Senior Tax Manager

About Ascend

At Ascend, we understand the struggles that accounting & finance professionals face in traditional public accounting firms - from rigid hierarchies, overwhelming workloads, and the elusive work‑life balance. It’s time for a transformative change. We believe your ambition should not be constrained by outdated practices or opaque career paths. Here, you’re not just a number; you’re a valued member of a community that supports & celebrates your professional & personal fulfillment. Our mission is to transform the public accounting experience into one where work‑life harmony is a reality, and where your career advancement is supported by a nurturing network and comprehensive resources. Ascend empowers entrepreneurial CPAs to reach their goals with an innovative growth model that brings our partner firms into the new age. Backed by private equity from people‑focused Alpine Investors, Ascend is building a modern platform for regional accounting firms that enables them to stay independent while having access to resources of a large CPA firm. These resources include growth capital, robust talent acquisition, best‑of‑breed technology, a catalytic leadership system, shared back‑office services, and modernized equity incentives.

About Walter Shuffain

Walter Shuffain is a top 200 IPA firm and continues to grow. We seek an enthusiastic and professional Tax Manager who will lead and manage multiple tax engagements with a high level of commitment to the growth and development of our team.

Essential Functions

• Oversee multiple client engagements; Technical planning and advising of clients that include HNW individuals (1040), trusts, estates and gift returns (1041, 706, 709).
• Develop and maintain excellent client relationships through superior customer service.
• Serve as the primary client contact on all related matters and directly interact with client owners and senior team members.
• Recognize and resolve potential or existing problems with appropriate research and consulting on tax services performed.
• Consulting, working with, and servicing client base to make recommendations on business improvement and process improvement and serve as a business advisor to clients.
• Thorough knowledge and exposure to issues which include but are not limited to mergers and acquisitions, entrepreneurship, funding requirements, growth objectives and exit strategies.
• Assist in the development and execution of department’s various training programs.
• Set and monitor budgets, assist with staff scheduling and workload assignments.
• Prepare client billings timely and direct and assist with collection efforts.
• Establish and conduct formal training seminars for staff members.
• Think proactively and have involvement in practice development opportunities that cross‑sell to existing clients as well as new clients.
• Participate in recruitment events, employee performance management, training support, and business development opportunities.
• Building effective long‑term relationships with our clients, understanding their unique needs to provide a tailored service to our complex clients.

Education, Skills And Experience

• BS or MS in Accounting or Tax.
• 6 years of experience within a Public Accounting firm as a Tax Manager.
• Experience with individual, estate/trust returns.
• Ability to lead and manage a team of tax professionals.
• Ability to meet challenging client requirements, provide excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills, analytical and research capabilities.
• Strong knowledge of Tax laws and able to communicate to shareholders.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and make sound decisions and recommendations in client related matters pertaining to tax returns.

At Ascend, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Ascend hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.