Tax Manager / Senior CPA

Tax Manager / Senior CPA

Location: Downers Grove, IL / Chicago Western Suburbs
Employment Type: Full-Time
Industry: Public Accounting

Position SummaryAn established CPA firm in the Chicago western suburbs is seeking an experienced Tax Manager / Senior CPA to join the firm's leadership team.This is a senior-level position for an experienced public accounting professional who can independently manage client relationships, review complex tax returns, provide tax planning and advisory services, and help oversee and develop accounting staff.The position offers significant interaction with firm ownership and the opportunity to play an important role in the firm's continued growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of individual and business clients.
• Review complex federal and state tax returns, including Forms 1040, 1065, 1120-S, and 1120.
• Review tax work prepared by staff and senior accountants.
• Provide year-round tax planning and consulting to business owners and individuals.
• Prepare and review tax projections and estimated payments.
• Research complex federal, state, and multi-state tax matters.
• Handle escalated IRS and state tax notices and inquiries.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for assigned clients.
• Identify tax planning opportunities and communicate recommendations to clients.
• Manage engagement deadlines and workflow during tax season.
• Mentor and train junior accounting and tax staff.
• Assist firm leadership with improving processes and workflow.
• Participate in client onboarding and new business opportunities.
• Develop strong, long-term client relationships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field.
• Active CPA license required or strongly preferred.
• 5–8+ years of progressive tax experience in public accounting.
• Strong experience reviewing individual and business tax returns.
• Demonstrated tax planning and advisory experience.
• Experience managing client relationships.
• Supervisory, mentoring, or staff review experience preferred.
• Strong technical knowledge of federal and state taxation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project-management skills.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an experienced CPA who enjoys the client-focused environment of a smaller accounting firm and wants greater responsibility and influence than may be available at a large firm.This individual should be comfortable working directly with business owners, managing engagements from beginning to end, and helping develop the next generation of accounting professionals.