Trust & Estate Tax Manager - Public

Job Description

Job Description

We are looking for an accomplished Trust & Estate Tax Manager to support a growing public accounting practice in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This position focuses on advising high-net-worth individuals, families, fiduciaries, and related entities on complex tax matters involving trusts, estates, gifts, and individual income tax. The role offers the opportunity to lead sophisticated engagements, strengthen client relationships, and guide team members in delivering accurate, timely, and strategic tax services.

Responsibilities:
• Lead fiduciary, estate, gift, and individual tax engagements from initial planning through final submission, ensuring work is completed accurately and on schedule.
• Examine complex federal, state, and local filings, including trust, estate, and gift tax returns, and confirm compliance with current tax rules.
• Counsel clients on matters involving fiduciary taxation, wealth transfer planning, charitable strategies, and estate administration considerations.
• Investigate technical tax questions related to trusts, estates, and privately held entities, and develop practical recommendations for resolution.
• Partner with colleagues across office locations and service areas to provide a consistent, high-quality client experience.
• Oversee staff assignments, review completed work, and provide coaching that supports technical growth and career development.
• Direct engagement workflow by managing timelines, budgets, staffing needs, and overall project execution.
• Identify planning opportunities that may reduce tax exposure and help clients respond effectively to evolving tax legislation.
• Contribute to business development efforts by expanding client relationships, recognizing additional service opportunities, and supporting practice growth.
• Promote adherence to industry standards, regulatory requirements, and internal quality expectations in all client engagements.• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Taxation, or a closely related discipline.
• Active CPA license required; advanced tax education such as a master’s degree in taxation or a JD with tax concentration is preferred.
• At least 5 years of recent public accounting experience focused on trust and estate taxation.
• Strong background in fiduciary, estate, gift, and individual tax compliance as well as tax planning.
• Proven ability to review complex returns and manage multiple engagements with minimal oversight.
• Working knowledge of federal and state tax regulations affecting trusts, estates, and high-net-worth individuals.
• Proficiency with tax preparation and research platforms, including CCH ProSystem fx and Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and project management skills, with the ability to collaborate across a multi-office environment.