Senior Tax Manager

Ascend; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional accounting firm in Cleveland is seeking a Senior Tax Manager to lead the tax practice. This role involves managing client relationships, overseeing complex tax engagements, and mentoring staff. The ideal candidate will have over 7 years of public accounting experience, strong knowledge of tax laws, and excellent leadership skills. This position offers opportunities for professional growth and the chance to contribute to business development efforts.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive tax experience in public accounting.
• Demonstrated success managing complex tax engagements and client relationships.
• Strong technical knowledge of federal and multi-state tax laws.

Responsibilities

• Manage client relationships and oversee complex tax engagements.
• Review tax returns and ensure compliance.
• Lead, coach, and mentor junior staff.
• Contribute to practice growth through business development activities.
• Ensure quality and compliance with regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Tax software proficiency

Job description

Overview

Ascend is backed by private equity from Alpine Investors and 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 to help firms surmount today’s industry challenges.

For more information, visit the company website.

Position Purpose

The Senior Tax Manager is a key leader within the firm’s tax practice and is responsible for managing client relationships, overseeing complex tax engagements, reviewing work performed by staff, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality tax services. This role requires strong technical expertise, excellent communication skills, and the ability to mentor and develop a high-performing team. The Senior Tax Manager will work closely with partners to identify planning opportunities, support business development efforts, and contribute to the continued growth of the practice.

Position Responsibilities

• Client Management & Advisory: Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, provide exceptional service and proactive tax guidance; manage a portfolio of clients (individuals, partnerships, corporations, S-corporations, and trusts); identify tax-planning opportunities and advise clients on strategies to minimize tax liabilities; build and maintain strong client relationships to support retention and growth.
• Tax Compliance & Review: Oversee and review complex federal, state, and local tax returns prepared by staff and senior-level team members; manage tax engagements from start to finish ensuring compliance and timely delivery; perform high-level technical reviews and ensure accuracy and completeness of all tax filings; research complex tax issues and prepare technical memoranda to support firm positions.
• Leadership & Team Development: Lead, coach, and mentor staff, seniors, and supervisors; provide constructive feedback through formal and informal performance evaluations; manage workflow, staffing, and deadlines to ensure projects are completed efficiently; participate in training initiatives to grow the tax team’s technical knowledge.
• Practice Growth & Business: Collaborate with partners on proposals, presentations, and engagement scoping; identify cross-selling opportunities and contribute to expanding client relationships; participate in networking, professional associations, and community events to support business development.
• Quality & Risk Management: Ensure compliance with firm policies, professional standards, and regulatory requirements; maintain thorough documentation and support for tax positions; stay current on tax law changes and communicate relevant updates to clients and internal teams.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive tax experience in public accounting
• Demonstrated success managing complex tax engagements and client relationships
• Strong technical knowledge of federal and multi-state tax laws
• Learning mindset
• Patience with staff and clients

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• High proficiency with tax software

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.