Senior Tax Manager

gpac; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

gpac in Naperville, IL is seeking a Senior Tax Manager or Tax Director to join the leadership team in a hybrid, full-time capacity.

The ideal candidate will combine strong tax knowledge with client service, communication, team leadership, and business judgment, with an accelerated path into senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Significant progressive public accounting tax experience at senior levels.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field.
• CPA preferred; Enrolled Agent (EA) candidates considered.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state taxation.
• Experience reviewing complex individual and business returns.
• Proven leadership, client service, and advisory capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee complex tax engagements for individuals and entities.
• Review federal, state, and local tax returns.
• Provide proactive tax planning, consulting, and advisory services.
• Serve as trusted advisor and primary contact for clients.
• Mentor and develop tax professionals across levels.
• Advance practice development and office leadership.
• Drive client relationships and business development.
• Manage multiple engagements with deadlines and priorities.

Skills

Public accounting tax experience

Leadership

Client service

Tax planning

Communication

Mentoring

Business development

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Job description

Senior Tax Manager / Tax Director

Naperville, IL | Hybrid | Full-Time

An established public accounting firm in the Naperville, IL area is seeking an experienced Senior Tax Manager or Tax Director to join its leadership team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned tax professional who is ready for greater responsibility and wants a clear, accelerated path into senior leadership. For the right individual, the opportunity could progress quickly, with the potential to become a primary office leader within approximately 1–2 years based on performance and fit.

The ideal candidate will combine strong technical tax knowledge with excellent client service, communication, team leadership, and business judgment.

Position Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee complex tax engagements for individuals and business entities
• Review complex federal, state, and local tax returns
• Provide proactive tax planning, consulting, and advisory services
• Serve as a trusted advisor and key point of contact for clients
• Build and strengthen long-term client relationships
• Research complex tax matters and provide practical, well-supported recommendations
• Manage multiple client engagements, deadlines, and priorities
• Lead, mentor, and develop tax professionals at various levels
• Provide technical guidance and support to team members
• Collaborate with firm leadership on client strategy, workflow, staffing, and practice development
• Identify opportunities to expand services and deepen existing client relationships
• Participate in prospective client conversations and business development initiatives
• Help drive operational efficiencies and continued growth of the tax practice
• Take on increasing responsibility for office leadership and day-to-day practice management

Qualifications

• Significant progressive public accounting tax experience, ideally at the Senior Manager, Director, or similar level
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field
• CPA preferred; Enrolled Agent (EA) candidates will also be considered
• Strong technical knowledge of federal and state taxation
• Experience reviewing complex individual and business tax returns
• Strong tax planning, consulting, and advisory background
• Demonstrated experience managing and developing tax professionals
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong client-facing and relationship-management abilities
• Ability to confidently advise business owners and other sophisticated clients
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple complex engagements and competing priorities
• Leadership mindset with an interest in taking on broader responsibility for the practice and office

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Highly competitive compensation
• Hybrid and flexible work schedule
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Collaborative and supportive team environment
• Significant client interaction and advisory responsibilities
• Opportunity to lead and develop a team
• Increased autonomy and influence within the practice
• Direct involvement in the continued growth and direction of the office
• Accelerated advancement opportunity
• Opportunity to ultimately become a primary point person and leader for the office

This opportunity is particularly well suited for an experienced tax professional who has reached the Senior Manager or Director level and is looking for a position where there is a real opportunity to take the next step rather than waiting indefinitely for advancement.

If you enjoy complex tax work, advising clients, developing people, and leading a practice and want the opportunity to grow into a significant office leadership position, this could be an excellent next step.