Tax Manager

Role Purpose

The Tax Manager serves as a technical tax expert and client advisor, overseeing the preparation and review of complex tax returns while providing strategic tax planning guidance. This role combines deep technical knowledge with client relationship management to ensure compliance, minimize tax liabilities, and deliver exceptional service that positions LUCA as a trusted tax advisor.

The Big Win

Should you excel in this role — The big win is to become a trusted tax advisor who transforms complex tax regulations into strategic advantages for clients while building and mentoring a high-performing tax team. You'll develop deep expertise that allows clients to navigate tax challenges with confidence while creating efficient processes that ensure accuracy and compliance. By mastering both technical tax knowledge and client advisory skills, you'll help clients make informed decisions that optimize their tax positions and support their business goals, establishing LUCA as their indispensable tax partner.

Core Responsibilities

Tax Compliance & Technical Excellence

• Oversee preparation and review of federal, state, and local tax returns for individuals, corporations, partnerships, trusts, and nonprofits
• Ensure compliance with all applicable tax laws and regulations across multiple jurisdictions
• Develop and implement tax planning strategies to minimize tax liabilities and maximize client benefits
• Stay current with changes in tax laws and regulations, communicating impact to clients and staff
• Conduct complex tax research to resolve technical issues and support tax positions
• Prepare technical tax memoranda and documentation to support strategies and positions

Client Advisory & Relationship Management

• Serve as primary tax contact for assigned clients, managing relationships and expectations
• Conduct client meetings to discuss tax planning strategies and address tax-related issues
• Provide proactive tax advice and recommendations based on clients' financial situations and goals
• Monitor engagement budgets, overages, and billing to ensure profitability
• Coordinate with Client Directors and Controllers to integrate tax planning with overall financial strategy
• Manage client portfolio of diverse entities including individuals, corporations, partnerships, trusts, and nonprofits

Team Development & Staff Supervision

• Supervise and mentor junior tax staff, providing guidance for professional development
• Review work prepared by junior staff for accuracy and completeness
• Provide constructive feedback and coaching to support skill advancement
• Participate in performance evaluations and hiring processes for tax team members
• Facilitate knowledge transfer and cross-training within the tax team
• Lead team of 2-5 junior tax professionals, coordinating workload and development

Process Improvement & Quality Control

• Identify opportunities to improve tax processes and procedures for enhanced efficiency and accuracy
• Implement best practices and leverage technology to streamline tax preparation and review
• Ensure proper documentation and record-keeping for all tax-related activities
• Maintain quality control standards with 99% accuracy and zero compliance penalties
• Collaborate with other departments to optimize workflow and resource allocation
• Lead process optimization initiatives that improve team productivity and client service

Time Allocation & Metrics

• Client work and tax preparation: 60-70% of time
• Team development and supervision: 20% of time
• Business development and client relationship management: 15% of time
• Process improvement and professional development: 5% of time
• Client satisfaction: Maintain 8.5 out of 10 satisfaction scores
• Team retention: 85% annual retention of direct reports
• Engagement profitability: Meet or exceed budgets with minimal overages

Professional Development Requirements

• CPA or EA certification (preferred)
• 5-10 years progressive tax experience
• 2-5 years in senior role
• 3-7 years experience with federal tax codes
• 3-7 years experience with state tax codes
• 3-5 years team management experience
• 3-5 years managing complex client portfolios
• Strong research and technical writing skills
• Exceptional communication, project management, and interpersonal skills

Career Path

This role leads to advancement as Director of Tax, with potential pathways toward partner-level positions or specialized practice leadership roles. The Tax Manager position provides exposure to complex client relationships, team leadership responsibilities, and business development opportunities that prepare candidates for senior leadership positions within LUCA's tax practice or broader organizational leadership.

Alignment with LUCA's Values

The Tax Manager embodies LUCA's values in specific ways:

• Simplify the complicated: Translates complex tax regulations into clear, actionable guidance for clients and team members
• Bring joy and light to every conversation: Approaches tax challenges with optimism and solution-focused thinking
• Proactively problem solve: Anticipates tax issues and identifies planning opportunities before they become critical
• Ground confidence in competence: Maintains deep technical expertise while continuously expanding knowledge of tax law changes
• Finish the job: Ensures all tax deliverables meet the highest standards of accuracy and compliance
• Be fanatically attentive to consistency and detail: Maintains meticulous standards in tax preparation, review, and advisory services