Tax Manager

JOB TITLE : Tax Manager
OFFICE LOCATION: Remote

DEPARTMENT: Accounting

REPORTS TO : CFO

FLSA STATUS: Full-time/Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY: The Tax Manager is responsible for all tax-related functions of the firm and serves as the firm's sole in-house tax professional. This position oversees the firm's tax compliance, tax reporting, partner tax support, tax planning coordination, and related accounting functions for a domestic-only U.S. law firm partnership structure. The role requires a strong understanding of partnership taxation, professional service firm operations, partner compensation structures, and multi-state tax matters. The position works closely with firm leadership, Finance, HR, outside tax advisors, payroll providers, and partners to ensure accurate and timely compliance with all federal, state, and local tax obligations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Firm Tax Compliance & Reporting

• Manage and oversee all federal, state, and local tax compliance activities for the firm and affiliated entities.
• Coordinate preparation and filing of partnership tax returns, corporate returns, and any related informational filings through outside tax preparers as applicable.
• Prepare and review workpapers, tax schedules, and supporting documentation for annual tax return preparation.
• Manage all tax calendars and ensure timely filing of all required returns and payments.
• Coordinate extensions, estimated payments, and tax elections.
• Monitor changes in federal, state, and local tax laws affecting the firm.

Partnership & Partner Tax Support

• Maintain partner capital account records and related tax basis schedules.
• Coordinate partner allocations, guaranteed payments, distributions, and related tax reporting.
• Prepare partner tax packages and supporting schedules.
• Coordinate annual Schedule K-1 processes and partner communications.
• Assist partners with tax-related questions regarding firm compensation, distributions, retirement plans, and withholdings.
• Manage state composite filings, withholding requirements, and nexus issues.
• Coordinate onboarding and offboarding tax matters for incoming and departing partners.

State & Local Tax (SALT)

• Manage multi-state tax compliance for the firm and partners.
• Manage state withholding and pass-through entity tax elections.
• Monitor apportionment, nexus, and filing requirements across jurisdictions.
• Coordinate state registrations, annual reports, and business tax filings.
• Prepare personal property tax returns for all jurisdictions the firm must file in.
• Oversee sales and use tax matters.

Tax Planning & Advisory

• Assist firm leadership with tax planning initiatives and entity structure considerations.
• Analyze tax implications of compensation models, partner admissions, retirements, and firm transactions.
• Support budgeting and forecasting related to tax liabilities and partner distributions.
• Research tax issues and prepare memoranda or recommendations as needed.
• Serve as internal resource on tax-related operational matters.

Audits & Regulatory Matters

• Coordinate responses to federal, state, and local tax notices.
• Manage tax audits and examinations.
• Liaise with outside tax advisors, auditors, and regulatory agencies.
• Maintain organized tax records and documentation to support compliance and audit readiness.

Accounting & Financial Collaboration

• Collaborate with Accounting and Finance teams to ensure accurate tax-related general ledger activity.
• Review tax accruals, deferred items, and financial statement disclosures as applicable.
• Reconcile tax accounts and ensure proper recording of tax-related journal entries.
• Assist with monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes involving tax matters.

Process Improvement & Systems

• Develop and improve tax processes, controls, and documentation.
• Maintain tax-related policies and procedures.
• Evaluate tax technology, reporting tools, and process automation opportunities.
• Ensure integrity and confidentiality of sensitive financial and partner information.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Strong judgment and confidentiality
• Process-oriented with continuous improvement mindset

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.

• CPA required; Master of Taxation or JD/LLM in Taxation is a plus.
• 5+ years of tax experience, preferably including partnership taxation and professional services firms.
• Strong knowledge of:
• Partnership taxation
• Multi-state taxation
• Pass-through entity taxation
• Partner compensation structures
• Federal and state compliance requirements
• Advanced Excel proficiency.

PAY TYPE:

SALARY

COMPENSATION:

The pay for this position will be determined based on relevant skills, experience, education, external market data, internal equity, and other job-related factors. The anticipated pay range for this role is between $140,000 - $180,000 annually.

Saul Ewing follows a hybrid work schedule. Candidates must reside within a reasonable commuting distance of one of our office locations.