Senior Tax Advisor

Location: Seattle, WA

About the Role

This is a representative list of the general duties the position may be asked to perform and is not intended to be all-inclusive.

Responsibilities

• Tax Functions
  • Provide ongoing advice and counsel in developing and implementing the company’s tax functions
  • Provide day-to-day leadership and management that reflects the mission and core values of the company
  • Act as a ‘client-care officer’ through direct contact with client services and our clients regarding tax matters
  • Foster a team-oriented culture of intellectual curiosity, analytical rigor, creativity, respect, and collaboration
  • Assist in the education and training of client service teams regarding various tax and estate planning matters
  • Provide oversight of distributing fiduciary accounts to ensure adverse tax consequences do not occur
  • Alert President, Trust Services, and General Counsel of areas of potential risk to the firm
• Tax Processing Functions
  • Review, sign, and process outsourced trust tax returns
  • Process requests for payment
  • Act as lead analyst on quarterly tax reports for RIA clients
  • Prepare and maintain cost basis calculations for closely held stocks (trusts only; outsource others to 1040 CPA)
  • Review fiduciary quarterly estimated tax payments and provide a list to the client service team to comment on and raise cash, if necessary
  • Monitor electronic filings and process tax payments
  • Calculate and pay monthly, prepare and file annual returns for the non-resident alien tax, regular back-up, and IRA tax withholding payments
  • Submit tax runs to outsourced vendors and act as a liaison with those vendors
  • Take ownership in improving and applying firm-wide quality control procedures
  • Remain current on effective use of technology in processing client transactions
  • Generate reports as requested
  • Conduct research and prepare coherent presentations of analysis and research
  • Respond to tax notices relating to trust
  • Calculate and/or review unitrust amount
• Client Service
  • Meet with clients as needed to discuss tax, trusts, and estate planning as requested by client services
  • Be proactive in anticipating client needs and identifying issues requiring legal counsel
  • Provide clear advice to the Trust Resource Group team and to client service for other clients
  • Maintain strong communications skills to facilitate meetings with clients
• Business Development
  • Continue and develop firm relationships with estate planning and tax practitioners in relevant markets
  • Meet and work with new prospective clients interested in wealth management or trust services
  • Develop potential new client opportunities by participating in professional and community activities
  • Serve as an ambassador for the firm in the community
  • Participate in opportunities to showcase LNW Advisors including speaking engagements, white papers, and interviews
• Personal Development
  • Maintain continuing education for professional designations

Duties and responsibilities will increase and vary based on the needs of the business.

Requirements

• Minimum of ten years of comprehensive experience, with trust and estate knowledge/experience, in a complex organization
• Four-year college degree
• Professional designation, such as JD or CPA

Skills

• Strong leadership ability, including the ability to manage without authority
• Strong experience and skills in tax and estate planning
• Strong strategic vision and creativity demonstrating excellent business acumen, professional judgment, and understanding of company issues
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Skilled business leader/practitioner; capable of inspiring and developing others
• A desire and the ability to work in a collaborative team environment that seeks the success of the team rather than the individual
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• High ethical standards and the ability to place the clients’ needs before one’s own
• Experience in handling sensitive and confidential subject matter

Candidates must meet all employment qualifications in force at the time of hiring, including successful passing of background and credit checks and any pre-employment examinations, and signing of all employee agreements. Candidates must be able to perform the essential functions, duties, and responsibilities set forth in a consistent and efficient manner.

Pay

The salary range for this position starts at $235,000 to $250,000 for those who meet all qualifications, depending on location and experience. The salary range applies to the current posting and may change in the future. The posted salary range may vary for key factors including, but not limited to, education, job-related knowledge, experience, skill set, and geographic location. We provide a competitive salary commensurate with your experience and skills and offer an annual bonus based on company and individual performance.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Generous time off, including a sabbatical program after 10 years
• Flexible spending plans for health care, transportation, and dependent care
• 401(k) plan
• Educational reimbursements

Schedule

We take a hybrid in-office/remote working approach.

About Us

Laird Norton Wetherby (LNW) serves exceptional families and individuals seeking to activate the full potential of their wealth. To help turn lifelong ambitions and multigenerational aspirations into reality, LNW brings to each client relationship a high level of care combined with deep expertise in wealth and legacy planning, investments, and trust and estate services. Offering both RIA (Registered Investment Advisor) and trust services, LNW is committed to providing clients with unbiased, independent guidance and solutions. LNW has offices in Seattle, San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia, as well as an affiliated trust company in South Dakota, empowering clients across the U.S. and around the world. LNW is owned by employees and majority owned by Laird Norton Company, one of the longest-sustained family enterprises in the United States.