Tax Manager – Entertainment CPA Firm

Location: Los Angeles, CA (Onsite)
Industry: Entertainment / Public Accounting

Overview

The Tax Manager will play a key leadership role within our entertainment-focused CPA practice, overseeing complex tax engagements for high-profile clients across film, television, music, digital media, production, and sports. This position requires strong technical tax expertise combined with a deep understanding of the unique revenue streams, entity structures, and compliance considerations specific to the entertainment industry. The ideal candidate is client-focused, highly organized, and adept at managing multiple priorities while leading and developing a high-performing tax team.

Key Responsibilities

Client & Engagement Management

• Manage a diverse portfolio of entertainment-industry clients, including talent, production companies, music groups, digital creators, and personal service corporations (PSCs).

• Serve as the primary client contact, delivering proactive tax planning, advisory services, and year-round support.

• Review and oversee preparation of individual, corporate, partnership, trust, and PSC tax returns.

• Advise clients on complex tax matters related to multi-state filings, loan-out entities, residuals, royalties, touring income, and production activities.

• Perform high-level reviews of client financials, income streams, and expenses to ensure accuracy, compliance, and tax efficiency.

Entertainment-Specific Tax Expertise

• Provide guidance on film and television production incentives, credits, rebates, and state-specific entertainment tax programs.

• Support clients with loan-out corporation structures, W-2/1099 planning, coordination with business managers, and cash flow considerations.

• Evaluate and advise on international touring, global royalties, foreign tax credits, and applicable treaty benefits.

• Navigate tax and financial issues involving SAG-AFTRA, WGA, DGA, and other guild-related requirements.

• Review royalty statements, profit participations, and entertainment contracts from a tax planning and compliance perspective.

Technical Oversight & Compliance

• Lead tax research, planning strategies, and implementation for high-net-worth and entertainment clients.

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations, including multi-state nexus and residency matters.

• Review quarterly estimates, projections, and year-end tax analyses for accuracy and strategic alignment.

• Maintain strong internal controls and ensure the quality, accuracy, and timeliness of all tax filings and client deliverables.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop staff and senior accountants within the tax team.

• Review workpapers, tax returns, and technical research prepared by team members.

• Participate in hiring, performance management, and training initiatives.

• Foster a collaborative, client-service-driven culture aligned with firm values.

Business Development & Firm Growth

• Strengthen existing client relationships and identify opportunities to expand service offerings.

• Participate in networking events, industry functions, and entertainment community outreach to build firm visibility.

• Support partners with proposals, onboarding of new clients, and strategic growth initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; Master’s in Taxation preferred

• Active CPA license (California required)

• 5+ years of tax experience, including at least 2 years in a management or supervisory capacity

• Prior experience serving entertainment-industry clients strongly preferred

• Strong technical knowledge of:

  • Individual and business taxation

  • Loan-out corporations

  • Multi-state taxation

  • International tax considerations related to touring and royalties

  • Production incentives and tax credits

• Proficiency with tax software (Lacerte, ProSystem fx, or similar) and advanced Excel skills

• Excellent communication, client service, and relationship management abilities

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment