Tax Manager

CityIrvineStateCaliforniaJob LocationIrvine Regional Office (Derian)Position TypeRegular

The Tax Manager will perform income tax planning, compliance, and risk management initiatives across corporate, partnership, and REIT structures, ensuring the company’s tax position is optimized, compliant, and aligned with business strategy. This role leads complex tax matters, partners closely with cross-functional stakeholders and external advisors, and serves as a key internal authority on tax technical issues, audits, and strategic transactions.

Reporting to the Director, Income Tax Planning & Compliance, the ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise, strong ownership, and the ability to execute with precision in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while balancing strategic priorities with hands-on delivery.

Please note that this position entails in-person office requirements for a minimum of 4 days per week, Monday through Thursday, located at Essex's corporate office in Irvine.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• Work and manage outside advisors to review and file timely federal, state, and local corporate, REIT, and partnership income tax, franchise tax and information tax returns. Responsibilities include managing internal and tax deadlines, preparing Company data for returns, review returns, and collaborate with tax consultants.

• Implement effective tax strategies to minimize the overall tax burden of Essex and to minimize overall costs associated with the tax function.

• Review matters related to REIT qualification, review REIT testing, and assist with maintaining REIT status.

• Assist with due diligence for proposed acquisitions and support the Company’s tax matters related to disposition transactions.

• Responsible for filing and paying all Company's indirect tax filings, including but not limited to B&O tax, gross receipts tax, and business licenses.

• Assist with management of Company's taxable REIT subsidiary, tasks include preparing quarterly income tax provision, managing intercompany transactions, managing services and income streams, tracking tax credit generation and utilization, and conducting annual corporate overhead survey.

• Assist with income tax examinations and respond to various tax notices.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) in Accounting or Finance; Master’s or Ph.D. degree strongly preferred.

• 5 - 7+ years of progressive experience in tax planning, tax compliance, and tax return preparation involving corporate, partnership, and REIT tax matters.

• CPA certification preferred.

• Yardi experience preferred.

• Big 4 public accounting experience preferred.

• Strong knowledge of partnership taxation required, knowledge of Corporate tax and California tax matters; good understanding of REIT qualification matters and REIT/TRS transfer pricing issues; strong understanding of U.S. GAAP reporting for income taxes.

WHAT THE JOB REQUIRES:

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with shifting priorities and time-sensitive deadlines.

• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence across all levels of the organization and engage effectively with external auditors and advisors.

• Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment. Demonstrated ability to work independently while remaining a collaborative and dependable team member.

• Requires the ability to work Monday through Friday. The position includes in-person work requirements consistent with the hybrid policy located at Essex's corporate office in Irvine. The hybrid policy is subject to change at Essex’s sole discretion.

• Requires the ability to sit or stand for extended periods. Minimal physical effort in the day-to-day tasks.

• This role does not require any travel; work is primarily conducted at the office.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE TABLE:

• Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate work across project teams, including assigning responsibilities, supervising deliverables, and supporting the development, performance management, and engagement of team members.

• Sound judgment and discretion when navigating sensitive matters, with the ability to produce clear, concise written communications and deliver effective presentations on complex tax topics to internal audiences.

• Strong analytical capability to review, interpret, and synthesize tax documents, proactively identifying issues, risks, and opportunities and escalating them appropriately.

• Consistent decision-making grounded in a solid understanding of company policies, procedures, and business practices to meet objectives and deliver results within established timelines.

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All full-time regular associates are offered competitive salaries, experience career growth, and are eligible for benefit packages that include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, 401k employer match, excellence rewards, wellness programs, and much more. With our 12 paid holidays and 15 PTO days, work/life balance is a priority! Additionally, most positions are eligible for a housing discount of 20%.

Essex provides great communities in which to live, work and invest. We are a purpose-driven company, and we pride ourselves on promoting an internal culture of growth and opportunity by engaging, enabling, and empowering our teams. Working at Essex is not a destination. It is a journey where you can confidently build your career.

New hires generally start between $123,000.00 - $153,000.00 per year. The final salary offer will be determined after reviewing relevant factors, including but not limited to skill sets; relevant experience; internal equity; and other business and organizational needs.

This role is also eligible to participate in Essex’s discretionary Annual Bonus program that is commensurate with the level of the position.