Our client, a top rated public accounting firm in the Chicago area, is looking for a top Sr. Manager level candidate to join their team as a Tax Manager specializing in Individual Tax returns. The ideal candidate will have a very strong background in research and compliance, and play an important role on projects that are currently being managed by one of the partners. The firm offers a generous compensation package including salary, bonus, 401k, insurance coverage, and path for growth within the company.

Position Summary:

The Tax Manager/Partner is responsible for the efficient, accurate and timely completion of all clients’ individual tax returns.  Advanced technical skills in a variety of tax and accounting areas, along with well-developed and applied management and supervisory skills are required.  The Tax Manager/Partner makes decisions on all but the most unusual tax situations.

Essential Job Functions:

• Performs technical tax review and approval of all individual tax returns and governmental tax examinations of any complexity.


• Assumes full responsibility for larger individual tax returns and delegates to the various tax preparers as deemed necessary.


• Delegates and manages tax research projects to achieve an accurate and efficient product.


• Participates actively in client meetings and tax planning efforts to assist the Auditing and Accounting Department with larger clients.


• Acts as a resource for tax preparers/specialists and A&A staff on specific tax issues and/or questions.


• Knowledge and experience with flow-through entity return review and technical issues.


• Assumes client services responsibility for clients the tax manager works directly with or clients where the responsibility is delegated from the Director.


• Communicates to the appropriate firm personnel important tax and tax developments affecting the firm’s clients.


• Delegates and manages governmental tax examinations; may represent the client before the appropriate taxing authorities.


• Maintains familiarity with qualifications of all tax staff members; reviews staff assignments for appropriateness.


• Supervises tax staff and provides on-the-job training.


• Works to develop responsible, trained staff by assisting in recruiting, performance evaluations, developing training aids, and acting as an instructor in professional development programs.


• Assumes responsibility for smooth flow of tax returns through the tax preparation system to assure accurate, complete and timely preparation and delivery of all clients’ tax returns.


• Possesses a complete knowledge of the firm’s philosophy and its opinions on tax matters. 


• Maintains a knowledge of general economic and political trends of possible tax or other legislation that could affect the business climate.


• Prepares other reports and projects as requested from time to time by the directors.


• Researches and evaluates tax preparation and tax research software for recommendation to directors.


• Participates in firm’s practice development efforts through involvement with referral sources, community and industry activities.


• Utilized skills developed over time to continue being an authoritative resource in the community, locally and nationally.


• Become the champion for multiple technical subject areas.


• Review and finalize billing matters realistic to engagement, including procurement of payments in a timely fashion.


• Performs other duties as may be assigned.

Education and Experience:

• At least 8 years experience in public accounting, demonstrating a proven progression in tax return complexity, scope and research.  Must be at the manager level and in a review function.


• Minimum of 4 year experience supervising and directing work of tax preparers.


• Bachelor’s degree in accounting required and Master’s degree in Taxation required or similar advanced degree.


• Current and valid CPA required

Skills:

• Strong communication skills, both oral and written


• Proficiency with Microsoft Office in particular Excel and Word, GoSystem, planning software and online research software.


• Ability to demonstrate sound judgment and analyzing problems logically and comprehensively, distinguishing between relevant and irrelevant information


• Ability to work effectively in a team environment as well as independently


• Ability to handle sensitive/confidential matters in a tactful and discreet manner


• Ability to interface with a variety of management levels


• Strong negotiation and persuasion skills.