Senior Tax Manager

AppleOne Employment Services; Temecula (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

A small public accounting firm in Temecula is seeking an experienced Tax Manager (Active CPA required) to oversee complex tax engagements and manage workflow. You will work on high-quality tax planning and preparation, ensuring timely delivery of client work while maintaining high standards. The role provides the opportunity for project management and potential leadership as the firm owner transitions towards retirement. This is a hands-on position with a focus on continuity and quality in deliverables.

Qualifications

• Experience preparing and reviewing complex federal and state tax returns.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and work independently.
• Comfortable in a small-firm environment with a hands-on approach.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and review complex federal and state tax returns.
• Manage tax projects and ensure deadlines are met.
• Coordinate with bookkeeping providers as needed.
• Coordinate with outsourced bookkeeping providers as needed.
• Improve firm processes and workflow using Lacerte and Karbon.
• Serve as a primary contact for complex client matters.
• Support leadership with continuity planning and succession.

Skills

Complex tax management

Project management

Detail-oriented

Client communication

Lacerte

Karbon

Client management

Education

Active CPA license

Tools

Lacerte

Karbon

Job description

Overview

We are a small, family-oriented public accounting firm with three employees, known for high-quality client service and complex tax work. The firm has contracted with an overseas third-party provider for bookkeeping support, allowing our internal team to focus on tax planning, preparation, and review. This role is a key hire as our current Tax Manager transitions out, and as the firm owner plans for retirement in approximately three years.

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Tax Manager (Active CPA required) to oversee complex tax engagements, manage workflow, and ensure timely, high-quality delivery of client work. This role is ideal for a seasoned small-firm professional who enjoys hands-on tax work, project management, and the opportunity to grow into a firm leadership and succession role.

The incoming Tax Manager will assume responsibility for a significant existing workload that has historically been handled by one high-performing manager. The goal is continuity, quality, and leadership—getting projects out the door efficiently while maintaining the firm’s high standards.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and review complex federal and state tax returns for:
• Closely held and complex business entities
• High-net-worth individuals
• Personally prepare and/or review a substantial volume of returns during busy season (approximately 450–500 total returns annually).
• Oversee and review work prepared by a Tax Senior (hired to support preparation work).
• Manage tax projects from start to finish, ensuring deadlines are met and work is delivered accurately.
• Coordinate with outsourced bookkeeping providers as needed.
• Maintain and enhance firm processes and workflow using Lacerte and Karbon (training provided for Karbon if needed).
• Serve as a key point of contact for complex client matters.
• Support firm leadership with continuity planning and long-term transition.

Required Qualifications

• Active CPA license (required).
• Strong background in complex tax for businesses and individuals.
• Experience preparing and reviewing complex returns in a public accounting firm environment.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines independently.
• Comfortable working in a small-firm, hands-on environment.
• High attention to detail with a strong commitment to quality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a small or family-owned public accounting firm.
• Prior experience carrying a full tax workload and managing engagements end-to-end.
• Familiarity with Lacerte required; experience with Karbon preferred (or willingness to learn).
• Interest in long-term growth, leadership, and potential firm succession.