Tax Manager - Small Firm - Ownership Potential

Tax Manager – CPA

Position: Tax Manager/Senior Tax Manager

Reports To: Managing Partner / Firm Partner

Employment Type: Full-Time

Location: Fairlawn, OH

Position Summary

Our client is seeking an experienced and motivated Sr/Tax Manager (CPA) to join their small public accounting firm. This individual will play an important role in managing the firm's tax practice, providing tax planning and compliance services, maintaining strong client relationships, and overseeing the work of tax staff. There could be ownership potential with a buyout over time if interested.

The ideal candidate is a well-rounded tax professional who enjoys working directly with clients, takes ownership of engagements, demonstrates strong technical knowledge, and thrives in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.

As a key member of the firm, the Tax Manager will have the opportunity to work closely with firm leadership and contribute to the continued growth and success of the practice.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Tax Preparation and Compliance

• Review and oversee the preparation of federal, state, and local income tax returns for individuals, businesses, partnerships, S corporations, C corporations, trusts, and other entities.
• Prepare and review complex tax returns as needed.
• Ensure tax returns are accurate, complete, and filed in accordance with applicable deadlines and regulations.
• Research and resolve complex tax issues.
• Stay current on changes in federal and state tax laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Identify opportunities for tax savings and planning strategies for clients.

Client Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for an assigned group of clients.
• Develop and maintain strong, long-term client relationships.
• Provide proactive tax planning, consulting, and advisory services.
• Respond to client questions and provide practical tax guidance.
• Communicate complex tax matters in a clear and understandable manner.
• Identify additional services that may benefit clients and contribute to firm growth.

Staff Supervision and Development

• Supervise, mentor, and support tax preparers and other accounting staff.
• Review work prepared by staff and provide constructive feedback.
• Assist with training and professional development of team members.
• Assign and monitor work to ensure engagements are completed accurately and timely.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and high-quality client service.

Practice and Workflow Management

• Manage multiple client engagements and monitor project deadlines.
• Oversee workflow during tax season and throughout the year.
• Ensure engagements are completed efficiently and meet firm quality standards.
• Monitor client deliverables, extensions, estimates, and filing deadlines.
• Work collaboratively with partners and other team members to improve processes and procedures.
• Assist with billing, realization, and collection efforts for assigned clients.
• Participate in firm planning and initiatives to improve operations and profitability.

Qualifications and Experience

• Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license required.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field required.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of public accounting experience in tax.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state tax laws and regulations.
• Experience preparing and reviewing individual and business tax returns.
• Prior experience supervising or mentoring accounting staff.
• Proficiency with tax preparation and accounting software.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to client service.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a small or mid-sized public accounting firm.
• Experience with a diverse client base, including individuals, closely held businesses, partnerships, S corporations, and C corporations.
• Experience with tax planning and business consulting.
• Familiarity with accounting software such as QuickBooks.
• Experience with tax software such as UltraTax, ProSystem fx, Lacerte, or CCH Axcess.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a team-oriented environment.

Key Attributes for Success

The successful candidate will be:

• Client-focused: Builds trusted relationships and delivers responsive, high-quality service.
• Self-motivated: Takes initiative and follows assignments through to completion.
• Accountable: Takes ownership of client engagements, deadlines, and work quality.
• Collaborative: Works effectively with partners, staff, and clients.
• Adaptable: Comfortable wearing multiple hats and handling a variety of responsibilities in a small firm environment.
• A leader: Provides guidance, mentorship, and support to develop other team members.
• Growth-oriented: Looks for opportunities to improve processes, expand client services, and contribute to the firm's success.

Why Join Our Firm?

As a small public accounting firm, we offer a more personal and collaborative work environment where every team member makes a meaningful contribution. The Tax Manager will have direct access to firm leadership, meaningful client interaction, and the opportunity to influence how the firm operates and grows.

This position is ideal for an experienced tax professional who wants to take the next step in their career, build lasting client relationships, develop staff, and become an integral part of a growing accounting practice.