Tax Principal - Real Estate

Tax Principal (Non‑Equity Partner) – Real Estate Specialty Encino, Los Angeles, CA | Open to Remote A highly respected public accounting firm serving UHNW/HNW individuals and sophisticated real estate investors is seeking a Tax Principal (Non‑Equity Partner) to step into a critical leadership role within its real estate tax practice. This opening is driven by a planned Partner retirement in June, creating a clear, near‑term succession opportunity for a technically elite tax professional. This role is deeply technical and execution‑focused. The firm is specifically seeking someone who thrives in complex tax preparation and intensive review, not someone removed from the work. The Tax Principal will be directly responsible for overseeing—and personally reviewing—highly complex real estate, partnership, trust, and individual returns. The firm completes 3,000+ returns annually and operates in a collaborative, high‑accountability environment. While remote flexibility exists, success in this role requires strong communication skills and a willingness to stay closely involved with both the work and the team. Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Defined path to Equity Partner tied to an upcoming Partner retirement
• True leadership seat within a highly specialized real estate tax practice
• Role requires deep technical prep and review, not just client oversight
• Stable firm with low turnover and a strong, collaborative culture
• Competitive compensation with structured equity vesting

The Role: Technical Leadership & Heavy Review This is a hands‑on Tax Principal role requiring advanced technical judgment and comfort reviewing highly complicated returns. The right candidate will be relied upon as the final technical authority on complex matters. You will:

• Lead technical review of complex real estate and partnership returns
• Serve as the go‑to expert for difficult tax positions and structuring issues
• Support and mentor senior managers and managers on high‑level prep and review
• Work directly with UHNW/HNW clients on complex tax matters and controversy issues
• Play an integral role in succession planning and long‑term practice leadership

Core Technical Requirements Real Estate & Partnership Tax (Advanced)

• Complex partnership return review
• 1031 exchanges
• Debt‑financed distributions
• IRC §163(j) interest limitation
• Multi‑state partnership filings
• Cost segregation studies
• Step‑ups in basis and transactional structuring

Trust, Estate & High‑Net‑Worth Planning

• Form 706 (estate tax returns)
• Form 709 (gift tax returns)
• Interaction between estate planning and real estate holdings

Individual Tax (Complex 1040s)

• UHNW individual returns with layered partnership, trust, and real estate income
• Reviewing returns with significant K‑1 activity and multi‑state exposure

Tax Controversy

• IRS and state notices
• Audit support and resolution
• Technical responses and representation

Candidate Profile

• 10+ years of public accounting tax experience
• Demonstrated depth in real estate and partnership taxation
• Proven ability to review highly complex returns independently
• Comfortable being hands‑on with prep and review when needed
• Stable career history with progressive responsibility
• Collaborative leadership style; effective with partially remote teams
• Southern California presence preferred, but strong remote candidates encouraged

Compensation & Vesting

• Base Salary: $400,000 – $450,000
• Bonus: Discretionary, paid twice annually (May & January)
• Bonus structure discussed transparently during interviews
• Equity Vesting: 3‑year schedule (fully vested at 3 years)

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