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.
Find Tax Director JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 53+ Tax Director jobs
Position Summary
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
- Develop and execute federal, state, and global tax planning strategies based on company goals and objectives to minimize the Company's effective tax rate.
- Lead the quarterly and annual tax accounting function including overseeing the preparation of quarterly tax provisions including application of ASC 740-10 (FIN 48), tax-related account reconciliations, return-to-provision, and tax footnote disclosures for 10K/10Q filings.
- Oversee the preparation, review, and timely and accurate submission of global tax returns including all US federal and state corporate income tax returns reports, and payments.
- Direct the Company's global transfer pricing strategy, including intercompany pricing policies, annual documentation, and compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
- Support international expansion initiatives, legal entity formation, and tax-efficient operating structures across global markets.
- Lead the Company's global research and development tax credit strategy, including identification, documentation, calculation, and defense of federal, state, and international R&D incentives, while partnering with Finance, R&D, and external advisors to maximize available tax benefits and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
- Collaborate with cross-functional finance colleagues to lead effective reporting and financial planning.
- Develop tax forecasts to allow for tax planning and long-range projections of effective tax rates.
- Monitor U.S. and relevant global tax law changes and resulting impact to the Company.
- Develop and maintain calculations and methodology to ensure accurate intercompany transactions and related contracts.
- Lead mentor, and develop a high-performing tax organization, fostering talent development, succession planning, and continuous process improvement.
- Manage relationships with external tax advisors, auditors, consultants, and service providers to ensure high-quality support and efficient resource utilization.
- Assist in due diligence for business development activities advising tax related matters.
- Manage indirect tax compliance including VAT, GST, sales and use tax, and other international reporting obligations.
- Oversee preparation of personal property tax returns.
- Effectively manage all tax audits.
- Ensure SOX 404 documentation reflects best practices and procedures for tax processes.
- Works with a variety of internal and external stakeholders to achieve department, company and personal goals.
Education/Experience/Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
- CPA designation or Master's degree in Taxation required
- Minimum 15 years of progressive corporate tax, accounting, or finance experience
- Minimum 10 years of leadership experience in senior-level finance or tax roles with direct people management responsibilities
- Strong understanding of federal, international, and multi-state corporate income taxation and complex tax issues
- Knowledge of finance, accounting and control principles including GAAP and SOX
- Motivation as a self-starter, ability to show initiative/independence and drive to make important business contributions.
- Advanced skills in Excel and PowerPoint.
- Strong expertise in tax provision software and ERP systems.
- Ability to demonstrate excellent judgment, gain results and be goal oriented.
- Highly collaborative and perceptive and shows prudent analysis in problem solving.
- Demonstrated skill at negotiating with business partners or management and influencing senior level leaders regarding matters of significance to the organization.
- Proficiency at creating and communicating a clear vision among team members effectively aligning resources and activities to achieve functional area and/or organizational goals.
Physical Requirements
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, see, talk or hear in a standard office environment and independently from remote locations. Employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Ability to travel by car or airplane independently up to 25% of the time and work after hours.
What we offer US-based Employees:
- Competitive base, bonus, new hire and ongoing equity packages
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Employer-paid life, disability, business travel and EAP coverage
- 401(k) Plan with a fully vested company match 1:1 up to 5%
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan with a 2-year purchase price lock-in
- 15+ vacation days
- 13 -15 paid holidays, including office closure between December 24th and January 1st
- 10 days of paid sick time
- Paid parental leave benefit
- Tuition assistance
EEO Statement (US-based Employees): Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications in the exact way they are described in job postings. We are committed to building a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and innovative company, and we are looking for the BEST candidate for the job. That candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background or may meet the qualifications in a different way. We strongly encourage you to apply, especially if the reason you are the best candidate isn't exactly what we describe here.
It is the policy of Acadia to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and employment applicants without regard to considerations of race, including related to hairstyle, color, religion or religious creed, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, gender transition, country of origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, legally-protected medical condition or information, marital status, domestic partner status, family care status, military caregiver status, veteran or military status (including reserve status, National Guard status, and military service or obligation), status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, enrollment in a public assistance program, or any basis protected under federal, state or local law.
As an equal opportunity employer, Acadia is committed to a diverse workforce. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. Furthermore, you may request additional support if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access Acadia's career website due to your disability, along with any accommodations throughout the interview process. To request or inquire about your reasonable accommodation, please complete our Reasonable Accommodation Request Form or contact us at talentacquisition@acadia-pharm.com or 858-261-2923.
Please note that reasonable accommodations granted throughout the recruiting process are not guaranteed to be the same accommodations given if hired. A new request will need to be submitted for any ADA accommodations after starting employment.
California Applicants: Please see Additional Information for California Residents within our Privacy Policy.
Canadian Applicants: Please see Additional Information for Canadian Residents within our Privacy Policy.
Applicants in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Serbia: Please see Additional Information for Individuals in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Serbia within our Privacy Policy.
Notice to Search Firms/Third-Party Recruitment Agencies (Recruiters): The Talent Acquisition team manages the recruitment and employment process for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. ("Acadia"). Acadia does not accept resumes from recruiters or search firms without an executed search agreement in place. Resumes sent to Acadia employees in the absence of an executed search agreement will not obligate Acadia in any way with respect to the future employment of those individuals or potential remuneration to any recruiter or search firm. Candidates should never be submitted directly to our hiring managers or employees.
Position Summary
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
- Develop and execute federal, state, and global tax planning strategies based on company goals and objectives to minimize the Company's effective tax rate.
- Lead the quarterly and annual tax accounting function including overseeing the preparation of quarterly tax provisions including application of ASC 740-10 (FIN 48), tax-related account reconciliations, return-to-provision, and tax footnote disclosures for 10K/10Q filings.
- Oversee the preparation, review, and timely and accurate submission of global tax returns including all US federal and state corporate income tax returns reports, and payments.
- Direct the Company's global transfer pricing strategy, including intercompany pricing policies, annual documentation, and compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
- Support international expansion initiatives, legal entity formation, and tax-efficient operating structures across global markets.
- Lead the Company's global research and development tax credit strategy, including identification, documentation, calculation, and defense of federal, state, and international R&D incentives, while partnering with Finance, R&D, and external advisors to maximize available tax benefits and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
- Collaborate with cross-functional finance colleagues to lead effective reporting and financial planning.
- Develop tax forecasts to allow for tax planning and long-range projections of effective tax rates.
- Monitor U.S. and relevant global tax law changes and resulting impact to the Company.
- Develop and maintain calculations and methodology to ensure accurate intercompany transactions and related contracts.
- Lead mentor, and develop a high-performing tax organization, fostering talent development, succession planning, and continuous process improvement.
- Manage relationships with external tax advisors, auditors, consultants, and service providers to ensure high-quality support and efficient resource utilization.
- Assist in due diligence for business development activities advising tax related matters.
- Manage indirect tax compliance including VAT, GST, sales and use tax, and other international reporting obligations.
- Oversee preparation of personal property tax returns.
- Effectively manage all tax audits.
- Ensure SOX 404 documentation reflects best practices and procedures for tax processes.
- Works with a variety of internal and external stakeholders to achieve department, company and personal goals.
Education/Experience/Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
- CPA designation or Master's degree in Taxation required
- Minimum 15 years of progressive corporate tax, accounting, or finance experience
- Minimum 10 years of leadership experience in senior-level finance or tax roles with direct people management responsibilities
- Strong understanding of federal, international, and multi-state corporate income taxation and complex tax issues
- Knowledge of finance, accounting and control principles including GAAP and SOX
- Motivation as a self-starter, ability to show initiative/independence and drive to make important business contributions.
- Advanced skills in Excel and PowerPoint.
- Strong expertise in tax provision software and ERP systems.
- Ability to demonstrate excellent judgment, gain results and be goal oriented.
- Highly collaborative and perceptive and shows prudent analysis in problem solving.
- Demonstrated skill at negotiating with business partners or management and influencing senior level leaders regarding matters of significance to the organization.
- Proficiency at creating and communicating a clear vision among team members effectively aligning resources and activities to achieve functional area and/or organizational goals.
Physical Requirements
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, see, talk or hear in a standard office environment and independently from remote locations. Employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Ability to travel by car or airplane independently up to 25% of the time and work after hours.
What we offer US-based Employees:
- Competitive base, bonus, new hire and ongoing equity packages
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Employer-paid life, disability, business travel and EAP coverage
- 401(k) Plan with a fully vested company match 1:1 up to 5%
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan with a 2-year purchase price lock-in
- 15+ vacation days
- 13 -15 paid holidays, including office closure between December 24th and January 1st
- 10 days of paid sick time
- Paid parental leave benefit
- Tuition assistance
EEO Statement (US-based Employees): Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications in the exact way they are described in job postings. We are committed to building a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and innovative company, and we are looking for the BEST candidate for the job. That candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background or may meet the qualifications in a different way. We strongly encourage you to apply, especially if the reason you are the best candidate isn't exactly what we describe here.
It is the policy of Acadia to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and employment applicants without regard to considerations of race, including related to hairstyle, color, religion or religious creed, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, gender transition, country of origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, legally-protected medical condition or information, marital status, domestic partner status, family care status, military caregiver status, veteran or military status (including reserve status, National Guard status, and military service or obligation), status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, enrollment in a public assistance program, or any basis protected under federal, state or local law.
As an equal opportunity employer, Acadia is committed to a diverse workforce. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. Furthermore, you may request additional support if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access Acadia's career website due to your disability, along with any accommodations throughout the interview process. To request or inquire about your reasonable accommodation, please complete our Reasonable Accommodation Request Form or contact us at talentacquisition@acadia-pharm.com or 858-261-2923.
Please note that reasonable accommodations granted throughout the recruiting process are not guaranteed to be the same accommodations given if hired. A new request will need to be submitted for any ADA accommodations after starting employment.
California Applicants: Please see Additional Information for California Residents within our Privacy Policy.
Canadian Applicants: Please see Additional Information for Canadian Residents within our Privacy Policy.
Applicants in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Serbia: Please see Additional Information for Individuals in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Serbia within our Privacy Policy.
Notice to Search Firms/Third-Party Recruitment Agencies (Recruiters): The Talent Acquisition team manages the recruitment and employment process for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. ("Acadia"). Acadia does not accept resumes from recruiters or search firms without an executed search agreement in place. Resumes sent to Acadia employees in the absence of an executed search agreement will not obligate Acadia in any way with respect to the future employment of those individuals or potential remuneration to any recruiter or search firm. Candidates should never be submitted directly to our hiring managers or employees.
See All 53 Tax Director Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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
Top Industries Hiring
- Accounting & Auditing16
- Consulting & Professional Services9
- Investment & Asset Management4
- Technology & Software3
- Electronics & Hardware1
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 BDO, Alvarez & Marsal, and BPM, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 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?
Los Angeles, San Francisco, 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 48% of tax director openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 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 53 Tax Director Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Tax Director Jobs