Manager, Director (Partner) Tax and Accounting

Who are we?

Named for several years as a "great place" to work by The Washington Post and Washington Business Journal, Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. is proud to be one of the most highly regarded intellectual property specialty law firms in the world. We recognize that it is the talent and dynamism of each individual at Sterne Kessler that makes this possible. Accordingly, we have cultivated an environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating with just the right touch of fun and exuberance. We offer a competitive compensation package with excellent benefits and are Metro-accessible in a prime downtown location with many nearby restaurants and shops.

What do we need?

We are looking for a Manager, Director Tax & Accounting. (Directors in our PLLC are the equivalent of partners in a partnership.) The Manager is responsible for overseeing all financial aspects of Director ownership, including accurate and timely distribution payments and Director accounting. This role is also responsible for managing Director tax matters and ensuring tax compliance across numerous states. The manager will provide direction to ensure all related processes are completed in alignment with firm policies, with a focus on precision, consistency, and exceptional service. The Manager, Director Tax & Accounting should be local to the DC metro area or willing to relocate. This is a hybrid role that requires regular in-office presence.

How will you make an impact?

• Overseeing and managing the preparation and filing of all federal, state, and local PLLC tax returns (Form 1065)
• Ensuring accurate and timely filing of K-1 statements to Directors, reflecting their share of PLLC income and losses
• Handling quarterly tax withholding and payment processes for Directors
• Ensuring compliance with applicable tax laws and regulations in all jurisdictions where the firm operates
• Overseeing and monitoring the accounting of individual Director’s capital accounts, ensuring compliance
• Ensuring accuracy of Directors’ scheduled distributions and deductions by conducting a thorough review of each distribution prior to processing payments
• Preparing analysis and recommending appropriate special distribution amounts, as and when paid throughout the year, and communicating distribution amounts timely to Directors
• Supporting the PLLC’s compensation committee during the annual Director compensation and bonus allocation process
• Calculating each Director’s final annual share of net income for the year in accordance with the compensation agreement
• Providing required schedules and support to external audit staff in support of the annual financial audits
• Supporting the monthly payroll process, including preparing monthly files and reconciling the payroll register to support files
• Coordinating with the Benefits team for Directors’ insurance premiums, including reviewing and reconciling partners’ GL accounts for accuracy and proper posting
• Facilitating onboarding/offboarding of Directors, including analysis of capital contributions and distributions
• Working closely with external tax advisors to ensure timely and accurate filings
• Analyzing operating and compensation agreements to determine tax implications
• Assisting in responding to IRS and state tax audits or inquiries
• Staying current on tax law changes and industry trends affecting law firms
• Ensuring timely recording of journal entries supporting monthly draws and special distributions, with strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Maintaining strict confidentiality and exercising impeccable discretion and professionalism when handling firm financial data, client information, and sensitive business matters
• Adhering to all legal and ethical standards for data privacy and security
• Proactively working to find new and innovative ways to improve the accounting department, allowing for more flexibility and completeness of data
• Performing ad hoc analysis upon request

What will you bring to the role?

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or related field and CPA (active license) and/or MBA highly preferred.
• Experience in professional services accounting operations, public accounting or legal industry required. 8-10 years of accounting operations management experience, including 5 years of senior-level management experience.
• Deep understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Proven understanding of corporate and/or partnership accounting requirements.
• Hands on experience optimizing the use of financial, accounting and associated reporting systems. Experience with Elite 3E or Elite Enterprise preferred.  
• Familiarity with business analysis tools and the ability to stay current on emerging tools/systems to continually enhance automation and efficiency.
• Proven ability to enhance strategic firm relationships, including relationships with clients, service providers, partners and employees.
• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office products with advanced Excel and database skills, including the ability to analyze and interpret financial data.
• Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on complex topics to senior management and other firm personnel. Skilled in executive level presentations using oral and written formats. 
• Ability to communicate with public and internal personnel either orally or in written form.
• Ability to analyze complex business problems, propose effective solutions and understand and apply business vision and direction.
• Superior analytical, organizational, decision making and project management skills. Requires ability to analyze, evaluate and solve problems of a difficult nature, including ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. 
• High level of leadership, interpersonal and collaboration skills. Strong team player with excellent diplomacy and influential skills.  Must be able to interact with individuals at all levels of the organization.  Must be able to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints. 
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and maintain a productive and committed work effort, meeting deadlines and managing workload.

Salary : $150,000 - $185,000