Tax Manager

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Tax Manager

If you’re at the point in your career where you don’t need hand holding, don’t want corporate fluff, and just want to do good work with good clients, this one will probably resonate.

This is a small, established Chicago-based firm (nine people, downtown) that’s looking to add an experienced Tax Manager. They’re not panicking to fill a seat before busy season but they can if they find the right person, and they’re not hiring juniors hoping they’ll “grow into it”. They want someone who can step in, own their work, and deal confidently with clients.

The client base is exactly what you’d expect at this level, HNW individuals, lots of extended 1040 work tied to K-1s and hedge funds, a solid number of trusts, plus partnerships and other flow-throughs. Trust experience is helpful but not a blocker; they’re happy to teach the right person if your strengths sit more in complex individual work.

This is a hands‑on role. You’ll be preparing returns as well as managing relationships, dealing with IRS and state notices, and being the person clients trust to just get things handled. If you’ve been at a larger firm and are tired of being removed from the work or stuck reviewing without context, this is the opposite of that.

A few things that tend to matter to people considering smaller firms:

• Busy season typically lands around 50–55 hours (with the odd heavier week, but not constant)
• Outside of tax season, things are genuinely flexible and quieter
• Summer Fridays are very much a thing
• Salary is realistically $125k–$175k, depending on experience
• CPA or EA preferred

There are two partners in their 60s who are already thinking about succession and stepping back over the next few years. This isn’t an immediate partner step in 12 months, but for someone who wants longevity and influence rather than a revolving‑door firm, the opportunity is real.

This would suit a Tax Manager or a very experienced Senior (10+ years) who’s comfortable operating independently, enjoys client contact, and isn’t looking for forced social calendars or big‑firm politics.

Not ready with a resume? Or want a bit more information before applying? No problem. You can still apply the old‑fashioned way, or just reach out to start a conversation with Imogen via Linked In or the Distinct Recruitment website or contact her cell at 312‑584‑9844. She’ll be happy to tell you more about the firm, the job and the prospects before you commit further.

Imogen Talbot‑Slack is a Recruiter with Distinct Recruitment. She’s been recruiting in finance for over 9 years, with a focus on public accounting firms across Illinois and Indiana. She’s not a career salesperson she’s built her reputation by actually listening to what candidates want, whether that’s better hours, a path to partner, or simply a firm where they’ll enjoy going to work.

Think you only have 80% of the required experience? Perfect, apply anyway. The CPA firms we partner with want diverse, interesting people, not corporate clones stamped from the same tedious mould.

Don’t overthink it. The worst outcome is a pleasant conversation about your career. The best? Well, that’s where it gets rather exciting.

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Pension plan

Paid paternity leave

Paid maternity leave

Tuition assistance

Disability insurance

Child care support

Student loan assistance