Senior Tax Manager

Job Title: Tax Manager/Sr. Manager – Direct Succession Track (No Business Development Required)

Location: West/South-West Suburbs, IL (Hybrid: 2 Days Onsite / 3 Days Remote)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Compensation: $120,000 – $175,000+ Base + Discretionary Annual Bonus + Profit Sharing

About the Opportunity

Are you tired of 70+ hour busy seasons, private equity disruptions, or being told you have to build a brand-new book of business from scratch just to move into firm leadership?

We are exclusively partnering with an established, highly respected, and strictly independent full-service CPA firm in the Western/South-West Suburbs of Chicago to recruit an experienced Tax Manager.

Due to upcoming senior partner retirements over the next 12–18 months, the incoming manager will directly inherit an established, high-performing portfolio of closely held businesses and private clients. There is zero business development or sales requirement tied to this role. Your sole focus will be high-level tax strategy, client advisory, engagement delivery, and team leadership.

Why Public Accounting Tax Professionals Love This Firm:

• True Work-Life Balance (Capped Busy Season): Spring peak (mid-Feb through April 15) is strictly managed at 50–55 hours/week. There are no mandatory weekend hours—overtime is handled during the work week so your weekends stay yours.
• 40-Hour Rest of the Year: Predictable, sustainable ~40-hour weeks outside of spring busy season (fall deadline weeks rarely exceed 45 hours).
• Genuine Hybrid Flexibility: 2 days in the office, 3 days remote each week. You have flexibility on which days you choose to work from home.
• 100% Independent & Stable: Committed to remaining private and partner-owned. No private equity roll-ups, no sudden outsourcing mandates, and no corporate restructuring.
• Full Dedicated Admin Support: The firm employs an exceptional administrative and office operations team so Managers spend their time consulting and reviewing—not printing, binding, or tracking down paperwork.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Act as the primary trusted advisor to business owners, executives, and high-net-worth families across various industries (manufacturing, distribution, professional services, healthcare).
• Review complex federal and state returns with a heavy emphasis on flow-through entities (S-Corporations, Partnerships), as well as related high-net-worth individuals, trusts, and estates.
• Collaborate 1-on-1 with retiring partners to ensure a smooth, multi-year transition of longstanding client relationships.
• Lead tax planning, structuring, and advisory projects directly with client decision-makers, external corporate attorneys, and financial advisors.
• Mentor, review, and develop Senior and Staff accountants in a collaborative, supportive environment.

Qualifications:

• 5–6+ years of progressive public accounting tax experience.
• Credential: Active CPA or EA required (CPA preferred).
• Demonstrated experience with flow-through entities (S-Corps, Partnerships) and closely held/middle-market business clients. Exposure to trusts/estates is a plus.
• Strong client-facing communication skills and the confidence to advise business owners directly.
• Ability to commute to the Western/South-West Suburbs office 2 days per week.

Total Rewards & Perks:

• Base Salary: $120,000 – $175,000+ (commensurate with experience)
• Discretionary annual performance bonus + annual profit-sharing contribution
• 4-5+ weeks of PTO
• Comprehensive health coverage (individual coverage paid at high firm contribution)
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Flexible summer hours / early Friday departures
• Monthly technology/cell allowance + mileage reimbursement

Next Steps

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