Tax Manager

Career Legal; Fairfax (VA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with firm match

Generous PTO and paid holidays

Hybrid work arrangements

Annual CPE allowance and licensing

Job summary

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

The role involves advising on tax planning, entity structures, and multi-state issues, while representing clients before IRS and state authorities. Hybrid work and client-facing leadership are key components.

Qualifications

• Active CPA license or EA status (Virginia, Maryland, or DC)
• Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field
• 6+ years of public accounting tax experience, with 2+ years in supervision
• Strong knowledge of federal income tax and multi-state taxation
• Experience representing clients before IRS and state authorities
• Proficiency with tax software (CCH Axcess, UltraTax CS, GoSystem, RIA Checkpoint) and Excel
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of individual, business, trust, and exempt organization clients from engagement to delivery
• Review federal, VA, MD, DC returns (Forms 1040, 1065, 1120-S, 1120, 1041, 990) for accuracy
• Advise on tax planning, entity structure, succession, and multi-state issues
• Lead research on complex tax issues and prepare memos
• Represent clients before IRS and state taxing authorities
• Manage workflow, budgets, deadlines, and realization across engagements
• Supervise and mentor seniors, staff, and interns; provide performance feedback
• Partner with firm leadership on process improvements and quality control
• Support business development through referrals and proposals
• Stay current on tax law changes and share updates with team and clients
• Represent the firm in the DC metro business community

Skills

Leadership

Tax planning

Multi-state tax

Client communication

IRS state authorities

Education

CPA or EA certification

Bachelor's degree in accounting

Tools

CCH Axcess

UltraTax CS

GoSystem

RIA Checkpoint

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.