Tax Director Jobs in California
Tax Director jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in technology, entertainment, private equity, and multistate corporate operations, with openings at every level from senior tax manager stepping into a director seat through seasoned VP-adjacent leaders. The biggest hiring markets are Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, and San Diego, where employers such as Chevron, Apple, and Wells Fargo maintain substantial in-house tax functions. The most in-demand specialties are federal and state income tax compliance, ASC 740 provision work, and transfer pricing for companies with international footprints. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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INTRODUCTION
SingerLewak is a Top 100 accounting and consulting firm primarily operating in the western region. Serving clients since 1959, SingerLewak has developed a reputation for excellence and expertise in the accounting and management consulting industry. Providing the services of a large firm with a blended environment of practices, services and industry specializations, SingerLewak continues to demonstrate renowned industry leadership year-over-year. The firm takes pride in client service and professional and personal advancement, as demonstrated by our SL forward program which promotes a culture of learning and growth through targeted development and leadership programs and SL Cares, together with a continual focus on client service and technological evolution.
This job may be performed in-office or in a hybrid capacity. Candidates in PST time zone preferred.
Responsibilities
- Performs technical tax review and approval of all tax returns and governmental tax examinations of any complexity.
- Serves as a subject matter expert in discipline or industry.
- Performs all tasks related to client service and sees that assignments are accomplished within budgeted time.
- Assumes full responsibility for larger tax returns and delegates to the various tax preparers as deemed necessary.
- Participates actively in client meetings and tax planning efforts to assist the A&A Department with larger clients.
- Assumes client service responsibility for clients the Tax Manager works directly with or clients where the responsibility is delegated from the Partner.
- Communicates to the appropriate firm personnel important tax and tax developments affecting the firms’ clients.
- Delegates and manages governmental tax examinations; may represent the client before the appropriate taxing authorities.
- Accurate and timely billing and collection processes are made.
- Possesses a complete knowledge of the firms’ philosophy and its opinions on tax matters.
- Maintains knowledge of general economic and political trends of possible tax or other legislation that could affect the business climate.
- Prepares other reports and projects as requested from time to time by the partners.
- Researches and evaluates tax preparation and tax research software for recommendation to partners.
- Participates in firm practice development efforts through involvement with referral sources, community and industry activities.
- Occasional travel for work at clients’ offices, meetings, and seminars.
- Occasional overtime work required throughout the year. Heavy overtime work required from January 1 to April 15, may be in excess of 55 hours per week.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Seven to ten years' experience in public accounting, demonstrating a proven progression in tax complexity, scope, and research.
- At least two (2) years' experience representing clients before taxing authorities.
- Minimum one (1) year experience supervising and directing work of tax preparers.
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting required, master’s degree in taxation preferred.
- Minimum of forty hours of continuing education is required each year to maintain and develop technical and business skills.
- A current and valid certified public accountant’s license is required.
- Must be a member in good standing with the American Institute of CPAs.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- Responsible for the development, coaching and training of senior, semi-seniors and staff accountants.
- Must be familiar with the qualifications of all Tax staff members for the development and instruction of their training needs.
- Participates in reviews and evaluations of the tax department.
SingerLewak is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
INTRODUCTION
SingerLewak is a Top 100 accounting and consulting firm primarily operating in the western region. Serving clients since 1959, SingerLewak has developed a reputation for excellence and expertise in the accounting and management consulting industry. Providing the services of a large firm with a blended environment of practices, services and industry specializations, SingerLewak continues to demonstrate renowned industry leadership year-over-year. The firm takes pride in client service and professional and personal advancement, as demonstrated by our SL forward program which promotes a culture of learning and growth through targeted development and leadership programs and SL Cares, together with a continual focus on client service and technological evolution.
This job may be performed in-office or in a hybrid capacity. Candidates in PST time zone preferred.
Responsibilities
- Performs technical tax review and approval of all tax returns and governmental tax examinations of any complexity.
- Serves as a subject matter expert in discipline or industry.
- Performs all tasks related to client service and sees that assignments are accomplished within budgeted time.
- Assumes full responsibility for larger tax returns and delegates to the various tax preparers as deemed necessary.
- Participates actively in client meetings and tax planning efforts to assist the A&A Department with larger clients.
- Assumes client service responsibility for clients the Tax Manager works directly with or clients where the responsibility is delegated from the Partner.
- Communicates to the appropriate firm personnel important tax and tax developments affecting the firms’ clients.
- Delegates and manages governmental tax examinations; may represent the client before the appropriate taxing authorities.
- Accurate and timely billing and collection processes are made.
- Possesses a complete knowledge of the firms’ philosophy and its opinions on tax matters.
- Maintains knowledge of general economic and political trends of possible tax or other legislation that could affect the business climate.
- Prepares other reports and projects as requested from time to time by the partners.
- Researches and evaluates tax preparation and tax research software for recommendation to partners.
- Participates in firm practice development efforts through involvement with referral sources, community and industry activities.
- Occasional travel for work at clients’ offices, meetings, and seminars.
- Occasional overtime work required throughout the year. Heavy overtime work required from January 1 to April 15, may be in excess of 55 hours per week.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Seven to ten years' experience in public accounting, demonstrating a proven progression in tax complexity, scope, and research.
- At least two (2) years' experience representing clients before taxing authorities.
- Minimum one (1) year experience supervising and directing work of tax preparers.
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting required, master’s degree in taxation preferred.
- Minimum of forty hours of continuing education is required each year to maintain and develop technical and business skills.
- A current and valid certified public accountant’s license is required.
- Must be a member in good standing with the American Institute of CPAs.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- Responsible for the development, coaching and training of senior, semi-seniors and staff accountants.
- Must be familiar with the qualifications of all Tax staff members for the development and instruction of their training needs.
- Participates in reviews and evaluations of the tax department.
SingerLewak is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
See All 128+ Tax Director Jobs in California
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Find Tax Director JobsTax Director Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Tax Director Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Alvarez & Marsal17
- SingerLewak LLP10
- CohnReznick7
- BDO6
- PlusAI4
Top Industries Hiring
- Accounting & Auditing48
- Consulting & Professional Services38
- Technology & Software27
- Investment & Asset Management14
- Automotive6
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in tax director jobs across California.
- CPA license active with the California Board of Accountancy required or strongly preferred
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or taxation with advanced degree often preferred
- Extensive experience in corporate tax compliance, provision, and multistate reporting
- Proven leadership over in-house tax teams or as senior manager in public accounting
- Deep familiarity with California Franchise Tax Board rules and California-specific tax law
- Experience managing Big Four or national firm relationships and external audit processes
Tax Director Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a tax director in California?
The most direct path is earning a CPA license through the California Board of Accountancy, which requires passing the Uniform CPA Examination and meeting California's education and experience requirements. Most tax directors combine that credential with a degree in accounting or taxation, several years in public accounting or a large corporate tax department, and progressive management experience. An advanced degree such as a Master of Taxation or LLM in Tax strengthens candidacy for director-level roles at California's largest employers.
How much do tax directors make in California?
Tax directors in California earn a median of about $97,050 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $61,770 for the lowest 10% to over $160,520 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire tax directors in California?
Employers hiring tax directors in California right now include Alvarez & Marsal, SingerLewak LLP, and CohnReznick, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of Fortune 500 headquarters, major technology companies, and large entertainment studios means in-house tax director roles are consistently available across the state.
Which California cities have the most tax director jobs?
San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Jose have the most tax director openings in California. Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area dominate because of the high density of corporate headquarters, private equity firms, and large entertainment and technology companies, while San Diego draws demand from its biotech and defense industries.
Are there remote tax director jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 29% of tax director openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting how heavily the role centers on analysis, compliance review, and management of outside advisors rather than physical presence. Provision and compliance work are the functions most commonly performed remotely, while roles with heavy collaboration across finance leadership tend to require at least a hybrid schedule.
How can I get hired as a tax director in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving up through a senior tax manager role at a California-based public accounting firm or corporate tax department before stepping into a director seat. Large California employers such as major technology companies and financial institutions often promote from within, so starting as a tax manager or senior associate and building ASC 740 and multistate compliance experience creates a clear internal track. Holding an active California CPA license and an advanced tax degree significantly shortens that timeline.
Where can I find and apply to tax director jobs in California?
You can find and apply to tax director jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings. Find roles that fit your experience and apply directly to each employer through the listings.
See All 128+ Tax Director Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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