Job Description
Senior Tax Planning Advisor -
CPA Summary:
The Senior Tax Planning Advisor - CPA is a key member of the Financial Planning Team and is responsible for delivering proactive, client‑specific tax planning strategies for high‑net‑worth individuals and families. While this role requires strong experience in individual tax return preparation, the primary focus is tax planning, analysis, and strategy development, not tax compliance or tax return production. This individual will analyze a client's full financial picture and collaborate with Financial Advisors, clients, and client CPAs to identify tax‑efficient opportunities aligned with the client's goals. The ideal candidate is a CPA who can translate complex tax concepts into clear, actionable recommendations and communicate them effectively—both verbally and in writing—to clients and advisors. Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Tax Planning & Analysis Analyze client tax situations, including income, investments, retirement plans, equity compensation, business interests, and estate considerations. Develop individualized, forward‑looking tax planning strategies, such as: Income and deduction timing strategies Retirement distribution and Roth conversion planning Capital gains and loss harvesting strategies Charitable giving strategies (DAFs, QCDs, etc.) Tax‑efficient investment and asset location planning Evaluate the tax impact of financial planning recommendations and investment decisions. Stay current on tax law changes and proactively identify planning opportunities for clients. Partner with the Planning Team and others across the firm to develop and communicate planning strategies and support the field. Primary contact with vendors that provide tax planning tools and resources. Provide support to Financial Advisors using Tax Planning Tools. Advisor & Client Collaboration Participate in client meetings alongside Financial Advisors to explain tax strategies and planning concepts. Collaborate with advisors, clients, and their CPAs to discuss and evaluate possible planning opportunities, ensure alignment, and implement strategies. Serve as an internal tax resource for Financial Advisors, helping them identify and frame tax planning opportunities for clients. Provide written summaries and follow‑up communications to document planning opportunities. Communication & Education Translate complex tax concepts into understandable summaries that advisors and clients can use. Communicate tax planning ideas and opportunities through blogs, white papers, webinars, etc. Assist in developing internal tools, templates, or educational materials related to tax planning best practices. Analytics and Reporting Develop and monitor key performance metrics including advisor and client engagement, planning tool usage, business generated, measure the effectiveness of communications, etc. Prepare and maintain summary reports for executive leadership on impact and opportunities. Qualifications:
Strong technical knowledge of individual taxation Demonstrated experience or strong interest in tax planning, not solely tax compliance Excellent written and verbal communication skills Ability to analyze complex financial situations and identify tax‑efficient solutions Strong problem‑solving, critical thinking, and opportunity‑seeking mindset Experience working with or alongside financial advisors or wealth management firms Exposure to investment‑related tax issues (capital gains, asset location, tax‑efficient investing) Experience collaborating with external CPAs and professional partners Comfort presenting in client meetings and advisor‑led discussions Client‑focused and solutions‑oriented Collaborative and relationship‑driven Highly organized with strong attention to detail Comfortable balancing technical depth with practical recommendations A deep alignment with the Golden Rule and a commitment to high-integrity, high-character leadership. Education and/or Work Experience :
Working Experience Required:
10+ years of related work experience and at least 5+ years of preparing individual tax returns (Form 1040), preferably including high‑net‑worth individuals Minimum Education Required:
Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or related field (Master's in Taxation a plus) CPA designation required Licenses/Registration:
Minimum Required:
Series 7 and 63 preferred or the ability to attain within the first 12 months Work Environment:
This position requires the ability to work in a stationary position for several hours at a time and the ability to lift up to 25 pounds, occasionally. Some filing is required. The work environment is an air-conditioned, smoke-free, office environment. This position routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers and filing cabinets. About Benjamin F. Edwards If you are interested in joining a different kind of firm that truly puts the interests of its advisors and clients first, you have come to the right place. Founded in 2008 and serving more than 300 advisors with over $50 billion in assets, Edwards has the scale our advisors expect and the ability to deliver the personal touch and concierge-level service our clients deserve. We are a firm that values our legacy of family and colleagues and cherishes an environment where all succeed through collaborative support. To us, legacy is not only about the past - it is building an experience that prepares all of us, and our clients, for the future. We invest in our team and recognize and appreciate the value of hard work. The rewards of the job are founded in the difference you will make in the lives of our clients and extend throughout a culture that inspires you to learn, grow, and be your best. Having fun is part of the firm's mission statement. We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes health, dental, vision, 401(k), life insurance, disability, and paid time off. Our client-first mission is grounded in the Golden Rule; when you join Benjamin F. Edwards you are well cared for, and we welcome all applicants with the skills, experience, and enthusiasm to do a great job regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Benjamin F. Edwards is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Benefits:
401(k) 401(k) matching AD&D insurance Dental insurance Dependent health insurance coverage Disability insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Parental leave Profit sharing Vision insurance Work Location:
In person