Tax Manager

Tax Manager / Senior Tax Manager

Chicago & Illinois | Hybrid | $130,000 to $200,000+

There are plenty of reasons you might be thinking about leaving your current firm.

Maybe the hours have become too much. You want to be closer to clients. You are ready for a clearer route to Partner. You want more flexibility. Or you have simply realised that the size and structure of your current firm is not what you want long term.

That does not necessarily mean leaving public accounting.

I am working with a number of independent and mid sized CPA firms across Illinois, ranging from around 300 people down to smaller local firms, so there is quite a bit of choice depending on what you want to change.

Some are looking for true generalists working across industries including manufacturing and distribution, construction, technology, real estate and professional services.

Others need Managers with a stronger private client focus, working with HNW individuals ranging from $25m to $1bn+ in net worth and reviewing complex 1040s, 1041s and 709s alongside tax planning.

There are also opportunities focused more heavily on business entities, large partnerships, pass throughs, construction, real estate and closely held businesses.

The common theme is that these are not firms looking for someone to sit behind a screen and review returns all day.

They want Managers who can build relationships with clients, develop junior staff, work closely with Partners and gradually take on more responsibility.

And the reason for moving does not have to be progression.

For some people it is hours.

For others it is wanting a smaller firm where they actually know the Partners.

It might be getting away from the politics of a larger firm, finding more flexibility, getting closer to clients, having a clearer route to Partner, or simply finding a firm they can see themselves staying with.

What you'll have:

• CPA or EA
• Current or recent public accounting experience
• Tax Manager or Senior Manager level, although I am happy to speak with strong Seniors approaching Manager
• Strong experience across business tax, HNW/private client tax, or a combination of both

I work solely within public accounting and know these firms beyond the job description, so I can give you a realistic picture of the hours, culture, client base, progression and why people actually stay.

You do not need to know exactly what you want next.

Sometimes knowing what you don't want again is enough to start with. Don’t overthink it.