Tax Manager

Tax Manager

$120,000 – $160,000 per year.

In public accounting, everyone expects busy season to be busy. But there’s a difference between working hard… and being worked to the bone.

This firm has built a reputation in the Chicago market for doing things properly. They actively ask for feedback—from staff, candidates, and the people they work with and they actually act on it. It shows in how people feel about working here, and in how long they stay.

They even brought in an independent consultant to analyse hours, engagement, and turnover.

The outcome?

• Busy season typically sits around 55–60 hours
• Outside of peak periods, 40 or less is the norm
• One of the lowest turnover rates in the market

This hire is about growth, not replacement. Internal promotions, referrals, and steady expansion have created space for someone experienced to step into a visible, trusted role.

At this level, you’ll manage client relationships end‑to‑end, review work, and oversee staff across tax and accounting. You’re given autonomy, visibility, and the trust to run your clients properly without being micromanaged.

You might be more HNW / Trusts & Estates focused, or you might prefer a broader mix that includes entity work. Either way, you’ll have exposure to:

• HNW individuals, trusts & estates (a core strength, supported by a close family office partnership)
• Entity work across partnerships, real estate, construction, restaurants and closely held businesses
• Significant K-1 exposure and long‑term client relationships

We’re open to CPAs or EAs (or those actively working toward it). Candidates should be comfortable with a broader skill set than Big4 heavy siloed environments.

• People genuinely care about each other
• No minimum billable hour targets
• When it’s busy, everyone helps—no siloed teams or finger‑pointing
• A firm that has grown without losing its personality

They prefer people in the office because collaboration matters, but flexibility is real. Three to four days onsite is ideal, with common‑sense flexibility when life happens.

If you’re an experienced Senior or Manager who wants more trust, better balance, and the option to lean into HNW / trusts without being boxed in, this is worth a proper conversation.

Apply in confidence or message Imogen Talbot‑Slack at Distinct North America to talk it through. Feel free to text or call 312‑584‑9844. If you’re not sure about this role, feel free to reach out as I have several others you might be interested in.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Accounting/Auditing

Accounting

• Medical insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Pension plan
• Paid paternity leave
• Paid maternity leave
• Tuition assistance
• Disability insurance
• Child care support
• Student loan assistance