Tax Manager

Eilts Buccola & Associates; Northbrook (IL); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Job summary

Eilts Buccola & Associates, a boutique CPA firm based in Northbrook, IL, is seeking an experienced Tax Manager for a partner-track role. You will lead and mentor a team, manage client relationships, and work directly with partners on high-impact engagements.

The role offers hybrid work, strong earning potential, and a path to partnership in a collaborative firm culture that values life outside the office.

Qualifications

• CPA license required.
• 5-8 years of tax experience in a public accounting firm.
• Strong review skills with ability to manage staff and client relationships.
• Solid knowledge of tax regulations and practices.
• Proficiency in CCH Axcess, UltraTax or similar platforms.
• Proven ability to mentor and develop junior team members.
• Excellent communication and client instincts as a trusted advisor.
• Experience with AI tools to enhance efficiency in tax research and deliverables.
• Experience with QuickBooks and similar bookkeeping platforms.
• Looking for a long-term home with a path to partnership.

Responsibilities

• Review tax returns prepared by staff for accuracy and quality.
• Prepare individual and business tax returns as needed.
• Mentor and manage junior and senior preparers.
• Support partners in client management and firm operations.
• Provide tax planning consulting and projections to clients.
• Escalate complex tax issues and client matters.
• Leverage AI tools and tax technology to drive efficiency.

Skills

Tax expertise

Client management

Mentoring team

Communication

AI in tax

Education

CPA license

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or related field

Tools

CCH Axcess

UltraTax

QuickBooks

Job description

Overview: Eilts Buccola & Associates is a fast-growing, boutique CPA firm serving Chicago and the North Shore. We are seeking an experienced Tax Manager for a high-impact, partner-track role. Based in Northbrook, we offer a place where you work directly with the firm’s partners, your ideas help shape decisions, and your contributions get noticed. You will lead and mentor a team, build lasting client relationships, and work alongside people who care about your success as much as the work you do. We offer strong earning potential, a hybrid work schedule, competitive benefits, and a collaborative culture where people support one another and respect the importance of life outside the office.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review tax returns prepared by junior and senior staff, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and quality across all engagements - this is a primary function of the role.
• Prepare individual and business tax returns ranging from straightforward to complex, as a secondary function.
• Manage and mentor a team of junior and senior preparers, providing guidance and quality oversight.
• Support partners in client management, tax consulting, and firm operations.
• Engage directly and provide consulting to clients regarding tax planning, projections, and address tax-related concerns.
• Serve as a point of escalation for complex tax issues and client matters.
• Leverage AI tools and current tax technology to drive efficiency across the team.

Qualifications:

• CPA license required.
• 5-8 years of tax experience in a public accounting firm.
• Strong review skills with the ability to manage staff and client relationships simultaneously.
• Solid knowledge of Tax regulations and practices
• Proficiency in tax software such as CCH Axcess, UltraTax, or similar platforms.
• Proven ability to mentor and develop junior team members.
• Excellent communication and client instincts - someone who enjoys being a trusted advisor.
• Experience with tax software such as CCH Axcess, UltraTax, or similar platforms preferred.
• Comfort leveraging AI tools to enhance efficiency and accuracy in tax research and client deliverables.
• Experience with Quickbooks and similar bookkeeping platforms.
• Looking for a long‑term home and a clear path to partnership.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or related field.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive salary of $110K - $130K depending upon experience.
• A firm that genuinely prioritizes work/life balance.
• Path to partnership for the right person.
• Low turnover and a collaborative, close‑knit team culture.
• Work directly with firm partners on meaningful client relationships.
• Hybrid work environment.