Senior Tax Advisor (CPA/EA)

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About Potentia

Potentia is an integrated wealth management and tax firm serving approximately 500 households with varying levels of complexity, including high-net-worth individuals, trusts, business owners, and multi-entity structures.

Our tax team works collaboratively alongside wealth advisors and trust professionals to provide thoughtful, proactive tax planning and preparation services. Unlike traditional accounting firms, our structure is highly team-oriented and collaborative, with shared problem-solving and open communication across departments.

We are seeking an experienced CPA or EA who can serve as a senior technical resource for our tax team by providing advanced tax review, mentorship, and advisory support.

About the Role

This is a hands-on technical position. You'll serve as the go-to resource for complex return review, tax planning, and preparer mentorship across our tax team. You'll work closely with wealth advisors and trust professionals on client situations that require real depth, not just compliance.

This role is a strong fit for someone who is energized by solving hard tax problems and sharing that expertise with others, and who wants to build long-term in a firm that values sustainability over grind culture, without the pressure of managing a large team or carrying heavy operational responsibilities.

Day-to-day, you will

  • Review complex individual, trust, and business returns for accuracy and planning opportunities
  • Serve as a technical resource for preparers and advisors on nuanced tax questions
  • Participate in client-facing advisory conversations alongside our wealth and trust teams
  • Identify proactive planning opportunities within our existing client base
  • Contribute to the growth of the broader team by sharing expertise and offering guidance when needed

What We’re Looking For

  • Active CPA or EA license in good standing
  • 10 - 15 years of experience in public accounting or a comparable tax environment
  • Strong working knowledge of high-net-worth individual taxation
  • Experience with trust and fiduciary returns, multi-entity structures, or estate and gift concepts — not required across all areas, but depth in at least one
  • Clear, confident communicator with both clients and colleagues, thrives in a supportive, team-oriented environment and enjoys collaborating and sharing technical expertise
  • Someone who takes ownership of technical quality and is comfortable advising on sophisticated tax situations

Familiarity with any of the following is a plus:

  • High-net-worth individual taxation
  • Trust and fiduciary returns
  • Multi-entity business structures
  • Estate and gift tax concepts
  • Tax planning and projections
  • International reporting (FBAR/FATCA)
  • Client advisory and consultation

Our Tax Season Approach

We run a full January–December calendar with a structured, planned approach to peak season. We set realistic workloads, communicate early about capacity, and don't operate on a heroic-hours model. Outside of several concentrated stretches around major deadlines, our team works normal business hours and takes their PTO.

What We Offer

  • Compensation: $115,000 - $150,000 - based on experience
  • Health / dental / vision insurance
  • 401(k) with employer match
  • Flexible scheduling outside of peak periods
  • Collaborative team culture
  • Leadership support and shared problem-solving
  • Professional office environment
  • A firm structure where tax has a seat at the table alongside wealth and trust

Our Tech Stack

We use Lacerte, QuickBooks, Practice CS, Holistiplan, SmartVault, etc.

Familiarity with any of these is helpful, though we're happy to train the right person.

Pay: $115,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Continuing education credits
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

  • Do you have any experience with trust and fiduciary returns, multi-entity structures, or estate and gift concepts?

Experience:

  • Tax/Public Accounting: 10 years (Required)

License/Certification:

  • CPA/EA License (Required)

Ability to Commute:

  • San Jose, CA 95125 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

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