Tax Specialist

Essex offers a comprehensive benefits package that reflects how much we value our associates and their families:

For regular full-time associates regularly scheduled to work at least thirty (30) hours per week:
• Medical, Dental, Pre-tax flex plan, Basic life insurance, Supplemental life, Short- and long-term disability, Accidental death insurance plans.

For part-time and full-time associates:
• Employer-matching 401(k) plan that offers financial planning and independent brokerage services.
• Wellness Program, 24-hour Employee Assistance, Service awards and Paid time-off.

Essex Properties Trust, Inc. is currently seeking a Tax professional to join its tax team in the role of assisting the Vice President of Tax with planning and special projects.

Essex is a publicly-traded Real Estate Investment Trust (“REIT).  Essex provides quality apartment homes in premier locations all along the West Coast. The position can be based Woodland Hills, CA or Irvine, CA.

The ideal candidate will be energetic, willing to do whatever is needed to complete tasks, and will work closely with a team of tax professionals to bring value to Essex.  They will be willing to “roll up their sleeves” to support both the organization’s tax planning and compliance functions. This candidate must be able to work at all levels within the organization and partner effectively with Essex’s outside consultants.

Position Summary:
Reporting to the Tax Supervisor, performing tax planning and research in the assigned tax areas with the objective of minimizing business and income tax; assisting with maintaining REIT qualification, planning for tax efficient acquisitions and dispositions, effectively working with internal tax staff and with external tax professionals; effectively managing multiple competing priorities; serving as an internal resource to deal directly with customers and tax authorities on tax related matters.

Primary Responsibilities:
Assist with developing tax strategies to minimize the overall tax burden of Essex and to minimize overall costs associated with the tax function.
Assist with planning and documentation related to REIT qualification, REIT testing, and maintenance of REIT status.
Assist with planning and implementation of tax efficient strategies on acquisitions and dispositions.
Assist with research and analysis on various tax projects.

Desired Qualifications/Skills:
Seeking a professional with 2 to 5 years of experience with working knowledge of tax planning, tax compliance, and tax return preparation for corporate, partnership, and REIT tax matters.
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance or similar function; a CPA designation and/or a Master’s Degree in Tax a plus.
Knowledge of California tax matters; and knowledge of public company tax complexities.
Strong researcher and writer with ability to communicate complex tax matters to non-tax people.
Skill in developing and analyzing tax planning and tax minimization strategies.
Working knowledge and skills with various computer software platforms; Yardi experience a plus.

Personal Trait Profile:
Ability to communicate with management and external customers/auditors.
Strong attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple priorities/projects simultaneously.
Ability to work efficiently and independently.
Ability to work within tight deadlines.
Strong, loyal team player.