Demo

Fiduciary (Trust & Estates) CPA Tax Accountant

Apollonian Accounting, Inc.
Laguna Hills, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 11/6/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/4/2026

Position Overview

The Fiduciary (Trust & States) CPA Tax Accountant will be responsible for preparing and reviewing tax returns across a range of entities, with a focus on fiduciary, trust, estate, and partnership taxation. This position requires a strong understanding of federal, state, and local tax regulations and the ability to deliver accurate, timely, and strategic tax solutions to clients.


Educational Background

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
  • Master’s Degree in Taxation or related field preferred.
  • CPA License (Active) or Enrolled Agent Certification required.


Professional Experience

  • Minimum of 3–5 years of hands-on experience in tax accounting, fiduciary taxation, and trust administration within a public accounting or financial services firm.
  • Proven expertise in fiduciary (Form 1041), estate (706), partnership (1065), corporate (1120/1120S), and individual (1040) tax return preparation and review.
  • Experience managing high-net-worth clientstrusts, and family estates, including multi-generational wealth transfer planning and coordination with attorneys and financial advisors.
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze and prepare K-1s, 1099s, and related trust schedules with accuracy and compliance to IRS and state filing requirements.
  • Skilled in basis calculationscapital gains reconciliation, and distributions tracking for complex fiduciary accounts.
  • Prior experience representing clients before IRS and state taxing authorities, including responding to notices, compiling documentation, and drafting client position statements.
  • Adept at performing tax research on advanced topics such as grantor vs. non-grantor trusts, charitable remainder trusts (CRTs), and income allocation between entities and beneficiaries.
  • Comfortable coordinating with estate planning attorneys, financial planners, and investment advisors to align tax reporting with fiduciary objectives and long-term estate goals.
  • Experience preparing trust accounting reports, including allocation of principal and income, in accordance with the Uniform Principal and Income Act (UPIA).
  • Familiarity with multi-state fiduciary filings, estimated payment requirements, and apportionment rules for clients with diverse asset portfolios.
  • Strong track record of implementing tax workflow efficiencies, process improvements, and software optimizations (Lacerte, QuickBooks, Excel modeling) to reduce turnaround time.
  • Exposure to international tax matters involving foreign trusts, beneficiaries, and informational reporting (Form 3520/3520-A) a plus.
  • History of maintaining long-term professional relationships with clients through proactive communication, confidentiality, and consistent delivery of high-quality tax and advisory services.
  • Leadership experience preferred — mentoring junior accountants and reviewing staff-prepared returns for accuracy, completeness, and compliance.


Core Competencies

  • Technical Expertise: Advanced knowledge of fiduciary, trust, and estate taxation; familiarity with partnership and basis calculations.
  • Software Proficiency: Skilled in LacerteQuickBooks, and related tax software systems.
  • Analytical Skills: Strong ability to interpret complex tax regulations, analyze financial statements, and ensure compliance.
  • Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for client interaction and documentation.
  • Attention to Detail: Demonstrated ability to deliver accurate, audit-ready tax work.
  • Ethics & Confidentiality: Deep understanding of fiduciary duty and professional discretion in handling sensitive information.


Key Responsibilities

  • Prepare and Review Tax Returns: Fiduciary (Form 1041), Individual (1040), Corporate (1120/1120S), and Partnership (1065) returns.
  • Conduct Fiduciary and Trust Tax Accounting: Manage trust accounting records, distributions, and beneficiary reporting.
  • Research Complex Tax Matters: Identify issues and consult with senior tax advisors as needed for complex or unusual scenarios.
  • Client Communication: Work directly with clients to collect documentation, clarify deductions, and identify tax-saving opportunities.
  • Compliance & Documentation: Ensure accurate record-keeping and adherence to changing IRS and state fiduciary regulations.
  • Audit & Review Support: Collaborate with team members and external auditors as required.
  • Tax Planning: Assist with strategic tax and estate planning for fiduciary entities and high-net-worth clients.
  • Quality Assurance: Review prior-year filings and financial statements to recommend improvements and ensure accuracy.
  • Mentorship & Collaboration: Work closely with accounting and administrative teams to ensure seamless service delivery.


Qualifications

  • Active CPA or EA License.
  • Minimum 3–5 years of experience in tax preparation (fiduciary, individual, and business).
  • Experience with trust accountingbasis tracking, and multi-state filings preferred.
  • Excellent organizational and project management skills.
  • Professional experience managing sensitive and confidential client data.
  • Ability to communicate complex tax concepts in clear, accessible language.


Benefits include:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) with matching contribution (safe harbor plan)
  • Paid Vacation and Sick Time

We are a work to life balanced company and offer a competitive compensation package for our Team!


Job Type: Full-time

Physical setting: Office (In-Person)

Schedule: Monday to Friday


Education:

  • Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

  • CPA FIRM: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

  • CPA (Required)

Job Type: Full-time, IN PERSON


Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Salary.com Estimation for Fiduciary (Trust & Estates) CPA Tax Accountant in Laguna Hills, CA
$91,749 to $113,249
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Fiduciary (Trust & Estates) CPA Tax Accountant?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Fiduciary (Trust & Estates) CPA Tax Accountant career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$75,273 - $95,163
Income Estimation: 
$87,692 - $109,715
Income Estimation: 
$120,877 - $156,226
Income Estimation: 
$105,098 - $158,737
Income Estimation: 
$140,569 - $203,638
Income Estimation: 
$152,615 - $211,890
Income Estimation: 
$166,649 - $223,513
Income Estimation: 
$61,002 - $75,970
Income Estimation: 
$67,563 - $90,175
Income Estimation: 
$101,493 - $142,466
Income Estimation: 
$152,615 - $211,890
Income Estimation: 
$73,496 - $93,409
Income Estimation: 
$73,496 - $93,409
Income Estimation: 
$94,538 - $119,494
Income Estimation: 
$101,493 - $142,466
Income Estimation: 
$152,615 - $211,890
Income Estimation: 
$94,700 - $117,561
Income Estimation: 
$94,700 - $117,561
Income Estimation: 
$117,813 - $152,327
Income Estimation: 
$116,747 - $155,141
Income Estimation: 
$152,615 - $211,890
Income Estimation: 
$120,877 - $156,226
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Fiduciary (Trust & Estates) CPA Tax Accountant jobs in the Laguna Hills, CA area that may be a better fit.

Tax Manager Cpa

LH Global Consulting, Irvine, CA

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!