Tax Manager, CPA at Dennis, Gartland & Niergarth Traverse , MI

Position Summary

A Tax Manager at our public accounting firm is responsible for the timely preparation of complex tax returns under minimal supervision, and provides direction and coaching to Tax Accountants, Senior Tax Accountants and Tax Supervisors. Our Tax Manager communicates directly with clients to provide exceptional service and assistance regarding tax matters, and plays a key role in supporting the firm’s business development initiatives.

• Performs technical tax review and approval of all tax returns and governmental tax examinations of any complexity.
• Assumes full responsibility for larger, complex tax returns and delegates to the various tax preparers as deemed necessary.
• Delegates and manages tax research projects to achieve an accurate, efficient and budget mindful product.
• Participates actively in client meetings and tax planning efforts to assist the department with larger clients.
• Acts as a resource for tax preparers and other firm staff on specific tax issues and/or questions. Develops a thorough knowledge, understanding and application of tools, systems and processes in their discipline.
• Assumes service responsibility for clients delegated from partner and works closely with partners in regards to client support for whom they may work directly. Able to anticipate problems/barriers and helps develop plans to address.
• Communicates to the appropriate firm personnel important tax developments affecting firm’s clients.
• Delegates and manages governmental tax examinations; may represent client before appropriate tax authorities.
• Maintains familiarity with qualifications of tax staff members; reviews staff assignments for appropriateness.
• Supervises tax staff, provides training and prepares engagement performance reviews when appropriate.
• Develops well‑trained staff through coaching and mentoring, assisting in recruiting, performance evaluations, developing training aids and acting as an instructor in professional development programs. Seeks feedback as to quality of work, skill sharing and knowledge transfer.
• Supports preparation of invoices to clients, communicates detail of fees to clients and assists in collection of overdue accounts.
• Assumes responsibility for smooth flow of tax returns through tax preparation system to assure accurate, complete and timely preparation and delivery of all clients’ tax returns.
• Possesses a complete knowledge of the firm’s philosophy, structure, services, quality standards, utilization and productivity.
• Maintains and possesses a general knowledge and application of relevant profession standards, emerging laws and regulations and corporate governance processes. Uses knowledge to formulate client related recommendations.
• Researches and evaluates tax preparation and tax research software for recommendation to partners. Prepares reports and executes projects as needed. Performs other duties as may be assigned.
• Participates in firm’s practice development efforts through involvement with referral sources, community and industry activities.
• Develops consulting skills and understanding of client businesses and uses this to diagnose needs/opportunities and suggests solutions.
• Refines skills, knowledge to develop an expertise in an identified technical field and/or industry.

• Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree in accounting, taxation preferred, or closely corresponding field.
• Holds current and valid Certified Public Accountant’s license.
• A member in good standing with AICPA.
• Maintain minimum of forty (40) hours of continuing professional education required each year to maintain and develop technical and business skills.
• Eight (8) to twelve (12) years of experience desired in public accounting, demonstrating a progression in complexity of tax knowledge, scope and research; and accounting tasks.
• Five (5) years of recent experience preferred supervising and directing work of tax preparers, staff.
• Five (5) years of recent experience preferred interacting and developing client relationships. Demonstrated ability to bring in new business to a CPA firm.
• Participates in career development program(s)…