Estate Gift and Trust Tax Manager

Gross Mendelsohn, one of the Mid-Atlantic’s leading independent CPA and advisory firms, is seeking an experienced Estate and Trust Tax Manager to join our growing Tax Department.

This is a highly visible client-facing role focused on serving high-net-worth individuals, families, and fiduciaries. The Estate and Trust Tax Manager will bring strong technical expertise in estate, trust, gift, and individual taxation, along with the ability to manage complex client engagement and provide strategic guidance on estate planning and wealth transfer matters.

The role will oversee the preparation and review of fiduciary income tax returns, estate and gift tax filings, and related planning engagements. In addition to managing technical tax work, this individual will serve as a trusted advisor to clients while mentoring and developing tax staff.

Recognized with nine Top Workplace awards, Gross Mendelsohn is committed to professional excellence, collaboration, and long-term growth. This role offers the opportunity to work with sophisticated clients and contribute meaningfully to the continued expansion of our estate and trust practice.

Key Responsibilities

Client Engagement & Technical Tax Leadership
• Prepare and review estate and trust income tax returns (Form 1041), gift tax returns (Form 709), estate tax returns (Form 706), and complex individual returns (Form 1040)
• Provide technical review and guidance on complex estate, trust, and high-net-worth tax matters
• Interpret and summarize estate planning documents, including wills, trusts, and related legal agreements
• Identify tax planning opportunities and develop strategies to support clients’ wealth transfer and estate planning objectives
• Ensure accurate, complete, and timely preparation and filing of client tax returns through the firm’s tax systems
Client Relationship Management
• Serve as a primary point of contact for estate and trust clients
• Participate in client meetings and planning discussions with attorneys, financial advisors, trustees, and family representatives
• Communicate complex tax concepts clearly to clients and stakeholders
• Identify opportunities to expand services and enhance client relationships
Engagement Management
• Oversee all aspects of engagement planning, scheduling, and workflow management
• Manage engagement teams and delegate responsibilities effectively
• Ensure work is completed efficiently while maintaining high standards of quality and compliance
• Monitor engagement progress and proactively address issues impacting deadlines or deliverables
Staff Development & Leadership
• Mentor and develop tax staff through training, coaching, and ongoing feedback
• Review staff work and provide technical guidance and professional development support
• Participate in performance evaluations and contribute to the professional growth of team members
Firm Engagement & Professional Development
• Maintain awareness of tax law changes and regulatory developments affecting estate and trust taxation
• Share technical insights and relevant tax updates with colleagues and clients
• Support firm growth through involvement in professional organizations, referral relationships, and community activities
• Demonstrate and promote the firm’s Mission, Vision, and Values

 

Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, taxation, or related field
• Current CPA license required
• Master's degree in taxation preferred
• 5 years of progressive tax experience in public accounting, including estate and gift tax engagements
• Strong experience preparing and reviewing Forms 1041, 709, 706, and complex 1040 returns
• Experience analyzing and summarizing estate planning documents
• Proficiency in tax software, tax research tools, and financial technology platforms

Required Skills and Competencies
Technical Expertise
• Deep knowledge of estate, trust, gift, and individual tax compliance and planning
• Strong tax research and problem-solving skills
• Ability to interpret complex estate planning structures and fiduciary arrangements
Client Service & Professional Skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Professional presence and ability to build trusted client relationships
• Ability to explain complex tax matters clearly and effectively
Leadership & Collaboration
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong organizational and time management skills

Why Join Gross Mendelsohn?
• Join a respected independent firm committed to strategic growth
• Work with sophisticated high-net-worth and fiduciary clients
• Enjoy a collaborative, team-oriented culture
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package
• Free parking at both Baltimore and Fairfax locations
• Hybrid work flexibility
Work Environment
This role offers a hybrid work environment. The Estate and Trust Tax Manager will be expected to work in the office or attend client meetings as business needs require, particularly for client service, team leadership, and planning engagements.
Physical Requirements
Ability to sit for extended periods, lift up to 20 pounds, and manage physical files and documentation as needed.
Join Us
If you are an Estate and Trust Tax Professional who thrives in a collaborative, growth-focused professional services environment and enjoys working with sophisticated clients, we encourage you to apply.

Gross Mendelsohn is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace.

Salary : $130,000 - $175,000