Trust Tax Manager

About the role

The Trust Tax Manager directs and supervises the tax return preparation and related client service activities of a large team of tax professionals (7-10), including Senior Trust Tax Accountants, Trust Tax Accountants, and may include Trust Tax Associates, Interns, Co-ops, Administrative Assistants, and Product Specialists. The department prepares approximately 25,000 tax returns and reports annually with trust tax fees totaling more than $6 million. Each team is responsible for preparing between 5,000 and 10,000 returns. The Manager advises on complex fiduciary tax issues and ensures the quality, quantity, and timeliness of work prepared by their team while maintaining proper compliance and risk management controls.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an integral part of the Trust Tax department management team, establishing and executing a strategic vision aligned with departmental and bank-wide growth and service strategies.
• Supervise the preparation of 5,000–10,000 federal and state fiduciary, charitable, split interest, IRA, individual, and other tax returns annually.
• Review tax returns prepared by team members and provide timely feedback.
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of returns, tax payments, and estimated tax filings.
• Monitor weekly charging of relevant fees for work performed in the Trust Tax department.
• Review complex trust documents, wills, and account closing requests to ensure accurate taxation.
• Develop and implement best practices for compliance with IRS, state tax authorities, and internal policies.
• Perform annual reviews of account loads and allocate work prior to tax season, reallocating as needed to meet deadlines.
• Stay updated on new or proposed tax law changes and adjust policies or procedures accordingly.
• Perform advanced tax research and analyze issues related to fiduciary, charitable, individual, and other tax laws; provide recommendations to management and clients.
• Maintain awareness of new estate planning and tax strategies through industry contacts and research.
• Advise Trust Officers, external customers, attorneys, and accountants on highly complex tax matters.
• Keep management and Trust Officers informed of department progress, especially during tax season.
• Serve as a technical resource on all facets of relevant taxation for team members and clients.
• Demonstrate mastery of the Bank’s tax software (OneSource, Ultra Tax, RIA Online Research) and serve as an operational resource.
• Develop team members’ technical and communication skills through mentoring and training programs.
• Maintain relationships with the Bank’s IT group and external software company, serving as the department’s point person.
• Participate in client/prospect pre-calls as requested by Trust Officers and Wealth Management Advisors.
• Engage in community affairs and professional associations as requested.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervise a team of tax professionals in preparing 5,000–10,000 tax returns annually.
• Review completed tax returns of Senior Trust Tax Accountants and Trust Tax Accountants prior to client delivery and filing.
• Maximize performance and talent development through challenging opportunities and constructive feedback.
• Ensure adherence to policies, procedures, and compliance requirements, including required training.
• Recognize and reward employee accomplishments and mentor those needing additional support.
• Recruit and develop talent to ensure adequate bench strength and succession planning.
• Build an engaged team of tax professionals, including Senior Trust Tax Accountants, Tax Accountants, Tax Associates, and Administrative Assistants.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 10–15 years of clearly defined fiduciary tax experience.
• MBA, CPA, or Enrolled Agent preferred; graduate degree also preferred.
• Advanced leadership, relationship management, and mentoring skills.
• Proven independent decision-making abilities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products.
• Knowledge of trust accounting systems and tax software.

Benefits

Fifth Third offers comprehensive benefits and differentiated compensation, including:

• Base salary reflective of the role’s pay grade, adjusted for skillset, experience, education, and geographic location.
• Eligibility to participate in an incentive compensation plan based on company, line of business, and individual performance.
• Extensive benefits programs supporting physical, financial, emotional, and social well-being for employees and their families.

Location

Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503