Tax Manager

Navigate Search; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Navigate Search is partnering with a Cincinnati CPA and advisory firm seeking a Tax Manager or Senior Tax Manager to lead tax planning and advisory work for privately held businesses, owners, and high-net-worth clients.

The role emphasizes proactive guidance, client relationship ownership, and long-term service strategy, with growth through acquisitions and leadership opportunities in a growing practice in Cincinnati.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of public accounting tax experience.
• CPA strongly preferred; EA/MST a plus.
• Experience with high-net-worth individuals and pass-through entities.
• Proactive tax planning and advisory services.
• Ability to manage client relationships and staff.
• Familiarity with UltraTax/SurePrep/QuickBooks Online.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of privately held businesses and owners.
• Provide year-round tax guidance and advisory services.
• Review complex returns (1040, 1065, 1120-S).
• Advise on planning strategies and entity structuring.
• Oversee transitions due to retirements or acquisitions.
• Mentor junior staff and collaborate with CAS/advisory teams.
• Drive efficiency through technology adoption.

Skills

Tax planning

Client relationships

Leadership/mentoring

Review of tax returns

Communication skills

Education

CPA

EA/MST

Tools

UltraTax

SurePrep

SafeSend

QuickBooks Online

Job description

We are partnering with a growing CPA and advisory firm in Cincinnati seeking an experienced Tax Manager or Senior Tax Manager to join its tax practice. The firm specializes in serving privately held businesses, their owners, and high-net-worth individuals, with an emphasis on proactive tax planning, strategic advisory, and long-term client relationships.

This opportunity is ideal for a tax professional who enjoys working directly with business owners, providing strategic guidance, and taking ownership of client relationships beyond traditional tax compliance.

The firm is experiencing significant growth through both organic expansion and acquisitions, creating an opportunity to inherit an established client portfolio and contribute to the continued development of the tax practice. The position also offers a clear path toward future leadership opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and develop relationships with a portfolio of privately held businesses, business owners, and high-net-worth individuals.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, providing year-round tax guidance and proactive advisory services.
• Review complex federal and state tax returns, including individual (1040), partnership (1065), S corporation (1120-S), and other business returns.
• Advise clients on tax planning strategies, entity structuring, reasonable compensation, basis and distribution planning, and transaction-related tax matters.
• Oversee the transition and integration of client relationships resulting from partner retirements and firm acquisitions.
• Manage the tax review process, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and compliance with applicable regulations.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop tax associates and senior associates, providing technical guidance and ongoing feedback.
• Collaborate with Client Accounting Services (CAS) and advisory teams to deliver comprehensive financial and tax solutions.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows, implement technology, and increase operational efficiency.
• Participate in practice development initiatives, including process improvements, technology adoption, and strategic growth planning.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of public accounting tax experience, preferably with a regional, mid-sized, or local CPA firm.
• 8+ years of experience preferred for Senior Tax Manager consideration.
• CPA strongly preferred; EA, MST, or other advanced tax credentials are a plus.
• Strong technical knowledge of individual and pass-through entity taxation, including complex 1040s, partnerships, and S corporations.
• Experience serving closely held businesses, business owners, and high-net-worth individuals.
• Demonstrated experience with proactive tax planning and advisory services beyond traditional tax preparation and compliance.
• Experience managing client relationships and providing direct tax guidance to business owners.
• Strong tax return review experience, with the ability to supervise and develop junior staff.
• Familiarity with tax and accounting software such as UltraTax, SurePrep, SafeSend, QuickBooks Online, or similar platforms.
• Interest in leveraging technology, automation, and AI to improve tax processes and client service.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Must be located in Cincinnati or willing to relocate and work on-site.

Additional experience with trust and estate taxation, real estate transactions, and business succession planning is a plus.