Trust & Estate Tax Manager

About the role

EP Wealth Advisors (EPWA) is a wealth management advisory firm with over $49.1 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2026, serving predominantly high net worth individuals. This remote position is responsible for developing and managing tax services provided to clients, including federal and state tax preparation, tax projections, and analysis. The role involves client-facing activities, comprehensive tax services for existing clients, new business development, and strategic tax planning support for advisors and the financial planning team. The Tax Manager will also develop comprehensive financial plans for clients with assets of $1M+.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and review Form 1041 fiduciary income tax returns, with a strong understanding of trust and estate taxation requirements.
• Interpret trust documents and assess related tax implications.
• Review, approve, and sign off on complex individual tax returns ensuring accuracy, compliance, and defensible tax positions.
• Serve as a key point of contact between EP and the external tax preparation provider, managing the relationship to ensure clear communication, timely follow-ups, and resolution of tax preparation and workflow-related matters.
• Manage day-to-day outsourced tax preparation workflows, ensuring deliverables meet firm standards for accuracy, completeness, and client experience.
• Participate in internal strategy discussions for clients, collaborate with advisor teams and planning departments to address tax services objectives.
• Manage coordination and integration of tax services, analysis, and department projects.
• Prepare tax projections, net worth, cash flow, investment planning, insurance summaries, and other tools for use in wealth planning engagements.
• Proactively engage in firm-wide initiatives developing tax services, building firm relationships, supporting business development, and client retention activities.
• Develop customized and comprehensive personal and business financial plans.
• Collect data for financial planning via client questionnaire, clarify and verify client answers, and enter data into financial planning systems.
• Utilize financial planning software to generate financial plans and review with Financial Advisors.
• Generate specific action plans for clients relative to recommendations made in their financial plan.
• Create, review, and enter data into spreadsheets to analyze specific financial planning and/or business planning issues.
• Work with the financial planning team to continually assess existing software and determine changes or upgrades needed to maximize opportunities with clients and potential clients.
• Publicly represent the accounting department and participate in firm marketing initiatives, including client and prospective client seminars, writing articles and blogs, and other activities.
• Perform additional functions, duties, and specific tasks of a similar nature as necessary to achieve the firm's business development and client retention objectives.
• Adhere to all company policies and procedures, performing business functions with a focus on consistency, quality, and compliance.

Requirements

• Experienced Trust & Estate Tax professional with deep technical expertise in fiduciary, estate, gift, and individual taxation.
• Recognized as a subject matter expert and trusted resource within the team, providing guidance on complex tax matters, compliance, and planning strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor junior team members through coaching, review, and knowledge sharing, while ensuring high-quality deliverables and adherence to deadlines.
• Operates effectively without direct reports by influencing outcomes, driving collaboration, and serving as a go-to advisor for both colleagues and stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of tax preparation, with a preference for 5+ years of experience, along with strong expertise in Trust & Estates and individual taxation.
• Licensed: Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Enrolled Agent (EA).
• Proficient with Windows and Microsoft Office.
• Demonstrated knowledge of CRM software.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Experience and willingness to participate in public speaking events and prospect meetings.
• Extremely detail-oriented, with exceptional follow-through and reliability.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude, self-motivation, and ethically sound judgment.
• Excellent client relations and communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well with all levels of the firm.
• Ability to work independently and exercise discretion without direct and immediate supervision.

This role is designated as a remote position for candidates located in Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, or Utah.

Pay

Base pay range: $140,000 - $159,000 per year.

Benefits

• 11 Paid Holidays + 2 Floating Holidays
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Volunteer Time
• Flexible Work Schedule
• Highly subsidized Health, Dental, and Vision Plans
• 401k Retirement Account with company match contributions
• Free Mental Health services
• Life Insurance
• Long & Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts
• Employee Financial Education
• Employee Educational Expense Reimbursement
• Employee Charitable Donations
• Employee Referral Incentives
• Employee Team Building Activities
• Employee Assistance Program