Tax Manager

Talley, LLP and its affiliated entities—Talley Law Group, LLP (“TLG”), Talley Capital Group, LLC (“TCG”), and Talley Wealth Management, LLC (“TWM”) (collectively “Talley”)—is a full-service financial, tax, legal, and consulting organization serving entrepreneurially driven businesses and their owners. Talley partners with clients as business advisors, delivering innovative solutions to strengthen their bottom line. Founded in 1989, the firm’s mission is to help businesses, owners, and high-net-worth individuals manage their financial affairs and achieve their objectives profitably and efficiently.

About the Firm

Talley is a boutique firm with 70+ U.S.-based professionals and 20–30 offshore/outsourced team members, headquartered in Orange, CA. The firm provides the following services:

• Audit & Assurance services, including financial reporting
• Tax compliance, tax planning, and proactive advice
• Business consulting
• Estate planning, business planning, M&A, and tax law services (through TLG)
• Outsourced accounting, controller, and CFO services
• M&A, growth-through-acquisition, and operational consulting (through TCG)

Talley embraces a hybrid work culture built on accountability, results, and exceptional client service delivered by professional, motivated individuals.

Responsibilities

• Understand and apply best practices for the firm’s tax preparation, review, and planning software, improving efficiencies in its application.
• Review complex tax returns for the firm.
• Assist partners and client service managers in managing tax relationships for complex clients.
• Serve as point of contact and relationship manager for designated individuals and small businesses.
• Demonstrate advanced technical expertise in the tax code (e.g., Subchapter K) or industry-specific knowledge (e.g., restaurant industry).
• Participate in the firm’s tax onboarding and training programs.
• Manage a client load of appropriate assignments efficiently.
• Lead agreed-upon process improvement initiatives.

Aspirational Functions

The Tax Manager role combines production and client service components:

• Production components: Technical skills in managing tax compliance, planning, and projects; expertise in firm processes; project management and workflow oversight; contributions to operational efficiencies.
• Client service components: Managing client relationships alongside partners for top clients and as the primary client service manager for smaller clients; developing proactive advisory relationships; identifying issues and opportunities; assisting clients with IRS risk mitigation and tax reduction strategies.

While Tax Managers may excel in both areas, it is expected they will emphasize one component while maintaining competence in the other.

Qualifications

• Practicing CPA or attorney (LLM preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to manage client relationships, including complex organizational structures and transactions.
• Experience reviewing complicated tax compliance projects and returns (e.g., entity, individual, multistate, consolidated, or foreign bank reporting).
• Ability to recognize tax issues, explain opportunities to clients, and implement planning strategies.
• Recognized technical expertise in a tax subject matter area or industry.

Skills

• Exceptional time management and organizational skills.
• Strong communication and responsiveness to time-sensitive items.
• Attention to detail and focus on client needs.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Proactive team player with strong leadership skills.
• Transparency, professionalism, and a positive attitude.

Marketing

• Develop and expand a personal network of client relationships and referral sources through proactive outreach.
• Actively market and sell services to new and existing clients, emphasizing the "Most Trusted Advisor" relationship.
• Identify tax and business issues relevant to clients and incorporate firm services into discussions.
• Assess and develop relationships with clients’ referral sources.
• Initiate a marketing program to promote industry-specific subject matter expertise.
• Maintain agreed-upon marketing metrics.

Client Management

• Oversee tax services for small business, professional, and individual clients (e.g., negotiating fees, addressing service issues, resolving technical matters).
• Act as a key team member on larger clients alongside a Partner or Client Service Manager.
• Manage meetings and extended services for existing clients.
• Project management of tax services to clients.
• Demonstrate thorough knowledge of clients' business needs to resolve engagement issues and add value.
• Coordinate client work and staff scheduling.

Department Management

• Oversee department BSC (Balanced Scorecard) management areas, such as workflow, scheduling, training, or onboarding.
• Lead and participate in BSC development and implementation.
• Develop and oversee new services for clients.
• Project management for department-related initiatives.
• Keep firm members informed of tax changes.
• Collaborate with the Tax Department Partner to develop key initiatives and performance indicators, implementing plans to achieve objectives.

Staff Development

• Mentor and oversee BSC responsibilities for 2–4 staff members.
• Assist in onboarding new staff using the firm’s training matrix.
• Support training and learning programs for department team members.
• Demonstrate an interest in the professional growth of others and refine people management skills.
• Effectively delegate, provide timely performance feedback, and offer encouragement during monthly BSC check-ins.
• Onboard new staff on engagements and provide necessary on-the-job training and supervision.
• Promote teamwork and cooperation among team members and peers, as well as client personnel.

Personal Development

• Devote 50% of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) to non-technical areas (e.g., firm management, marketing, leadership).
• Develop excellent communication skills.
• Create and follow personal development plans while meeting firm and professional education requirements.
• Build professional relationships with clients, firm members, and peer groups.
• Address all issues professionally and respectfully with colleagues.