Tax Manager

Tax Manager

Washington, DC

$115,000 – $130,000 bonus

There’s a point in public accounting where people stop chasing logos.

They start chasing sustainability.

Better clients. Better leadership. Better balance. A calmer environment where they can still do meaningful work without feeling permanently switched on.

That’s exactly what this firm has spent decades building.

Not accidentally.

Intentionally.

The practice was founded over 40 years ago by someone who left Big 4 life behind to create something more relationship driven, more personal, and ultimately more sustainable long term.

A lot of clients followed immediately.

And the culture that was built back then still shapes the firm today.

Why this role exists

The team has an immediate need following someone leaving the business, but this isn’t a reactive “throw someone into survival mode” situation.

The environment here is exceptionally stable.

Many people have been with the firm for years. Some for decades.

Which means they’re being very thoughtful about who joins next.

This is much more about finding someone who wants a genuine long term home than somebody looking for a quick title move.

That matters a lot to them.

The work itself

The client base is heavily relationship driven and focused around:

• High Net Worth individuals
• Closely held businesses
• Corporate tax matters
• Long term advisory relationships

Importantly, the firm intentionally keeps client loads manageable.

Not because demand isn’t there.

Because they care deeply about quality, detail, and maintaining a strong level of service.

That means Managers here actually have the time to:

• Understand clients properly
• Build relationships
• Think strategically
• Focus on quality over constant volume

The work feels far more thoughtful and far less transactional than many larger firms.

What your role would look like

At Manager level, they want someone who can confidently step into:

• Review responsibilities
• Client management
• Tax planning conversations
• Workflow oversight
• Mentoring and supporting staff
• Maintaining the quality standards the firm is known for

This isn’t a role where success is measured purely by throughput.

The expectation is strong technical work combined with strong judgement and professionalism.

The culture

This is the part people tend to stay for.

Flexible. Trusting. Adult.

Nobody’s watching the clock.

Nobody’s micromanaging your calendar.

The expectation is simple:

You’re an experienced professional. Manage your work properly.

That approach creates a noticeably calmer atmosphere than many firms in the DC market, especially compared to environments where visibility still feels tied to hours and presenteeism.

People here are trusted early.

And because of that, the culture feels much healthier long term.

What your week actually feels like

Busy season still exists.

February through April and September through October can become demanding.

But outside of those periods, expectations settle back toward normal working weeks.

Around 40 hours is generally the norm outside peak season.

And because the firm intentionally keeps client numbers controlled, there’s far less constant firefighting throughout the rest of the year.

The rhythm feels sustainable.

Hybrid working

The setup is collaborative and flexible.

Why people stay

Because the environment genuinely feels long term.

You’re surrounded by experienced professionals who know the clients well, support each other properly, and care about the quality of work they deliver.

The atmosphere feels far more:

“Good people doing thoughtful work together”

Than:

“Everyone competing to prove how busy they are.”

That distinction becomes more valuable the more experience you gain.

Who this suits

You’ll probably enjoy this if:

• You value client relationships over pure volume
• You want flexibility without losing collaboration
• You enjoy review, advisory, and planning work
• You’re tired of highly intense corporate cultures
• You want a stable environment with genuinely strong retention

This role feels ideal for someone who still enjoys public accounting, but wants the next phase of their career to feel calmer, more intentional, and more sustainable.

What they’re looking for

• Public accounting tax experience
• CPA preferred or actively pursuing
• Strong review and client management ability
• Experience with HNW individuals helpful
• Big 4 background viewed positively, but not essential

Not ready with a resume? Or want a bit more information before applying? That’s fine. Apply the old-fashioned way, or simply reach out to me on LinkedIn or through the Distinct Recruitment website. I’ll happily talk you through the role, the firm, and where it could take you before you make any commitments.

I’m Abigail Stephen, Recruiter at Distinct. I don’t just look at job specs; I look at people, and where they’ll thrive. It’s not about filling gaps. It’s about finding a fit that lasts.

Outside of work, balance for me is Pilates to reset, travel to explore, and skiing to recharge. Because the truth is, you don’t slog through hours for the love of a spreadsheet. You do it for the freedom it buys you. Same principle here.