Senior Tax Associate

Tax Senior

Washington, DC

$90,000 – $115,000

Some firms build careers.

Others build lifestyles people eventually need to recover from.

This firm made a conscious decision decades ago not to become the second type.

That’s probably why people stay here for so long.

The practice was founded over 40 years ago after one of the original Partners left Big 4 life behind to build something more personal, more relationship driven, and frankly, more sustainable.

A lot of her clients followed immediately.

And the culture she created still shapes the business today.

Why this role exists

The firm has an immediate need within Tax following someone leaving the business, but this isn’t a “throw somebody into chaos and hope they survive” situation.

The team is stable. Exceptionally stable, actually.

Many people have been there for years, even decades.

Which means they’re looking carefully for someone who genuinely wants a long term home rather than simply another stepping stone role.

That’s important to them.

The work itself

The client base is heavily focused around:

• High Net Worth individuals
• Closely held businesses
• Corporate tax work
• Relationship driven advisory services

Importantly, the firm intentionally keeps client numbers lower.

Not because they can’t grow faster.

Because they care heavily about quality control, detail, and client service.

That means the work feels more thoughtful and less transactional than many larger firms.

You actually have the time and visibility to understand the client behind the return.

What your role would look like

At Senior level, they want someone who can move beyond straightforward preparation work and become increasingly involved in:

• Review processes
• High level client service
• Tax planning support
• Managing workflow independently
• Helping maintain the high standard of work the firm is known for

This isn’t a churn and burn compliance environment.

The expectation is quality over volume.

The culture (this is the part candidates usually lean into)

Flexible. Trusting. Adult.

Nobody’s micromanaging your day.

The expectation is simple:

You’re a professional. Manage your workload properly.

That approach creates a much calmer atmosphere than many firms in the DC market.

Especially compared to larger public accounting environments where visibility often feels tied to hours rather than output.

What your week actually feels like

Busy season still exists.

February through April and September through October can become intense,

But outside of that?

The expectation returns much closer to normal working weeks.

Around 40 hours.

And because the firm intentionally maintains manageable client loads, there’s far less constant firefighting throughout the rest of the year.

Hybrid working

The setup is flexible and relationship driven.

Why people stay

Because the environment feels sustainable long term.

You’re surrounded by experienced people who know the clients well, care about the quality of work, and genuinely support each other.

The overall atmosphere feels far more:

“Trusted professionals doing good work together”

Than:

“Everyone competing for visibility.”

That distinction matters more over time than most firms realise.

Who this suits

You’ll probably enjoy this if:

• You enjoy relationship driven client work
• You value quality over pure volume
• You want flexibility without losing collaboration
• You’re tired of overly intense corporate cultures
• You want a stable long term environment with strong retention

This role feels ideal for someone who still enjoys public accounting, but wants it to feel calmer, more thoughtful, and more sustainable.

What they’re looking for

• Public accounting tax experience
• CPA preferred or actively pursuing
• Strong technical and organisational ability
• Experience with HNW individuals helpful
• Big 4 background viewed positively, but not essential

Not ready with a resume? Or want a bit more information before applying? That’s fine. Apply the old-fashioned way, or simply reach out to me on LinkedIn or through the Distinct Recruitment website. I’ll happily talk you through the role, the firm, and where it could take you before you make any commitments.

I’m Abigail Stephen, Recruiter at Distinct. I don’t just look at job specs; I look at people, and where they’ll thrive. It’s not about filling gaps. It’s about finding a fit that lasts.

Outside of work, balance for me is Pilates to reset, travel to explore, and skiing to recharge. Because the truth is, you don’t slog through hours for the love of a spreadsheet. You do it for the freedom it buys you. Same principle here.