guiding the strategic direction of the department. You will serve as the primary advisor for high-net-worth individuals, families, and their teams of advisors, providing comprehensive tax planning, compliance, and wealth management services. This senior-level position combines technical expertise, client relationship management, and firm leadership to drive exceptional outcomes for both clients and the firm.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Description

Strategic Tax Compliance and Oversight:

Lead the preparation and review of complex estate, gift, and trust tax returns (Forms 706, 709, and 1041) for high-net-worth individuals, families, and trusts
Ensure the accuracy and compliance of all tax filings with federal, state, and local tax regulations, while identifying and addressing complex tax issues
Provide expert consultation on complex estate, gift, and trust tax matters, serving as the go-to resource for internal teams and clients

Comprehensive Tax Planning and Advisory Services:

Lead the development of advanced estate and gift tax strategies to help clients minimize tax liabilities and optimize wealth transfer to future generations
Work closely with clients, their attorneys, financial advisors, and other stakeholders to design, implement, and monitor comprehensive estate plans
Deliver personalized advisory services, focusing on long-term financial goals, tax minimization, and family wealth preservation

Client Relationship Management and Business Development:

Cultivate and maintain deep, trusted relationships with clients, serving as the principal point of contact for all estate, gift, and trust-related matters
Proactively identify and address clients' evolving needs, offering new solutions and services as their circumstances change
Lead business development efforts within the estate and trust practice, driving growth by attracting new clients and expanding services to existing clients

Leadership and Firm Development:

Provide leadership and strategic direction to the estate, gift, and trust team, ensuring alignment with the firm’s goals and client service standards
Mentor and develop the next generation of leaders within the firm, supporting the growth and professional development of junior staff and managers
Contribute to the overall growth and success of the firm by participating in firm-wide initiatives and maintaining strong collaboration with other departments

Technical Expertise and Research Leadership:

Maintain a deep understanding of estate, gift, and trust tax laws, regulations, and industry best practices
Conduct advanced research on technical tax issues and provide leadership on complex matters requiring sophisticated solutions
Stay ahead of legislative changes and trends in the tax industry, ensuring clients benefit from the most current and strategic advice

Operational Excellence and Innovation:

Oversee the optimization of estate, gift, and trust tax compliance processes, ensuring efficiency and high-quality service delivery
Drive innovation within the department by exploring new technologies, tools, and methodologies that enhance client service and streamline operations

Supervisory responsibilities

Will supervise subordinate staff

Work environment

Work is conducted in a professional office environment with minimal distractions

Physical demands

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and performing work in front of a computer screen for long periods of time
Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time

Travel required

Travel may be frequent and unpredictable, depending on client’s needs

Required education and experience

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field
10+ years of relevant experience
8+ years of progressive tax leadership experience in a CPA firm or related professional service environment
Possession of professional certification(s) such as CPA, Enrolled Agent, LLM, CFP, MST, or Juris Doctor (JD)
Responsible for completing the minimum CPE credit requirement
Specific positions may require additional industry or specialization certifications
Software: Axcess Tax, Axcess Document, Axcess Workstream, Thomson Reuters Fixed Assets CS, Checkpoint for Tax Research

Preferred education and experience

Advanced degree (Master's) or additional relevant certifications

Other duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the colleague for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

WHO WE ARE

UHY is one of the nation’s largest professional services firms providing audit, tax, consulting and advisory services to clients primarily in the dynamic middle market. We are trailblazers who bring our experience from working within numerous industries to our clients so that we can provide them with a 360-degree view of their businesses. Together with our clients, UHY works collaboratively to develop flexible, innovative solutions that meet our clients’ business challenges. As an independent member of UHY International, we are proud to be a part of a top 20 international network of independent accounting and consulting firms.

WHAT WE OFFER

POSITIVE WORK ENVIRONMENT

Enjoy a collaborative and supportive work environment where teamwork is valued.

ATTRACTIVE COMPENSATION PACKAGES

Our compensation is competitive and tailored to reflect the role, qualifications, and expertise of each individual.

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFIT PACKAGE

Access comprehensive benefits including group health insurance, dental and vision coverage, 401(k) retirement plans, and generous paid time off (PTO) allowances.

UHY