Tax Director- Employee Benefits Group

About the role

We are seeking a Tax Director for our Employee Benefits Group who will participate in technical, strategic, and operational aspects of the firm’s employee benefits tax practice.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Employee Benefits tax practice, including service delivery, practice development, and talent development.
• Serve as the firm’s senior technical authority on:
  • Section 457 plans for tax‑exempt and governmental entities, including 457(b) and 457(f) plan design, taxation, and vesting rules.
  • Section 409A compliance for non‑qualified deferred compensation plans, including plan design, operational compliance, valuation requirements, and corrections.
  • Section 83(b) implications for restricted stock and equity awards, including election timing, tax consequences, and employer reporting obligations.
• Advise clients on the tax implications of executive compensation arrangements, equity incentives, severance programs, bonuses, and complex compensation packages.
• Provide guidance on qualified and non‑qualified retirement plans, welfare benefit plans, and fringe benefits.
• Deliver technical reviews of benefit plan documents, agreements, and tax filings.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for key clients, including middle‑market businesses, private equity–backed firms, and tax‑exempt organizations.
• Provide proactive recommendations to clients regarding compensation structuring, tax risk mitigation, and compliance strategies.
• Review and advise on compensation arrangements during corporate transactions, including M&A due diligence and integration.
• Provide guidance to colleagues and clients for reporting on benefit‑related tax filings, including:
  • Form W‑2 reporting of deferred compensation and equity awards
  • Section 409A reporting
  • Section 83(b) elections and employer recordkeeping
  • Section 457(b)/(f) plan reporting
• Ensure compliance with federal and state tax regulations as well as related DOL and ERISA reporting obligations.
• Mentor and develop professionals across the Employee Benefits Tax practice.
• Conduct internal training on emerging developments in executive compensation, Sections 409A/83(b)/457, and benefits taxation.
• Support recruitment and help build a high‑performing team with deep technical and client‑service capabilities.

Basic Qualifications

• CPA, JD, or LL.M. in Taxation is required.
• 10+ years of experience in employee benefits taxation, executive compensation, and deferred compensation planning.
• Deep expertise in Sections 409A, 83(b), and 457, including plan document review, tax, and operational compliance.
• Prior experience leading a tax group or serving in a senior technical role within a public accounting firm or law firm.
• Strong understanding of ERISA, payroll tax reporting rules, and benefit‑related reporting requirements.
• Exceptional communication skills and the ability to convey complex tax rules to non‑technical audiences.
• Demonstrated business development capability and experience managing client relationships.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• 280G and 162 (m) knowledge is a plus.