Tax Controversy Manager

Keystone CPAs LLC; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 165,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonus

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Company-paid life insurance

401(k) with company match

PTO and paid holidays

Fully remote work environment

Company-issued laptop and technology

CLE/CPE support

Professional membership reimbursement

Collaborative and entrepreneurial tone

Job summary

Keystone CPAs is seeking an experienced Tax Controversy Manager to lead our Tax Services Group (TSG), a nationally recognized practice dedicated to resolving complex tax matters for small business owners and CPA firms throughout the United States.

This role oversees a fully remote, project-based team and focuses on advanced tax research, controversy services, audit support, and strategic tax consulting to deliver high-impact results.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school and active attorney license.
• 8+ years of experience in tax controversy, federal tax law, or tax consulting.
• Expertise in Internal Revenue Code, Treasury Regulations, IRS procedures, and tax litigation principles.
• Proven ability leading complex tax research projects and mentoring remote professionals.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex federal and state tax controversy engagements.
• Research and interpret federal tax law, Treasury Regulations, IRS guidance and rulings.
• Develop sophisticated tax strategies for closely held businesses and owners.
• Prepare and review technical memoranda supporting tax positions.
• Manage a remote team of professionals across the United States.

Skills

Tax leadership

Remote team leadership

Tax research

Legal writing

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Tools

CCH Axcess

Microsoft Teams

Job description

Preferred Work Schedule: Pacific Time Zone or ability to support Pacific Time Zone business hours

Job Type: Full-Time

Salary: $165,000–$240,000 annually, depending on experience

Bonus Opportunity: Performance-based bonus

Lead One of the Most Specialized Tax Practices in Public Accounting.

Keystone CPAs is seeking an experienced Tax Controversy Manager to lead our growing Tax Services Group (TSG), a nationally recognized practice dedicated to resolving complex tax matters for small business owners and CPA firms throughout the United States.

Unlike traditional public accounting firms, Keystone partners with businesses and other CPA firms to solve challenging federal and state tax controversies, develop sophisticated tax strategies, prepare technical memorandums, and represent clients through complex tax matters.

This is an opportunity to lead a highly specialized remote team while working on some of the most intellectually rewarding projects in public accounting.

About Keystone CPAs

At Keystone CPAs, we believe tax professionals should solve problems—not simply prepare returns.

Our multidisciplinary firm combines expertise in Tax Compliance, Tax Planning, Accounting, CFO Advisory, Wealth Management, Business Brokerage, Payroll, and Advisory Services to provide integrated solutions for business owners throughout the country.

As part of this integrated model, The Tax Services Group (TSG) is one of Keystone's specialized divisions, dedicated exclusively to resolving complex tax matters that extend beyond traditional tax preparation. TSG partners with business owners, attorneys, and CPA firms nationwide to provide advanced tax research, controversy services, audit support, and strategic tax consulting.

Our professionals are trusted to tackle sophisticated tax issues that require deep technical expertise, practical business judgment, and exceptional client service.

Position Summary

The Tax Controversy Manager leads Keystone's Tax Services Group (TSG), one of the firm's specialized advisory divisions focused on advanced tax controversy, technical tax research, and strategic tax consulting.

This individual oversees a fully remote, project-based team of approximately four tax professionals located throughout the United States, with the majority of work supporting clients and team members in the Pacific Time Zone.

The Tax Controversy Manager is responsible for managing complex engagements from initial scoping through final delivery, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest technical standards. This role requires exceptional leadership, project management, and legal research skills, along with the ability to mentor a remote team while serving as a trusted advisor to business owners and CPA firms across the country.

About The Tax Services Group (TSG)

The Tax Services Group is Keystone CPAs' specialty tax consulting division.

Unlike a traditional tax department focused primarily on tax return preparation, TSG provides highly specialized consulting services for business owners and CPA firms facing complex tax challenges.

The team works on engagements involving:

• Complex federal and state tax controversy matters
• Advanced tax research and legal analysis
• IRS examinations and audit support
• Technical tax memorandums and opinion letters
• Strategic tax planning for closely held businesses
• Multi-entity and complex ownership structures
• Tax consulting services for CPA firms requiring specialized expertise

Our professionals are often called upon to solve tax issues that fall outside the scope of traditional public accounting engagements, making TSG a unique and growing division within Keystone CPAs.A

What You'll Do

Technical Tax Leadership

• Lead complex federal and state tax controversy engagements.
• Research and interpret federal tax law, Treasury Regulations, IRS guidance, Revenue Rulings, court cases, and other tax authorities.
• Develop sophisticated tax strategies for closely held businesses and business owners.
• Prepare and review detailed technical memorandums supporting tax positions.
• Analyze complex tax issues and develop defensible recommendations.
• Provide technical guidance to internal professionals and partner CPA firms.

Tax Controversy & Audit Support

• Manage IRS examinations, appeals, and tax controversy matters.
• Support CPA firms with technical tax research and audit defense.
• Develop legal arguments supporting tax positions.
• Assist clients responding to IRS notices and examinations.
• Coordinate with attorneys, CPAs, and outside professionals when appropriate.
• Lead and develop a remote team of approximately four tax professionals located throughout the United States.
• Assign projects based on workload, expertise, and deadlines.
• Coach team members through complex technical matters.
• Conduct quality reviews of technical work product.
• Foster collaboration and accountability within a fully remote environment.
• Support recruiting, onboarding, and professional development.

Project Management

• Establish project scope, timelines, and budgets.
• Monitor project progress and profitability.
• Ensure projects are completed accurately, on schedule, and within budget.
• Communicate project status proactively with firm leadership and clients.
• Identify risks and implement solutions before deadlines are impacted.
• Build trusted relationships with business owners and CPA firms.
• Explain complex tax issues in practical business terms.
• Present findings and recommendations confidently.
• Deliver exceptional client service throughout each engagement.

What Success Looks Like

Within your first year, you will:

• Successfully lead Keystone's Tax Services Group.
• Deliver high-quality technical memorandums and tax opinions.
• Complete engagements on time and within budget.
• Maintain exceptional client satisfaction.
• Develop and mentor a high-performing remote team.
• Expand Keystone's reputation as a trusted technical resource for CPA firms nationwide.

Why Keystone?

This isn't just another tax leadership position.

You'll work alongside experienced CPAs, advisors, and firm leaders solving tax problems that many firms choose not to tackle.

You'll have the opportunity to:

• Lead a nationally recognized specialty practice.
• Work on intellectually challenging tax matters.
• Influence firm strategy and service development.
• Mentor talented professionals across the country.
• Build long-term relationships with CPA firms and business owners.
• Enjoy the flexibility of a fully remote work environment while making a significant impact.

At Keystone CPAs, we believe our people are our greatest investment.

We offer:

• Performance-based bonus opportunity
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company-paid life insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays
• Fully remote work environment
• Company-issued laptop and technology
• Continuing education (CLE/CPE) support
• Professional membership reimbursement
• Collaborative and entrepreneurial culture

Keystone CPAs is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees and applicants. Employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Requirements

Qualifications

Required

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Active attorney license in good standing.
• 8+ years of experience in tax controversy, federal tax law, or tax consulting.
• Extensive knowledge of Internal Revenue Code, Treasury Regulations, IRS procedures, and tax litigation principles.
• Proven experience leading complex tax research projects.
• Exceptional legal writing and technical memorandum preparation skills.
• Experience managing remote professionals and project-based teams.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.

Strongly Preferred

• LL.M. in Taxation.
• Experience representing clients before the IRS.
• Experience working in public accounting or national tax consulting.
• Experience supporting other CPA firms.
• Familiarity with CCH Axcess, Microsoft Teams, and remote collaboration tools.