Tax Manager

Job Purpose:

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on tax professional who enjoys leading a team, reviewing tax returns, managing client relationships, and overseeing daily tax office operations. The successful candidate will take ownership of an established client portfolio and play a key role in the continued growth and expansion of the practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations and tax preparation activities of the Erie office.
• Lead, supervise, and mentor the tax preparation team.
• Review tax returns prepared by staff to ensure accuracy, quality, and compliance with applicable tax regulations.
• Establish review standards and maintain consistent quality across all tax filings.
• Prepare and review individual (1040), partnership (1065), S corporation (1120-S), and other business tax returns.
• Handle complex tax matters and provide technical guidance to tax preparers.
• Make final decisions regarding tax return approvals, filings, and extensions.
• Meet directly with clients to address tax questions, resolve issues, and provide guidance.
• Explain complex tax matters, IRS notices, K-1 issues, and deduction limitations in clear, understandable language.
• Maintain strong client relationships and support long-term client retention.
• Help staff resolve technical challenges and improve their tax preparation and review skills.
• Collaborate with the Tax Director when additional technical guidance or support is needed.
• Support the transition and expansion of tax operations across the firm.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows, efficiency, and overall service quality.
• Adapt to new technologies, including AI-driven tools being introduced into the tax practice.

Required Qualifications

• Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Enrolled Agent (EA) credential is required.
• Several years of current, hands-on experience in public accounting or tax preparation.
• Strong experience preparing and reviewing individual tax returns (Form 1040).
• Working knowledge of partnership (Form 1065) and S corporation (Form 1120-S) tax returns.
• Experience handling complex tax matters, including K-1s, IRS notices, deductions, and tax extensions.
• Demonstrated experience reviewing tax returns and providing technical guidance to other preparers.
• Previous team leadership, supervision, or mentoring experience.
• Strong client relationship management and communication skills.
• Ability to explain complex tax matters to clients in simple, professional language.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines during tax season.
• Comfortable working with evolving tax technology and AI-based tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience managing a tax office or accounting team.
• Experience managing an established client portfolio and maintaining long-term client relationships.
• Experience taking over an existing client base and successfully retaining clients.
• Experience with tax practice transitions, office management, or business expansion.
• Familiarity with professional tax preparation and review software.