Northwood Family Office is Canada’s leading multi-family office and a trusted advisor to many of the country’s most successful families. From our humble beginnings as two founders working together at a conference table in 2003, we have grown into a company of over 30 employees that serves the needs of nearly 100 Canadian families.
Northwood Family Office is Canada’s leading multi-family office and has consistently been ranked the ‘#1 family office in Canada’ in the Euromoney Global Private Banking survey. For more information, see our website at www.northwoodfamilyoffice.com.
Northwood values the diversity of both our internal team and our clients. Diversity for us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, respected and responded to in ways that celebrate and utilize each person’s knowledge, experiences, abilities and strengths.
The Opportunity
The Principal at Northwood Family Office will serve as a key leader on a specialized team acting as the trusted advisor for a select group of ultra-high-net-worth clients. This individual will work directly with clients providing expert guidance on complex financial matters, with a primary focus on holistic wealth planning, tax strategy, and special projects.
In addition to directly advising clients, the Principal will enhance the firm’s overall expertise in financial planning and tax planning by conducting research, training colleagues, and serving as a key resource for other advisory teams.
Description of the Role
The individual will be primarily responsible for the following:
Serving as a key relationship manager for a select group of ultra-high-net-worth clients, often taking ownership of significant aspects of the client relationship.
Leading complex planning initiatives, with a primary emphasis on tax strategy, planning, and investments, ensuring proactive management of client needs.
Overseeing and cultivating relationships with external advisors, including tax professionals, investment advisors, legal counsel, bankers, and insurance providers.
Developing and implementing tailored wealth strategies aligned with each client’s goals, with a focus on long-term planning and wealth preservation.
Managing ongoing financial reporting requirements, delivering customized reports and insights that reflect the unique requirements of each client.
Coordinating accounting and tax compliance processes, working closely with external bookkeepers and accountants to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
Leading and mentoring junior team members (Associates and Analysts), providing continuous feedback, professional development support, and guidance to enhance performance and growth.
Advancing the firm’s expertise in tax matters by staying current on industry developments, sharing insights through presentations, and providing internal education and cross-team support when needed.
Skills and Experience
CPA designation with 10+ years of post-accreditation experience.
Minimum 5 years experience in high-net-worth tax planning for private clients.
Proven ability to lead complex planning engagements, work collaboratively with external professionals, and guide clients towards well-informed decisions.
Skilled in managing a wide range of special projects with a pragmatic, solutions-driven approach.
A hands-on approach and willing to tackle all projects – both big and small and contribute meaningfully at every level.
Strong project management skills, organization, and attention to detail.
Exceptional client relationship management skills, with high emotional intelligence (EQ) and the ability to build trust.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex financial concepts clearly and confidently
Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a proactive approach to identify and resolve client issues.
Self-starter with a high level of initiative, capable of working independently while contributing to team success (including mentorship of junior staff).
Commitment to continuous learning, with a desire to develop specialized expertise and build a long-term career in the family office space.
Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite.
Completion of an in-depth tax course is considered an asset.
Investment knowledge or exposure is considered an asset.
Note that salary and bonus will be dependent on the skill set, experience, and perceived potential of the candidate.
If you are interested in building a career at Northwood, please email your resume and cover letter to careers@northwoodfamilyoffice.com. The subject of your email should be in the following format: Your Full Name – The Position You’re Applying For (i.e. Sarah Smith – Associate).
Interested in this role but not certain your background might suit all the necessary qualification requirements? Northwood has built its success based on the broad backgrounds, training, skills, and experiences that our team members uniquely contribute. We welcome you to apply – and let’s explore your potential future with Northwood!
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