Tax Manager

Location: Frederick, MD
Employment Type: Full-Time
Department: Tax Services

Position Overview

Our client is seeking an experienced Tax Manager to lead their tax practice in Frederick, Maryland. This senior-level position offers the opportunity to manage complex tax engagements, develop strategic client relationships, and mentor a dynamic team of tax professionals. The ideal candidate will have extensive public accounting tax experience, strong leadership capabilities, and a proven track record of delivering comprehensive tax planning and compliance services across diverse client portfolios.

Key Responsibilities

Tax Practice Leadership & Management

Manage a diverse portfolio of tax clients including high-net-worth individuals, partnerships, corporations, trusts, estates, and nonprofit organizations
Oversee complex tax engagements ensuring quality delivery within budget and timeline constraints
Review and approve sophisticated tax returns including Forms 1040, 1041, 1065, 1120, 1120S, 990, and related schedules
Provide final review and sign-off on tax planning strategies and compliance recommendations
Ensure adherence to firm quality control standards and professional tax preparation guidelines
Manage tax season workflow, resource allocation, and client deadline management

Strategic Tax Planning & Advisory

Develop and implement comprehensive tax planning strategies to minimize clients' federal and state tax liabilities
Provide proactive tax advice on business transactions, mergers and acquisitions, estate planning, and succession planning
Advise clients on entity selection, restructuring opportunities, and tax-efficient business strategies
Research complex tax issues using professional databases (RIA, CCH, BNA) and communicate solutions to clients
Stay current with tax law changes and assess impact on client planning opportunities
Lead tax provision and compliance projects for corporate clients

Client Relationship Management

Serve as primary relationship manager for key tax clients and their professional advisors
Lead client meetings to discuss tax planning strategies, compliance matters, and business advisory services
Present complex tax concepts and strategies to clients, boards of directors, and senior management
Build and maintain long-term client relationships serving as trusted tax advisor
Coordinate with estate planning attorneys, investment advisors, and other professionals
Handle client retention efforts and resolve complex tax issues and disputes

Team Development & Leadership

Supervise, mentor, and evaluate senior tax accountants, tax accountants, and tax associates
Provide coaching on technical tax matters and professional development guidance
Conduct performance reviews and participate in promotion and compensation decisions
Lead tax training sessions and continuing education programs
Foster collaborative team environment promoting knowledge sharing and professional growth
Delegate tax projects effectively while maintaining accountability for engagement quality

Business Development & Practice Growth

Lead proposal development and participate in client presentations for new business opportunities
Identify cross-selling opportunities and additional tax services for existing clients
Develop referral relationships with attorneys, financial advisors, bankers, and other professionals
Participate in industry events, professional organizations, and community networking activities
Contribute to firm marketing efforts through speaking engagements and thought leadership
Mentor junior staff in business development and client relationship skills

Compliance & Quality Assurance

Ensure compliance with IRS regulations, state tax requirements, and professional standards
Manage responses to IRS and state tax examinations and represent clients during audits
Oversee tax return quality control processes and second partner reviews
Lead implementation of new tax software and technology solutions
Contribute to firm-wide risk management and quality control initiatives
Maintain continuing education requirements and technical competency standards

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
Minimum 7-10 years of progressive public accounting tax experience
CPA license required
Big Four, national, or regional public accounting firm experience strongly preferred
Previous supervisory or management experience required

Technical Expertise

Expert knowledge of federal and multi-state tax laws and regulations
Advanced proficiency in tax preparation software (Ultra Tax, ProSystem fx, Lacerte, or GoSystem)
Strong understanding of tax research databases and methodologies
Experience with tax provision software (OneSource, CorpTax, or similar)
Knowledge of partnership, corporate, trust, estate, and individual taxation
Understanding of tax implications of business transactions and entity structures

Leadership & Professional Skills

Proven leadership and team management capabilities with 5+ direct reports
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for client and team interaction
Strong project management and organizational abilities
Business development experience and client relationship management skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities during tax seasons and year-round deadlines
Professional judgment and ethical decision-making capabilities
Presentation skills for client meetings and staff training sessions

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in Taxation, Accounting, or related field
Previous tax manager or senior manager experience
Specialization in high-net-worth individual taxation, estate and gift tax planning
Experience with international tax matters and multi-state tax issues
Knowledge of tax technology and workflow management systems
Professional certifications such as CFS, AEP, or specialized tax credentials
Experience with publicly traded companies and tax provision work

Areas of Tax Specialization

Our Frederick office provides comprehensive tax services including:

Individual tax planning and compliance for high-net-worth clients
Corporate tax planning, compliance, and provision work
Partnership and LLC taxation and planning
Trust, estate, and gift tax planning and administration
Nonprofit organization tax compliance (Form 990)
Multi-state tax planning and nexus issues
Tax controversy and IRS representation
Business succession and estate planning
International tax compliance and planning
Employee benefit plan taxation

Compensation & Benefits Package

Competitive salary range commensurate with experience
Performance-based annual bonus
Profit-sharing participation and equity opportunities
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) plan with company match
4 weeks paid time off plus holidays and flexible time during off-season
Hybrid work arrangements and flexible scheduling outside busy season
Professional development budget
CPA continuing education support and conference attendance
Leadership development programs and partner track opportunities

Work Environment & Schedule

Seasonal workload with busy periods during tax seasons
Local travel throughout Maryland, Northern Virginia, and surrounding areas
Modern office environment with latest tax technology and software
Collaborative team culture with emphasis on work-life balance
Flexible scheduling and remote work options outside of busy season
Company vehicle or generous mileage reimbursement for client visits

Career Advancement Opportunities

This position offers significant growth potential including:

Advancement to Senior Tax Manager within 2-3 years
Clear pathway to Tax Partner for exceptional performers
Opportunities to lead specialized tax service lines
Leadership roles in firm management and strategic planning
Business ownership and equity participation opportunities

About Our Firm

Our Frederick-based CPA firm has been providing comprehensive tax, audit, and advisory services to the Maryland business community and individual clients for over 30 years. We are recognized for our technical excellence in tax planning and compliance, with particular expertise serving high-net-worth individuals, family businesses, and growing enterprises. Our collaborative culture emphasizes professional development, client service excellence, and long-term career growth. We currently serve over 500 tax clients ranging from individuals to multi-million dollar businesses.