Senior Tax Manager

About the role

This is a senior-level opportunity for an experienced tax professional to lead complex engagements and serve as a trusted advisor to small businesses and entrepreneurs. You will oversee tax compliance, planning, and consulting across multiple entity types and jurisdictions. The role combines hands-on technical expertise with meaningful client relationship ownership and strategic tax advisory. You will lead and develop a team of tax professionals, raising quality standards while building stronger processes and capabilities. The position also offers the opportunity to identify valuable tax-saving strategies and translate legislative changes into actionable client guidance. You will work in a technology-enabled environment where AI handles routine work so you can focus on complex problem-solving, judgment, and relationships.

Accountabilities

• Own client relationships for complex tax matters, including compliance, planning, consulting, and urgent or highly sensitive client needs.
• Lead the preparation and review of complex federal, state, and local tax returns for corporations, partnerships, individuals, trusts, and estates.
• Develop proactive tax planning strategies that identify legitimate tax-saving opportunities and improve clients’ overall tax positions.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes and translate their potential impact into clear, practical, and actionable recommendations for clients.
• Ensure tax returns and advisory work meet consistently high standards for technical accuracy, quality, and defensibility.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of tax professionals by setting clear expectations, providing direct feedback, and maintaining accountability.
• Conduct meaningful performance evaluations and identify opportunities for training, process improvement, and professional development.
• Monitor tax risk across client engagements and the broader practice, ensuring tax positions are appropriately supported and defensible.
• Identify opportunities to expand services for existing clients when additional offerings can provide meaningful value.
• Support practice development and business growth through strong client relationships and, where appropriate, expansion of service areas.
• Contribute to the successful transition and ongoing management of client relationships when practices or books of business are integrated.

Requirements

• Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Enrolled Agent (EA) credential required.
• 10+ years of experience in public accounting or tax, with substantial expertise across tax compliance, planning, and advisory services.
• Extensive experience working with individuals, partnerships, corporations, and small-business entities, including complex and multi-entity structures.
• Strong technical knowledge of federal, state, and local tax regulations and the ability to apply them to sophisticated client situations.
• Demonstrated experience managing, mentoring, and developing tax professionals, with a focus on building capabilities rather than simply delegating work.
• Proven experience managing direct client relationships, balancing competing deadlines, maintaining a book of business, and communicating effectively with clients.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and decision-making skills, with exceptional attention to detail.
• Proficiency with professional tax preparation and accounting software such as UltraTax, CCH Axcess, Lacerte, or comparable platforms.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex tax matters clearly to clients and colleagues.
• Proactive, client-focused approach with strong judgment and the ability to work independently in a fast-growing environment.
• Experience managing client relationships through practice transitions is a plus.
• A demonstrated track record of expanding client relationships and developing additional business or practice areas is a plus.
• Willingness to work extended hours during peak tax season and as needed to meet important client deadlines.
• Ability to travel occasionally for client meetings or professional events.

Benefits

• Estimated annual compensation of $150,000–$185,000 USD.
• Medical, dental, and vision healthcare coverage.
• 401(k) and IRA retirement plan options.
• Basic and voluntary life insurance, including AD&D coverage.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Work-from-home flexibility for eligible arrangements.
• Stock option plan.
• Flexible, manager-led working environment.
• Opportunities for professional development, team leadership, and career growth.
• Technology-enabled work environment designed to reduce routine workload and increase time available for strategic tax work and client relationships.
• Hybrid work options in the California Bay Area, where applicable.