Tax Manager

Career Legal; Fairfax (VA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonus

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with firm match

Generous PTO and holidays

Hybrid work arrangements

Annual CPE allowance

Job summary

Career Legal is seeking an experienced Tax Manager who is a CPA or EA to lead engagements and manage the tax team in the DC metro region. You will review complex returns, guide planning strategies, and develop senior and staff accountants, reporting to a Tax Partner.

The role emphasizes multi-state taxation, client advisory, and process improvements, with a path to Principal. Hybrid work in DMV offices, generous benefits, and seasonal busy periods.

Qualifications

• Active CPA license in Virginia, Maryland, or DC, or eligible for practice privileges.

Responsibilities

• Lead engagements and manage tax team across the DC metro region.
• Review federal, VA, MD, and DC returns (Forms 1040, 1065, 1120-S, 1120, 1041, 990) for technical accuracy.
• Serve as primary client contact for tax planning and entity structure.
• Guide residency, nexus, and multi-state planning and prepare clear memos.
• Represent clients before IRS and state tax authorities.
• Manage workflow, budgets, deadlines, and realization across engagements, especially in busy season.
• Mentor seniors, staff, and interns; provide performance feedback.
• Partner with leadership on process improvement, tech adoption, and quality control.
• Support business development through referrals and proposals.
• Stay current on tax law changes and share updates with team and clients.

Skills

CPA or EA

Public accounting tax experience

Leadership & mentoring

Client communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

Master's degree in taxation

Tools

CCH Axcess

UltraTax CS

GoSystem

RIA Checkpoint

Microsoft Excel

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Tax Manager who is a CPA or an IRS Enrolled Agent (EA) to lead engagements and manage our tax team. You will oversee a portfolio of clients across the DC metro region, review complex returns, guide planning strategies, and develop senior and staff accountants. This role reports to a Tax Partner and is a key step on the path to Principal.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of individual, business, trust, and exempt organization clients from engagement through delivery
• Review federal, Virginia, Maryland, and DC returns, including Forms 1040, 1065, 1120-S, 1120, 1041, and 990, for technical accuracy and quality
• Serve as the primary client contact, advising on tax planning, entity structure, succession, and multi-state issues
• Lead research on complex technical issues, including residency, nexus, and reciprocity questions for clients who live or work across state lines, and prepare clear, well-supported memos
• Represent clients before the IRS, the Virginia Department of Taxation, the Comptroller of Maryland, and the DC Office of Tax and Revenue in notices, examinations, and appeals
• Manage workflow, budgets, deadlines, and realization across engagements, especially during busy season
• Supervise, train, and mentor seniors, staff, and interns, and provide timely performance feedback
• Partner with firm leadership on process improvement, technology adoption, and quality control
• Support business development through client referrals, networking, and proposals
• Stay current on tax law changes and share updates with the team and clients
• Represent the firm in the DC metro business and professional community

Required Qualifications

• Active CPA license (Virginia, Maryland, or DC, or eligible for practice privileges) or active IRS Enrolled Agent (EA) status
• Bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field
• 6+ years of public accounting tax experience, including at least 2 years in a supervisory or review role
• Strong technical knowledge of federal income tax law, including pass-through entities and multi-state taxation
• Experience representing clients before the IRS and state taxing authorities
• Proficiency with tax preparation and research software (e.g., CCH Axcess, UltraTax CS, GoSystem, RIA Checkpoint) and Microsoft Excel
• Excellent written, verbal, and client communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in taxation or accountancy
• Virginia, Maryland, and DC state and local tax experience
• Experience in government contracting, real estate, construction, healthcare, professional services, or nonprofit industries
• Experience with business transactions, partnership structuring, and succession planning
• Established professional network in the DC metro area

Skills and Attributes

• Strong leadership and coaching ability
• Sound judgment and a high standard for quality
• Client-focused and comfortable advising owners and executives
• Excellent project management and prioritization
• Commitment to ethics and professional standards

Compensation and Benefits

• Performance-based bonus
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with firm match
• Generous PTO and paid holidays
• Flexible and hybrid work arrangements, with a seasonal busy-season schedule
• Annual CPE allowance and paid professional dues and licensing fees
• Clear path to Senior Manager and Principal
• This position is based in one of our offices in the DMV with hybrid flexibility. Extended hours are expected during tax season (roughly January through April and again before the October extension deadline), balanced by a lighter schedule in the off-season.