What are the responsibilities and job description for the Tax Manager position at Strategic Employment?
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Tax Manager to join an established, independent public accounting firm in the western Chicago suburbs. This person will review and prepare income tax returns for closely held businesses and their owners, working directly with clients as a trusted advisor while helping develop less experienced staff. There is a genuine path to partnership for the right person — not just a bigger title.
About the Firm
An independent CPA firm that has served closely held businesses, high-net-worth individuals and families, and not-for-profit organizations from the western Chicago suburbs for over 100 years. The firm has never sold or merged into a larger practice and has no plans to do so. It takes a consultative, relationship-driven approach rather than a high-volume compliance model.
Key Responsibilities
- Review and/or prepare income tax returns for closely held businesses (S corporations, C corporations, and partnerships) and individuals
- Supervise and manage tax return compliance engagements and tax planning work for firm clients
- Serve as a direct point of contact for clients on tax matters throughout the year
- Mentor and help develop less experienced tax staff
- Stay current on federal and Illinois tax law affecting closely held businesses and individuals
- Contribute to both compliance and consulting-side work as needed
Qualifications
- At least 8 years of public accounting experience preparing/reviewing income tax returns, with recent (2023 or later) public accounting experience
- Strong working knowledge of federal tax law for C corporations, S corporations, partnerships, and individuals
- CPA license or EA credential preferred, not required
- Comfort working across both tax compliance/consulting and, ideally, assurance/audit engagements
- Experience with complex trusts and estates a plus, not required
- Must already reside in the Chicagoland area — relocation assistance and visa sponsorship are not available
- Comfortable with a seasonal workload of 55 hours/week during busy periods (January–April 15 and August–October 15), including some Saturdays
What We Offer
- Base salary in the $120,000–$175,000 range, open to negotiation based on experience
- Overtime bonus structure based on annual billable hours
- Lifetime 15% commission on new business brought into the firm
- 9% discretionary profit-sharing contribution to 401(k), delivered consistently for 20 years
- Full health, dental, and vision coverage; life and disability insurance
- Paid vacation and paid overtime/comp time
- Hybrid scheduling available outside of busy season after an initial onboarding period
- Long-term stability at a firm with 100 years of history and no intention of selling or merging, plus a genuine partnership track
Salary : $120,000 - $175,000