Senior Tax Accountant

Join the Cerity Partners Encino team! We are a sophisticated accounting and advisory practice specializing in serving high-net-worth individuals and their business enterprises, with particular depth in the real estate industry. This is a fully remote opportunity that can be based anywhere in the US. If you are near the Encino office, hybrid schedule is preferred.

Position Summary:
We are seeking a CPA with at least 7–10 years of public accounting experience from a respected mid-to-large local or regional firm to join our growing practice. A concentration in real estate and complex partnership taxation is required. This is a growth opportunity and not a replacement position.
The ideal candidate has significant experience serving high-net-worth individuals, real estate owners, family offices, closely held businesses, trusts and complex partnership structures. This role involves substantially more than tax compliance. Our professionals work proactively with clients and their advisors throughout the year on tax planning, consulting projects, transaction structuring and solving sophisticated issues before they become problems.

You will review and adjust client-prepared accounting, primarily prepare and work into reviewing complex partnership, S corporation, C corporation and individual tax returns, interact directly with clients and advisors, and assist partners with planning and strategic projects. Most of our clients have multiple entities and substantial complexity and employ in-house accounting personnel, including bookkeepers, controllers and CFOs. We do not provide bookkeeping or outsourced controllership services.  In addition we need you to be able to assist in the preparation of compiled and reviewed financial statements.

About us:

Cerity Partners Tax, Accounting & Advisory Services is a highly sophisticated CPA and advisory practice serving high-net-worth individuals, multi-generational families, real estate investors, entrepreneurs, family offices, and closely held businesses.

Our clients expect a high-touch experience and proactive advice. We emphasize planning and strategy—not simply preparing tax returns after the fact. We have been highly successful in attracting and retaining exceptional professionals because of the sophistication of our work, our flexible work environment and our firm culture.

We maintain a two-level review process designed to ensure exceptional technical quality and client service. We also make a significant investment in training and professional development. All staff members are assigned a mentor ("buddy") and participate in regular monthly check-ins with principals and partners to support ongoing development, communication and career growth.

PRACTICE AREAS:
• Tax planning and compliance
• Real estate advisory services
• Trust and estate planning
• Multi-generational wealth transfer strategies
• Family office services
• Business management and consulting
• Accounting and assurance services

About You:

You are committed to public accounting and have a reputation for integrity, professionalism, responsiveness and sound judgment. You are a team player who works effectively with clients, colleagues and administrative team members and understand that collaboration is critical to delivering exceptional client service.

You are proactive rather than reactive and seek solutions rather than simply identifying problems. You possess excellent written and verbal communication skills and are able to organize, prioritize and manage multiple client engagements while consistently meeting deadlines and exceeding expectations.

You embrace technology and continuously seek efficiencies, including leveraging AI tools and workflow technology to improve quality, productivity and client service. You are self-directed, highly organized and take ownership of your responsibilities and client relationships.

Why join us?

• True work-life balance: Flexible PTO policy that you can actually use
• Remote flexibility without sacrificing collaboration or career growth
• Longevity matters here: Our team includes partners and principals with decades of tenure—people stay because they love the work and the culture
• Deep client relationships: Work with the same clients year after year, not transactional engagements

Primary Responsibilities 

• Prepare and review complex Partnership, S Corporation, Individual, Trust and Estate returns
• Prepare and adjust from client trial balances and books and records complied and reviewed financial statements
• Participate in proactive tax planning throughout the year
• Coordinate with attorneys, wealth advisors and outside advisors
• Perform tax research and prepare written analyses
• Assist with tax controversy examinations and notices
• Maintain direct client relationships and communicate with clients throughout the year
• Identify planning opportunities and proactively bring ideas to clients and partners
• Participate in special projects involving transactions, restructurings and consulting matters
• Assist with training and developing staff
• Mentor and develop junior staff
• Support workflow and AI initiatives

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field.  Strong knowledge of accounting is required.
• Active CPA license
• Minimum 7–10 years public accounting experience
• Strong experience with 704(b), 704(c), 754, 1031, 163(j), 199A, trusts and estate taxation, pass-through entities and multi-state issues preferred
• Significant complex partnership and real estate tax, and high-net-worth experience required
• Experience with Lacerte, CCH Workstream, SafeSend, Laserfiche, CCH workstream, QuickBooks and Office 365 preferred
• During peak tax seasons there is an expectation of 50-55 hours per week
• Full time remote is available.  If you live close to the office some time in the office preferred

Compensation Range:

• Salary is commensurate with experience and range is 150-180k base salary
• You will be paid a bonus twice a year based on productivity, contributions to the firm and overall performance.

Why Cerity Partners:

At Cerity Partners, you're not just joining a firm—you're joining an industry leader. Of those surveyed, 98% of our colleagues believe will continue leading for years to come. When nearly everyone believes in where we're headed, you know you're in the right place. We set ourselves apart with a commitment to developing our teams with leadership development and cutting-edge learning platforms.

Our people drive our success by working together to deliver exceptional service to our clients. Below is a glimpse of the key elements of our total rewards package:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance – day 1!
• 401(k) savings and investment plan options with 4% match
• Flexible PTO policy
• Parental Leave
• Financial assistance for advanced education and professional designations
• Opportunity to give back time to local communities
• Commuter benefits

Cerity Partners is committed to providing an environment where all individuals can be their authentic selves. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer who respects each individual and supports the diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences of our colleagues. We are dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate based on race, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law. 

Cerity Partners is committed to working with and providing accommodations to applicants with disabilities or special needs. For those needing accommodations, please reach out to careers@ceritypartners.com. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.