Wealth Management Trusts & Estates Tax Operations, Executive Director

Location: Chicago, IL, United States

Job Family: Business Analysis

About the Role

JPMorgan Chase & Co. is a leading global financial services firm with assets of $3.7 trillion and operations worldwide, committed to helping clients achieve their financial goals through innovative wealth management solutions. The Wealth Management Trusts & Estates Tax Operations team plays a critical role in supporting the firm's fiduciary responsibilities by ensuring accurate and timely tax compliance for high-net-worth clients. As an Executive Director in this Chicago-based role, you will lead technical and advisory efforts within the Business Analysis category, driving operational excellence in tax filing obligations for trusts, estates, and related fiduciary accounts. This position demands a strategic leader who can navigate complex regulatory landscapes while fostering a culture of precision and client service excellence at one of the world's most respected financial institutions. In this executive leadership role, you will oversee a team responsible for the preparation, review, and filing of complex tax returns, providing expert guidance on estate planning, gift taxes, and income reporting under U.S. tax laws. You will collaborate closely with JPMorgan's wealth advisors, legal experts, and compliance officers to mitigate risks, optimize tax strategies, and ensure seamless integration with the firm's proprietary platforms. Key focus areas include monitoring regulatory changes, implementing process improvements to enhance efficiency, and representing the team in audits or interactions with tax authorities. Your leadership will directly impact the firm's ability to deliver trusted fiduciary services to ultra-high-net-worth clients, aligning with JPMorgan Chase's reputation for integrity and innovation in wealth management. The ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic environment, combining deep tax expertise with strong business acumen to influence firm-wide initiatives. Reporting to senior leadership in Wealth Management, you will have opportunities to shape tax operations strategy, mentor emerging talent, and contribute to thought leadership on fiduciary tax matters. Located in Chicago, IL, this role offers exposure to a vibrant financial hub and the resources of a global powerhouse. JPMorgan Chase values diversity and inclusion, providing a supportive workplace where your contributions can drive meaningful impact for clients and the firm alike.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the end-to-end tax filing and compliance processes for trusts and estates within JPMorgan Chase's Wealth Management division, ensuring adherence to all federal, state, and local regulations
• Provide technical tax advisory support to fiduciary officers, relationship managers, and clients on complex tax matters related to estate planning, gift taxes, and income tax reporting
• Lead a team of tax professionals in preparing, reviewing, and filing accurate tax returns (e.g., Form 1041, 706) for high-net-worth portfolios, minimizing errors and audit risks
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including legal, compliance, and operations teams, to develop and implement tax strategies that align with firm-wide risk management policies
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes in tax law, assessing impacts on JPMorgan Chase's fiduciary services and recommending process improvements
• Conduct training sessions and provide guidance to junior staff on tax technicalities, best practices, and JPMorgan's proprietary systems for tax operations
• Manage vendor relationships for outsourced tax services and ensure data integrity across systems like the firm's core banking and wealth platforms
• Analyze tax-related operational metrics, identify inefficiencies, and drive initiatives to enhance accuracy, timeliness, and cost-effectiveness of tax services
• Support audit responses and represent the team in interactions with tax authorities, ensuring robust documentation and defense of filed positions
• Contribute to the development of tax policies and procedures that support JPMorgan Chase's commitment to client-centric wealth management solutions

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Taxation, or a related field; advanced degree (e.g., JD, CPA, or Master's in Taxation) strongly preferred
• Minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in trusts and estates tax operations, compliance, or advisory within a financial services or wealth management environment
• In-depth knowledge of U.S. federal and state tax laws, regulations, and reporting requirements for trusts, estates, and fiduciary accounts
• Proven track record in managing tax filing processes, audits, and regulatory compliance for high-net-worth clients in a fiduciary capacity
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in a large financial institution, with a focus on operational efficiency and risk management
• Strong understanding of JPMorgan Chase's wealth management platforms and fiduciary services
• Ability to obtain necessary securities licenses (e.g., Series 7, 66) if not already held

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA certification or equivalent professional tax credential
• Prior experience in a Big Four accounting firm or similar advisory role focused on trusts and estates
• Familiarity with international tax considerations for cross-border fiduciary accounts
• Leadership experience in implementing tax technology solutions or process automation in wealth management
• Advanced proficiency in tax software such as Thomson Reuters ONESOURCE or similar tools

Required Skills

• Expertise in U.S. tax code, particularly IRC Sections relevant to trusts and estates (e.g., Subchapter J)
• Proficiency in tax preparation and compliance software (e.g., CCH Axcess, Bloomberg Tax)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities for complex tax scenarios
• Excellent leadership and team management skills to mentor and develop staff
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools for financial modeling and reporting
• Knowledge of fiduciary accounting principles and wealth management systems
• Superior communication skills, both written and verbal, for client advisory and internal presentations
• Project management expertise to handle multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Risk assessment and mitigation skills tailored to financial services regulations
• Attention to detail and accuracy in high-stakes tax documentation
• Strategic thinking for process optimization and regulatory adaptation
• Interpersonal skills for collaborating across diverse teams in a global firm
• Familiarity with AML/KYC compliance in wealth management contexts
• Adaptability to evolving tax technologies and automation tools

Benefits

• Competitive base salary and performance-based annual bonus, with total compensation reflecting executive-level contributions
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans, including coverage for family members
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with generous company matching contributions up to 6% of eligible pay
• JPMorgan Chase's Employee Stock Purchase Plan for discounted access to company shares
• Paid time off including vacation, sick days, and parental leave, plus firm holidays
• Professional development opportunities through JPMorgan's internal training programs and tuition reimbursement for relevant certifications
• Wellness programs featuring gym memberships, mental health resources, and onsite fitness facilities in Chicago offices
• Relocation assistance for eligible candidates moving to the Chicago area

JP Morgan Chase is an equal opportunity employer.