Family Office Tax Director | Chicago area
Well-capitalized and diversified family of companies based in the Chicago area, is seeking a Family Office Tax Director. This role will oversee all aspects of tax compliance and planning for the Family Office, which manages investments across real estate development, property management, operating businesses, and significant family-held financial assets. The position requires expertise in ultra-high net worth individual, corporate ("C" & "S"), partnership, tax-exempt, fiduciary, state and local, and estate and gift tax planning and compliance.
The Family Office Tax Director will provide both strategic direction and hands-on execution, while managing internal staff and coordinating with outside advisors, including attorneys, accountants, and consultants. Working closely with the Family Office General Counsel, CFO, Controller, and Company Ownership, this leader will play a key role in ensuring effective tax strategies and compliance across enterprises and the family's investments.
Responsibilities:
Foster a positive, collaborative, and high-performing culture across the Family Office
Partner with Company Ownership to establish strategic goals and ensure their successful execution
Recruit, develop, and retain top-performing personnel in collaboration with the HR team
Monitor, update, and enhance tax policies and procedures to drive efficiency, compliance, and overall performance
Oversee outside tax advisors on specialized matters such as Tax-Free Exchanges, Opportunity Zones, Tax Credits, Foreign Tax, SALT, and other complex areas, with a focus on strategic direction, execution, and cost management
Support multi-generational estate and gift tax planning in collaboration with the Family Office General Counsel and external estate planning counsel
Coordinate tax efficiency efforts across the Family Office, including evaluating after-tax investment returns, budgeting for estimated tax payments, and partnering with the CFO and outside financial advisors
Work closely with the General Counsel and external tax advisors to align and optimize tax planning strategies
Coordinate with the IT Director to advance technology adoption, improve reporting capabilities, and ensure the confidentiality and security of sensitive data
Lead and coordinate internal teams and external partners to achieve Family Office initiatives and objectives
Requirements:
Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in Tax, Accounting, Finance, or Real Estate preferred
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation highly preferred
10+ years of experience working with entrepreneurial, closely held enterprises or Family Offices
2+ years of experience in a leadership role within a CPA firm, Family Office, or closely held business
Extensive real estate tax expertise, including acquisitions, dispositions, development, property management, and ownership structuring across diverse property types
Broad-based business tax experience across multiple industries
Proficiency with Microsoft Dynamics GP and Lacerte Tax strongly preferred
Strong skills in Microsoft Office Suite, with advanced proficiency in Excel
Knowledge of foreign income disclosure and reporting a plus
Family Office experience preferred, with proven adaptability and ability to balance shifting projects and priorities
Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and ability to quickly master new initiatives
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with a team-oriented approach
Excellent analytical skills with keen attention to detail
Strong organizational and time management abilities with proven success meeting deadlines
The compensation for this role includes a base salary between $125,000-$175,000, along with a discretionary annual performance bonus. In addition, the position offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous paid time off; health, dental, and vision insurance with tax-advantaged FSA and HSA account options; retirement benefits with a 401(k) plan and attractive employer match; and parental leave for both primary and secondary caregivers. Additional benefits include short- and long-term disability coverage, basic life and AD&D insurance with elective supplemental coverage for you, your spouse, or children, as well as mental wellness resources such as a Headspace subscription and access to the Employee Assistance Program.
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