Senior Tax Manager

AKRE & Associates; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

AKRE & Associates in San Jose, CA, is seeking a Senior Tax Manager to join a boutique tax and advisory practice. This role offers a unique path to Junior Partner within 12–18 months based on performance and mutual fit.

The successful candidate will oversee complex tax returns, lead planning engagements, mentor staff, and work closely with ownership on strategic growth and client development. Competitive base plus bonus and equity potential.

Qualifications

• Active CPA license or EA.
• 5–10+ years of progressive public accounting experience, with a strong emphasis on taxation.
• Previous experience as a Tax Manager, Senior Tax Manager, Tax Director, or similar leadership-level professional.
• Strong technical expertise reviewing complex individual, business, partnership, and trust tax returns.
• Demonstrated experience providing proactive tax planning and advisory services.
• Proven ability to manage client relationships and communicate complex tax concepts clearly.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, and developing accounting professionals.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple engagements and competing priorities.
• A collaborative, solutions-oriented approach and a genuine interest in advancing into firm leadership.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and review complex individual, business, partnership, trust, and multi-state tax returns.
• Lead proactive tax planning and strategic advisory engagements for high-net-worth individuals, business owners, executives, and closely held businesses.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients, helping them navigate complex tax matters and identify opportunities for long-term financial success.
• Provide technical guidance on complex tax issues, including entity structures, transactions, and regulatory compliance.
• Assist with IRS, state, and local tax notices, examinations, and resolution matters.
• Identify opportunities to expand advisory relationships and deliver additional value to existing clients.
• Maintain exceptional standards for technical accuracy, client service, and timely delivery.
• Lead, mentor, and develop tax associates, senior accountants, and other team members.
• Review work, provide constructive feedback, and help strengthen the technical capabilities of the tax team.
• Coordinate engagement workflows, staff assignments, and deadlines to ensure efficient service delivery.
• Collaborate with firm leadership on staffing needs, professional development, and team performance.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and accountable team environment.

Skills

Leadership

Client relationships

Tax planning

Tax compliance

Mentoring

Communication

Tools

CCH Axcess Tax

TaxDome

QuickBooks Online

Bill.com

Job description

Senior Tax Manager – Path to Junior Partner in 12–18 Months

Compensation: $130,000–$160,000 Base + Performance Bonus + Future Equity Opportunity

Career Advancement: Opportunity to Become Junior Partner Within 12–18 Months

Location: San Jose, CA (In Office)

Ready to Take the Next Step Toward Partnership?

We are partnering with an established, forward-thinking boutique tax and advisory firm to identify an exceptional Senior Tax Manager who is ready to take the next big step in their career.

This is more than a traditional Senior Tax Manager position. It's an opportunity to join a successful, established practice, work directly alongside firm ownership, and position yourself for advancement to Junior Partner within 12–18 months, based on performance and mutual alignment.

Our client is looking for a technically strong, relationship-driven CPA who enjoys leading teams, advising business owners and high-net-worth clients, and helping shape the future of a growing firm.

The best part? There is no upfront capital buy-in requirement for the potential partnership opportunity.

If you've been looking for a clear path to partnership without the politics, uncertainty, or significant financial investment often associated with traditional CPA firms, this could be the opportunity you've been waiting for!

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Accelerated Partnership Track: Opportunity to advance from Senior Tax Manager to Junior Partner in just 12–18 months.
• No Capital Buy-In: A potential path to ownership without requiring an upfront financial contribution.
• Competitive Compensation: $130,000–$160,000 base salary plus performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Direct Access to Ownership: Work closely with firm leadership and gain valuable exposure to strategic and operational decision-making.
• Established Client Base: Step into a stable, successful practice with existing client relationships and a strong team.
• Leadership & Growth: Mentor talented professionals, improve processes, expand advisory services, and help guide the firm's future.
• Modern, Forward-Thinking Environment: Join a firm that values technology, collaboration, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement.

What You'll Be Doing

• Oversee and review complex individual, business, partnership, trust, and multi-state tax returns.
• Lead proactive tax planning and strategic advisory engagements for high-net-worth individuals, business owners, executives, and closely held businesses.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients, helping them navigate complex tax matters and identify opportunities for long-term financial success.
• Provide technical guidance on complex tax issues, including entity structures, transactions, and regulatory compliance.
• Assist with IRS, state, and local tax notices, examinations, and resolution matters.
• Identify opportunities to expand advisory relationships and deliver additional value to existing clients.
• Maintain exceptional standards for technical accuracy, client service, and timely delivery.
• Lead, mentor, and develop tax associates, senior accountants, and other team members.
• Review work, provide constructive feedback, and help strengthen the technical capabilities of the tax team.
• Coordinate engagement workflows, staff assignments, and deadlines to ensure efficient service delivery.
• Collaborate with firm leadership on staffing needs, professional development, and team performance.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and accountable team environment.

Firm Growth & Partnership Development

• Work directly with ownership to gain exposure to the strategic and operational responsibilities of firm leadership.
• Participate in client relationship management, engagement pricing, and business development initiatives.
• Help identify opportunities to improve workflows, implement technology, and streamline internal processes.
• Support capacity planning, operational efficiency, and the continued growth of the practice.
• Develop an understanding of firm financial performance, budgeting, client profitability, and long-term growth strategy.
• Gradually assume additional leadership responsibilities in preparation for a potential transition to Junior Partner.

What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Active CPA license or EA
• 5–10+ years of progressive public accounting experience, with a strong emphasis on taxation.
• Previous experience as a Tax Manager, Senior Tax Manager, Tax Director, or similar leadership-level professional.
• Strong technical expertise reviewing complex individual, business, partnership, and trust tax returns.
• Demonstrated experience providing proactive tax planning and advisory services.
• Proven ability to manage client relationships and communicate complex tax concepts clearly.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, and developing accounting professionals.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple engagements and competing priorities.
• A collaborative, solutions-oriented approach and a genuine interest in advancing into firm leadership.

Highly Preferred Experience

• Experience serving high-net-worth individuals, business owners, executives, and closely held businesses.
• Multi-state taxation, real estate, trust and estate, or complex entity tax experience.
• International tax exposure, including FBAR, FATCA, Forms 5471 and 8865, or PFIC reporting.
• Familiarity with equity compensation planning, including ISOs, NSOs, RSUs, and ESPPs.
• Experience with CCH Axcess Tax, TaxDome, QuickBooks Online, Bill.com, or comparable platforms.
• Exposure to engagement profitability, business development, firm operations, or practice management.
• Experience helping improve tax workflows, technology adoption, or team efficiency.