Director - Trust & Estate - Cranford, New Jersey, , United States

About PKF O'Connor Davies · PKF O'Connor Davies is a top-ranked accounting, tax, and advisory firm with offices across the U.S. and internationally through our PKF global network. For over a century, we have built our reputation on deep industry expertise, a personalized approach ...

Job description

About PKF O'Connor Davies

PKF O'Connor Davies is a top-ranked accounting, tax, and advisory firm with offices across the U.S. and internationally through our PKF global network. For over a century, we have built our reputation on deep industry expertise, a personalized approach, and a commitment to delivering real value to our clients.

Our mission is to provide exceptional service while fostering long-term relationships built on trust and integrity. We serve a diverse client base across industries and sectors, helping organizations and individuals navigate complex challenges with confidence.

At PKF O'Connor Davies, culture is at the heart of who we are. We believe our team members are our greatest asset, and we invest in their growth and success through mentorship, professional development, and continuous learning opportunities. Our goal is to foster a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued, innovation is encouraged, and team members can make an impact. We are also committed to supporting work–life balance, offering flexibility and resources to help our team members grow their careers while maintaining fulfilling personal lives.

If you are looking for a career where you can grow, contribute, and be part of a firm that values both excellence and community, PKF O'Connor Davies is the place for you

We are seeking a Tax Director to join our growing Trust & Estate practice. This role provides technical leadership, client advisory services, and oversight of complex fiduciary, estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax matters for high-net-worth individuals and families. The Director partners closely with firm leadership, attorneys, wealth advisors, and clients to deliver strategic planning and ensure compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Client Advisory & Technical Leadership

• Serve as a trusted advisor to high-net-worth individuals, families, trustees, and executors
• Provide advanced estate, gift, trust, and wealth transfer planning, including GRATs, IDGTs, SLATs, charitable planning, and succession strategies
• Advise on fiduciary income tax planning and compliance (Forms 1041, 706, 709)
• Interpret and apply federal, state, and local tax laws related to trusts and estates
• Review complex tax returns and planning deliverables to ensure technical accuracy

Practice Leadership & Growth

• Lead and develop the Trust & Estate practice, including identifying growth opportunities and expanding service offerings
• Participate in business development efforts, including proposal development, client presentations, and relationship building
• Collaborate with Partners to support cross-selling opportunities within the firm
• Stay current on legislative and regulatory changes impacting trusts and estates and communicate implications to clients and internal teams

Team Leadership & Development

• Mentor and develop staff and managers; provide technical guidance and performance feedback
• Oversee engagement planning, staffing, budgeting, and deadline management
• Promote knowledge sharing and best practices within the group

Collaboration

• Work closely with attorneys, investment advisors, family offices, and internal tax teams
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary client solutions across tax, audit, advisory, and wealth services

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting from an accredited college/university required
• Active CPA license or EA certification required
• MST, JD, or LLM in Taxation a plus
• 10+ years of progressive experience in public accounting with a strong focus on Trust & Estate taxation
• Deep technical knowledge of fiduciary income, estate, gift, and GST taxation
• Proven experience advising high-net-worth individuals and complex family structures
• Proficient with MS Office Suite and tax research platforms (e.g., CCH, BNA, RIA). Knowledge of ProSystems FX preferred
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and mentor team members
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with executive presence
• Performing, documenting, summarizing, and reviewing research conclusions regarding specific tax issues
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and contribute to firm growth

Compensation & Benefits:

The compensation for this position ranges from $100,000 - $150,000. Actual compensation will be dependent upon the specific role, office location as well as the individual's qualifications, experience, skills, and certifications.

At PKFOD, we value our team members and are committed to their success and well-being. As part of our comprehensive benefits and compensation package, we offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision plans
• Basic Life, AD&D, and Voluntary Life Insurance
• 401(k) plan and Profit-Sharing program
• Flexible Spending & Health Saving accounts
• Employee Assistance, Wellness, and Work-life programs
• Commuter & Parking benefits programs
• Inclusive Parental Leave Benefits
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Firm Holidays
• Community & Volunteering programs
• Recognition & Rewards programs
• Training & Certification programs
• Discretionary Performance Bonus

*Eligibility for benefits is determined based on position, hours worked, and other criteria. Specific details will be provided during the hiring process.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. We are unable to provide visa sponsorship now or in the future.

PKFOD is an equal opportunity employer. The Firm is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all persons in connection with hiring, assignment, promotion, compensation or other conditions of the employment relationship regardless of race, color, age, sex, marital status, disability, pregnancy, citizenship, philosophy/religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, political affiliation or belief, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.

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