Audit Senior Manager

Blackman & Sloop; Chapel Hill (NC); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

Health insurance options

401(k) matching

Annual performance bonus

12 paid holidays

Flex Fridays

Equity program eligibility

Job summary

Blackman & Sloop in North Carolina is seeking a Senior Tax Manager to lead tax advisory and compliance for business clients, with an emphasis on auto dealership clients. You will manage engagements, supervise staff, and ensure high-quality service while expanding client relationships.

You will review complex returns, conduct tax research, and contribute to business development efforts. A collaborative, client-focused culture with strong community involvement awaits.

Qualifications

• CPA or EA certification required.
• 10+ years of business tax prep & review experience.
• Excellent project management, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Self-motivated with ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.
• Desire for career advancement and potential firm ownership.
• Strong work ethic and sense of humor.
• Ability or interest in business development and expanding client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all phases of client tax advisory and compliance engagements.
• Manage clients independently and supervise staff.
• Perform technical reviews of business returns and conduct tax research.
• Coach and mentor staff to develop their skills.
• Identify opportunities for value-added services for clients.
• Develop strategies to meet client needs and budgets.

Skills

Project management

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Time management

Business development

Education

CPA or EA certification

Tools

CCH Axcess Tax

CCH Engagement

QuickBooks

Job description

Backed by private equity from people-focused Alpine Investors, Ascend is building a dynamic platform for regional accounting firms that enables them to stay independent while accessing the resources of a Top 25 firm to help them grow. Ascend provides access to growth capital, robust talent acquisition and training, leading quality management resources,best-of-breed technology, AI tools, an offshore captive, shared back-office services, a catalytic leadership system, and modernized equity incentives so that firms can surmount today’s industry challenges to reach their full potential.

At Blackman & Sloop , we hire great people and give them a great place to work. We listen to what our employees value, and being a local firm gives us the advantage of flexibility. Our secret to retaining staff is a positive culture, strong community involvement, and a dedication to constantly increasing our competencies. We are a single-office firm with approximately 45 full-time staff.

For 7 consecutive years, we’ve been honored as one of Accounting Today’s “Best Accounting Firms to Work For”! We've also been recognized by Business North Carolina as one of the “Best Employers in North Carolina” list for the past 4 years. Most recently, we are proud to have received BDO's award for outstanding workplace culture! We believe we’re receiving this recognition based on our commitment to and from each employee, regardless of level.

As an independent member of the BDO Alliance, we have access to the resources of BDO USA, LLP, the world's 5th largest accounting and consulting firm. Additionally in April 2024, we made the strategic decision to join Ascend to usher us in our next stage of growth. What this means to you is that while we're a local accounting firm, our reach and expertise have no boundaries. Each member of our staff has access to an unlimited amount of resources to gain valuable information on levels that most local firms do not encounter.

The Role

Blackman & Sloop is excited to welcome a new industry to our client base! As we expand into the auto dealership space, we are seeking a new Senior Tax Manager to join our team. This role will have a strong emphasis on supporting our dealership clients, while also providing opportunities to work across a variety of other areas.

As a Senior Tax Manager, you will lead and manage all phases of business client tax advisory and compliance engagements. You will manage clients independently and carry out your outstanding project management, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills. You will perform technical reviews of business returns, participate in training and supervision of staff, conduct tax research, and advise on tax matters. Our company is team-oriented and prides itself on providing quality work and excellent customer relations in a friendly, superior working environment. A dedication to excellent client service and a sense of humor are a must.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform initial and/or final review of manager, tax senior, tax staff and intern work products.
• Act as primary client point of contact for the firm.
• Identify opportunities for value added services for clients by staying abreast of their business needs.
• Communicate staffing and workload issues to Resource Planning.
• Review and confirm assignment objectives, scope, and work plan with client.
• Resolve work product issues using firm resources.
• Contribute to the development and management of comprehensive strategies to identify and meet all client needs.
• Identify and research technical issues to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax laws.
• Coach and mentor staff to assist with enhancing their skills and further develop their career.
• Identify and pursue new clients and identify any additional needs to cross sell other firm products and services to existing clients.
• Support the partner team in the development and planning of strategy, objectives, and budgets.
• Prepare and/or review monthly client bills.
• Anticipate, identify, and resolve complex tax-technical issues.
• Effectively manage expectations, internal and external, concerning changes in project deliverables and/or deadlines.
• Participate in business development efforts by nurturing existing relationships and helping to identify new client opportunities

Required Qualifications

• CPA or Enrolled Agent (EA)
• 10+ years of of business tax prep & review experience
• Excellent project management, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Self-motivator with the ability to multi-task and complete assignments within time constraints and deadlines
• A strong desire toward career advancement and goal toward future firm ownership
• Excellent work ethic and a sense of humor are a must!
• Ability or interest in business development and expanding client relationships.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with auto dealership or related industry
• Consultative/Advising Experience
• Experience leading staff/teams
• Knowledge of CCH Axcess Tax, CCH Engagement, and QuickBooks

Who We Look For

A perceptive team-player who excels in a progressive & collaborative environment, blending sharp analytical skills with exceptional communication. A detail-oriented leader who embodies critical thinking & high standards. A proactive professional, committed to delivering outstanding service while embracing and driving curiosity & innovation.

Location

At Blackman & Sloop, we’ve designed a flexible work structure that enables both teamwork and independence, enhancing our employees’ work experience while promoting personal well-being.

What We Offer

We hire good people and give them a good place to work. Our secret to keeping them around is a positive culture, strong community involvement, and a dedication to constantly increasing our competencies. We truly believe that when you succeed, the firm succeeds, and we make sure you have whatever tools you need to make that success possible.

Join our team and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that supports well-being, health, and ongoing professional growth:

• Unlimited PTO
• Medical, Dental, Vision, & Voluntary Insurance Options
• 401(k) Matching
• Annual Performance Bonus
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Off-season Flex Fridays
• Closed on Fridays for the month of June
• Commitment to Professional Development
• Equity Program Eligibility at Sr. Manager Level + top performing Managers

At Ascend, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Ascend hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.

At Ascend, we believe that having a diverse organization that reflects the communities that we serve is critical in everything we do. In order to increase representation across identity groups and ensure equitable experiences throughout the hiring process, we collect information regarding race/ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation. For each question, please select all that apply or choose "I prefer not to answer" if you do not wish to provide a response.

Responses to this survey will have no influence on your application, interview process, or ultimate hiring decision. All questions are aimed towards ensuring our recruiting and hiring practices are inclusive to all persons, and all responses will be kept anonymous.