Deputy Tax & Accounting Leader

About the role

Ardvark Tax Advisors is seeking a Deputy Tax & Accounting Leader to join our rapidly growing AI-native tax practice. This role will involve owning complex engagements, leading the practice's people, quality, and operating cadence, and integrating acquired firms.

Responsibilities

• Own client relationships on complex tax matters, including planning, compliance, and consulting
• Lead the preparation and review of complex returns for corporations, partnerships, individuals, trusts, and estates across federal, state, and local jurisdictions
• Deliver tax planning that goes beyond compliance; identify savings, restructure positions, and advise clients on the impact of legislative changes
• Stay current on legislative changes and preemptively translate them into specific, actionable guidance
• Ensure every return that leaves the practice meets the standard you'd put your own name on
• Lead, mentor, and develop managers and tax professionals across the practice
• Partner with the Head of Tax on performance evaluations that are specific and useful
• Help shape the direction of the practice while identifying opportunities to expand services with existing clients
• Monitor and manage tax risk for the practice and for clients
• Fix the entire process when the same issue keeps showing up across returns or clients
• Partner with technology, product, and the Head of Tax to translate tax delivery problems into practical platform improvements

Requirements

• An active CPA or EA credential
• 12+ years in public accounting or tax, with real depth in compliance, planning, and advisory across individuals, partnerships, and small-business entities
• Proven experience managing and developing tax professionals—not just assigning work, but building people
• Strong technical knowledge of federal, state, and local tax regulations, including complex returns and multi-entity planning
• Direct client relationship experience. You've managed a book of business, juggled competing deadlines, and kept clients informed
• Proficiency in professional tax software (UltraTax, Axcess Tax, Lacerte, or similar)

Preferred

• A Master's degree in Taxation, Business Administration, or a related field
• A track record of growing client relationships and expanding practice areas through business development
• Experience improving workflows, standardizing processes, or building quality systems in a tax delivery environment

Work Environment

Hybrid: Santa Cruz, Cupertino, or Pleasanton, CA. Extended hours during peak tax season and as needed to meet client deadlines. Occasional travel for client meetings or practice events.

California Salary Range

$170,000 - $220,000

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401(k) with match
• Basic Life
• LTD