Tax Manager

Director of Employee Relations and Talent Acquisition

JOB SUMMARY
:

The Tax Manager will lead the tax department in business income tax preparation, individual tax preparation, and estate/trust planning. This is a senior leadership role requiring advanced technical expertise and the ability to work with sophisticated clients, including those facing tax controversy matters.

The tax manager focuses on managing business unit work assignments and employee billable time to ensure that deliverables reach the client on time. It requires an in-depth knowledge of Internal Revenue Code with the ability to supervise and train staff to prepare financial statements and income tax returns in accordance with the rules and regulations. The job necessitates building a team as well as working independently.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Manage Individual Tax Practice – Direct the individual tax return preparation process from start to finish; client intake, preparation, e‑filing, and delivery. Ensure staff assignments are managed effectively and that returns meet quality and compliance standards.
• Individual Income Tax Return Review – Oversee staff preparing individual tax returns. Review returns and supporting documentation to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely filing.
• Individual Advanced Income Tax Return Preparation – Personally prepare complex individual returns, including Form 1040, IL‑1040, and multi‑state filings. Handle extensions and estimated tax payments for sophisticated clients requiring advanced technical expertise.
• Manage Business Tax Practice – Lead the business tax unit, overseeing staff assignments, quality control, and service delivery. Establish processes for reconciling book‑tax income and ensure accurate preparation, e‑filing, and delivery of returns.
• Business Income Tax Return Review – Review business tax returns prepared by staff, ensuring reconciled audit trails from accounting records to tax reporting. Guarantee compliance and accuracy across all filings.
• Business Advanced Income Tax Return Preparation – Prepare complex business returns, including Forms 1065, 1120, 1120‑S, and 990. Handle multi‑state apportionment, extensions, and estimated payments for clients with sophisticated tax needs.
• Estate and Trust Tax Administration and Return Preparation – Obtain client financial records, assemble Estate or Trust Organizers, and oversee ongoing administration. Manage beneficiary distributions and prepare fiduciary, estate, and gift tax returns to support clients’ estate planning needs.
• Trusts and Estate Income Tax Return – Prepare and e‑file fiduciary returns (Form 1041, IL‑1041), estate tax returns (Form 706), and gift tax returns (Form 709). Ensure compliance with federal and state requirements, including extensions and estimated payments.
• Estate Tax Return – Prepare, process for review, and e‑file Form 706 United States Estate (and Generation‑Skipping Transfer) Tax Return, as well as Illinois estate filings. Handle related extensions and estimated tax payments.
• Staff Supervision and Development – Oversee staff assignments, resolve conflicts, and provide mentorship and training. Evaluate performance, make hiring and promotion decisions, and foster a collaborative, high‑performing team environment.
• Advisory Tax Research and Planning – Conduct in‑depth tax research and draft memorandums on complex issues. Advise clients on tax minimization, transfer strategies, and compliance planning, positioning yourself as a trusted advisor for long‑term financial success.
• Taxpayer Representation – Represent clients before the IRS and state tax authorities during audits, inquiries, and examinations. Respond to notices, manage examinations, and pursue relief through penalty reduction, waiver, or abatement requests.
• Practice Management – Support firm leadership with practice management, including time and billing, IT systems, and HR procedures. Identify new business opportunities and areas for specialization to grow the client base and strengthen firm operations.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed primarily in an indoor office environment, free from extreme weather conditions. Work may include a moderate amount of noise (business office with computers, phone and printers).

KNOWLEDGE,

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong knowledge of tax principles and practices.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

TRAINING, ACADEMIC AND EXPERIENCIAL REQURIEMENTS

• Master’s degree in accounting, finance, or tax
• CPA License (State of Illinois)
• 10 years of accounting and tax experience
• Experience with Quick Books, CCH Access, Microsoft Word and Excel
• Active PTIN required upon hiring

• Mid‑Senior level

• Full‑time

• Accounting/Auditing

• Accounting

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)