Tax Supervisor
Location: Fairfield, New Jersey
Employment Type: Full-Time
Experience Level: Senior-Level (6-10 years)
Department: Tax Services
Company Overview
Our clients established CPA firm in Fairfield, NJ is seeking an experienced Tax Supervisor to lead their tax services team. We provide comprehensive tax, accounting, and advisory services to a diverse client base including high-net-worth individuals, family-owned businesses, partnerships, corporations, and non-profit organizations. Our firm is committed to delivering exceptional client service while fostering a collaborative environment that promotes professional excellence and career advancement.
Position Summary
The Tax Supervisor will oversee the preparation and review of complex tax returns, manage client relationships, supervise tax staff, and contribute to the strategic growth of our tax practice. This leadership role requires a seasoned tax professional with strong technical expertise, management skills, and the ability to handle sophisticated tax planning and compliance matters while maintaining the highest standards of client service.
Key Responsibilities
Team Leadership & Management
- Supervise and manage a team of 8-12 tax professionals including senior associates, associates, and seasonal staff
- Conduct performance evaluations, provide career guidance, and support professional development initiatives
- Oversee staff scheduling, work assignments, and resource allocation during busy season and year-round
- Lead recruitment efforts including interviewing candidates and making hiring recommendations
- Mentor junior staff and facilitate knowledge transfer throughout the team
- Establish and maintain quality control standards and review procedures
Client Relationship Management
- Serve as primary relationship manager for key clients with complex tax situations
- Manage a portfolio of high-value client engagements including individuals, partnerships, and corporations
- Lead client meetings to discuss tax strategies, planning opportunities, and compliance requirements
- Develop and maintain long-term client relationships while identifying opportunities for service expansion
- Handle sensitive client communications and resolve complex tax issues
- Coordinate with other service lines (audit, advisory) to provide integrated client solutions
Tax Preparation & Review
- Prepare and review highly complex federal and multi-state tax returns across all entity types
- Handle sophisticated tax situations including consolidated returns, multi-tiered partnerships, and international tax issues
- Review tax returns prepared by senior associates and associates, ensuring technical accuracy and compliance
- Oversee quarterly tax projections, estimated payments, and year-end tax planning strategies
- Manage tax provision work (ASC 740) for corporate clients
- Ensure all deliverables meet firm quality standards and filing deadlines
Tax Planning & Consulting
- Provide sophisticated tax planning and consulting services to high-net-worth individuals and businesses
- Develop tax-efficient strategies for business transactions, succession planning, and wealth transfer
- Research complex tax issues and prepare technical memoranda with recommendations
- Stay current with federal and state tax law changes and communicate impacts to clients and staff
- Lead tax planning meetings and present strategies to clients and their advisors
- Assist with tax controversy matters including audit representation and appeals
Practice Development & Operations
- Contribute to business development through client referrals, networking, and thought leadership
- Participate in firm management meetings and strategic planning initiatives
- Develop and deliver technical training programs for staff
- Monitor engagement profitability, budgets, and billing processes
- Assist with proposal preparation and fee negotiations for new engagements
- Implement process improvements and best practices to enhance efficiency
Required Qualifications
Education & Certifications
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
- CPA license required (New Jersey or reciprocal state)
- Master's degree in Taxation or related field preferred
- 150 credit hours completed
Experience
- 6-10 years of progressive public accounting tax experience
- Minimum 3-4 years of supervisory or team leadership experience
- Extensive experience with complex individual and business tax compliance
- Proven track record managing client relationships and driving engagement profitability
- Experience with multi-state tax filings and sophisticated tax planning strategies
- Background in training and developing tax professionals
Technical Expertise
- Expert-level knowledge of federal and state tax laws and regulations
- Advanced proficiency with professional tax software (ProSystem fx, Lacerte, UltraTax)
- Experience with tax research databases (RIA, CCH, BNA, Checkpoint)
- Strong knowledge of tax provision requirements (ASC 740)
- Familiarity with multi-state tax compliance and nexus issues
- Experience with specialized tax areas (partnerships, S-corps, consolidated returns)
Leadership & Management Skills
- Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop tax professionals
- Strong project management skills with ability to handle multiple complex engagements
- Excellent delegation and quality control capabilities
- Experience with performance management and staff development
- Ability to make difficult decisions and resolve conflicts effectively
Core Competencies
- Exceptional communication and presentation skills
- Strong business development and client relationship abilities
- Advanced analytical and problem-solving capabilities
- High attention to detail with commitment to quality and accuracy
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
- Professional demeanor with strong ethical standards
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in Taxation, Accounting, or related field
- Additional certifications (CFA, PFS, or other specialized credentials)
- Experience with international tax compliance and planning
- Background in specialized industries (real estate, healthcare, manufacturing)
- Previous experience with practice management and business development
- Knowledge of estate and gift tax planning
- Experience with tax technology implementation and process improvement
Leadership Responsibilities
- Participate in firm management committee meetings and strategic planning
- Contribute to firm policies and procedures development
- Lead special projects and practice improvement initiatives
- Represent the firm at professional organizations and industry events
- Mentor high-potential staff for advancement opportunities
- Collaborate with partners on client service delivery and practice growth
What We Offer
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary range
- Performance-based annual bonus with significant upside potential
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance (firm contributes 80%)
- 401(k) retirement plan with 4% company matching
- Generous paid time off and flexible holiday schedule
- Professional development budget
- CPA continuing education support and conference attendance
- Life insurance and disability coverage
Leadership Development
- Partnership track opportunities for exceptional performers
- Executive coaching and leadership development programs
- Participation in firm strategic planning and decision-making
- Opportunity to specialize in niche practice areas
- Client origination and business development support
- Industry conference speaking and thought leadership opportunities
Work Environment
- Collaborative leadership team with open communication
- Modern office facilities with latest technology and software
- Flexible work arrangements
- Administrative support and efficient workflow systems
- Regular team building and firm social events
- Commitment to work-life balance and professional growth
Career Advancement
This role offers excellent advancement opportunities including:
- Manager and Senior Manager promotions within 2-3 years
- Partnership consideration for top performers
- Practice area leadership opportunities
- Firm management roles and committee participation
- Client relationship ownership and origination credit
- Industry specialization and thought leadership development

