What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Tax Specialist position at Sterling Pacific Financial?
Senior Tax Specialist
Location: Watsonville, CA
Position Type: Full-Time | In Office
Join Sterling Pacific Financial
Sterling Pacific Financial is seeking an experienced Senior Tax Specialist to join our growing finance team. This is an exceptional opportunity for a highly skilled accounting professional with deep expertise in S Corporation and partnership taxation who enjoys working in a dynamic, multi-entity environment.
In this role, you will oversee complex tax compliance and planning while managing full-cycle accounting responsibilities for a portfolio of related entities across real estate, hospitality, construction, and private lending. You will work closely with company leadership, outside CPA firms, and stakeholders to develop tax strategies that support both our businesses and the individuals receiving Schedule K-1 distributions.
If you're looking for a position that combines technical tax expertise with strategic financial leadership, we'd love to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities
Tax Compliance & Planning
- Prepare and review federal, state, and local tax returns, including Forms 1065, 1120S, 1120, and related Schedule K-1s.
- Lead tax planning initiatives for partnerships, S corporations, and related entities to optimize tax outcomes.
- Conduct tax research, monitor changes in tax law, and ensure ongoing compliance.
- Coordinate with outside CPA firms on tax filings, audits, and special projects.
- Provide tax guidance to company leadership and stakeholders receiving pass-through income.
Accounting & Financial Reporting
- Manage month-end and year-end close processes, including journal entries, accruals, reconciliations, and financial statement preparation.
- Prepare accurate and timely financial reports in accordance with GAAP.
- Analyze financial results, identify trends and variances, and provide actionable recommendations.
Operational Accounting
- Support general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed assets, and intercompany accounting.
- Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management across multiple entities.
- Help manage accounting activities for a diverse portfolio of companies operating in real estate, hospitality, construction, and lending.
- Mentor accounting staff and help improve accounting processes and efficiencies.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field.
- CPA designation strongly preferred.
- Five or more years of progressive accounting experience.
- At least three years of hands-on experience preparing partnership and S corporation tax returns within multi-entity organizations.
- Strong understanding of partnership taxation, pass-through entities, related-party transactions, and federal and state tax regulations.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complete accounting operations in a fast-paced environment.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
- Experience developing tax planning strategies for both business entities and individuals receiving Schedule K-1 income.
Preferred
- Experience in real estate development, construction, hospitality, or private lending.
- Experience with Sage Intacct accounting software.
- Experience working with complex ownership structures and multiple related entities.
Why Join Sterling Pacific Financial?
You'll become part of a collaborative team managing a sophisticated portfolio of companies where your expertise will have a direct impact on business strategy and tax planning. This role offers meaningful responsibility, professional growth, and the opportunity to work closely with executive leadership on complex financial and tax matters.
Compensation: Competitive salary plus comprehensive benefits.
To Apply:
Please email your resume and cover letter to jobs@sterlpac.com.
Pay: $85,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $85,000 - $115,000