Estate Trust Tax Manager

Nichols & Company, CPAs; Westerville (OH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Attractive compensation model

Resources and administrative support

Opportunities for continuing professional education

Collaborative team environment

Significant autonomy and flexibility

Job summary

A leading accounting firm based in Westerville is looking for an experienced Estates & Trusts CPA to deliver comprehensive tax compliance, fiduciary accounting, and strategic advisory services. This role includes managing tax returns, providing proactive planning, and serving as a key contact for clients. The ideal candidate will possess an active CPA license and have at least 5 years of experience with estate and trust taxation. This position offers attractive compensation and exceptional flexibility, making it a perfect opportunity for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Experience in estate, trust, and gift tax compliance and planning is required.
• Strong technical knowledge of federal estate, gift and income tax preparation.
• Solid understanding of fiduciary accounting principles.
• Solid understanding of fiduciary accounting principles and the Ohio Uniform Principal and Income Act.
• Experience with fiduciary accounting software is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage and prepare federal and state tax returns.
• Provide proactive tax planning and consulting.
• Prepare formal and informal fiduciary accounting.
• Analyze trust documents and tax implications of funding and distributions.
• Prepare fiduciary accounting and beneficiary reporting.
• Maintain accurate records and document client files per standards.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Strong communication skills

Critical thinking

Analytical skills

Client-focused

Education

Active CPA or EA license

Minimum of 5 years relevant public accounting experience

Tools

Thomson Reuters tax preparation software

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The Opportunity:

Are you a detail-oriented CPA with a strong background and passion for estate, gift, and trust taxation and accounting? We are seeking an experienced Estates & Trusts CPA to join our team. In this role, you will be instrumental in delivering comprehensive tax compliance, fiduciary accounting, and strategic advisory services to a diverse client base, including high-net-worth individuals and complex family structures. This is a fantastic opportunity to deepen your specialization in a rewarding field.

This is more than just a job; it's a pathway to long-term professional satisfaction and recognition within your community. Experience the best of both worlds: an office environment coupled with exceptional flexibility, including Fridays off after the tax season to balance the focused longer hours during tax season, leading to a lighter summer schedule. We are considering local candidates only.

Key Responsibilities:

Tax Preparation & Compliance:

Manage and prepare federal and state tax returns, including, Gift Tax (Form 709), Fiduciary Income Tax (Form 1041 for estates and trusts), final Individual Income Tax returns (Form 1040), and related state filings.

Leverage your time with tax administration support with our staffing model.

Planning & Advisory:

Provide proactive tax planning and consulting to clients and their advisors on estate, gift, and trust matters.

Advise fiduciaries on post-mortem tax planning strategies and elections.

Analyze trust documents and consult on the tax implications of funding and distributions.

Fiduciary Accounting:

Prepare formal and informal fiduciary accounting and beneficiary reporting.

Maintain meticulous financial records, track asset basis, and ensure accurate allocation of receipts and disbursements between principal and income according to governing documents and statutes

Client Service & Collaboration:

Serve as a key point of contact for clients, beneficiaries, attorneys, and financial advisors.

Communicate complex tax concepts clearly and effectively.

Represent clients before tax authorities as needed.

Research & Development:

Research intricate estate, trust, and gift tax issues.

Stay current with evolving tax laws, regulations, and best practices within the E&T field.

Practice Management & Administration:

Manage client onboarding, engagement letters, billing, and collections for your portfolio.

Maintain organized and accurate client files and documentation in accordance with our standards.

Utilize tax preparation software and other relevant technologies efficiently.

Qualifications:

Active CPA or EA license.

Minimum 5 years of relevant public accounting, bank or law firm experience with significant, direct experience in estate, trust, and gift tax compliance and planning.

Strong technical knowledge of federal estate, gift and income tax preparation and related tax law.

Solid understanding of fiduciary accounting principles and the Ohio Uniform Principal and Income Act.

Proficiency with Thomson Reuters tax preparation software and Microsoft Office Suite.

Experience working with high-net-worth clients and complex trust structures is preferred.

Experience with fiduciary accounting software is preferred.

Qualities our candidate should possess:

• Self-motivated, driven, hardworking and believe outcomes can always be influenced for the better.
• Strive to deliver solutions, solve problems, and work with clients on their tax and accounting needs.
• Display strong critical thinking skills.
• Enjoy working with and helping others in a collaborative work environment.
• Upstanding reputation.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple engagements and deadlines effectively.

About Nichols & Company CPAs

Nichols & Company CPAs isn’t just a tax firm—it’s a strategic partner in making life #LessTaxing for both clients and employees. With an entrepreneurial mindset, a heart for community, and a knack for innovation, N&Co empowers small businesses and individuals to thrive—financially and personally. Our Westerville-based firm serves small businesses and individuals in the full range of tax preparation, consulting, accounting, and bookkeeping services.

What We Offer:

• Attractive compensation model.
• Resources and administrative support with an exceptional administrative team supporting the client experience
• Opportunities for continuing professional education (CPE) and professional development.
• A collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Significant autonomy and flexibility in managing your work and client relationships.