Senior Tax Manager

About the role

Aardvark Tax Advisors is a full‑service tax, accounting, and advisory firm serving small businesses and entrepreneurs. As the accounting and client services practice of Cynch AI, we leverage proprietary AI to reduce routine tasks and free up time for higher‑value client work. The practice is fast‑growing with clear paths for career advancement, performance‑based opportunities for greater responsibility, and equity over time. We are seeking a Senior Tax Manager to own complex engagements, lead a team, and elevate the quality bar across entity types while acting as a trusted advisor. This role can be performed from anywhere in the continental United States, though the majority of our clients are in California.

Responsibilities

• Own client relationships on complex tax matters, including planning, compliance, and consulting; serve as the primary contact for urgent or complicated issues.
• Lead the preparation and review of complex returns for corporations, partnerships, individuals, trusts, and estates across federal, state, and local jurisdictions.
• Deliver tax planning that goes beyond compliance by identifying tax‑saving opportunities, developing tax‑efficient strategies, and advising clients on legislative changes.
• Stay current on legislative changes and translate them into actionable guidance for clients and the practice.
• Ensure every return that leaves the practice meets the highest quality standards.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of tax professionals; set expectations, provide direct feedback, and hold team members accountable.
• Conduct performance evaluations that are specific and useful; identify strengths and gaps, and build training and processes to close those gaps.
• Identify opportunities to expand services with existing clients where real value exists.
• Monitor and manage tax risk for the practice and clients, ensuring positions are defensible.

Requirements

• Active CPA or EA credential.
• 10+ years in public accounting or tax with deep experience in compliance, planning, and advisory for individuals, partnerships, and small‑business entities.
• Proven experience managing and developing tax professionals, not just assigning work.
• Strong technical knowledge of federal, state, and local tax regulations, including complex returns and multi‑entity planning.
• Direct client relationship experience, including managing a book of business, juggling competing deadlines, and keeping clients informed.
• Proficiency in professional tax software (e.g., UltraTax, CCH Axcess, Lacerte, or similar).
• Experience taking over and maintaining client relationships through practice transitions (preferred).
• Track record of growing client relationships and expanding practice areas through business development (preferred).

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Unlimited Vacation, plus Sick & Public Holidays)
• Short‑Term & Long‑Term Disability
• Work From Home flexibility
• Stock Option Plan

Pay

Estimated annual compensation is between $150,000 and $185,000.

Schedule

Remote work from anywhere in the United States (team primarily on the West Coast). Extended hours during peak tax season and as needed to meet client deadlines. Occasional travel for client meetings or practice events.