Tax Manager

Smart4 Energy; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Smart4 Energy is recruiting Tax Managers and Senior Tax Professionals for opportunities across California public accounting firms. Roles offer exposure to federal and multi-state tax engagements and leadership in client advisory services.

Ideal candidates hold a California-licensed CPA or EA, with 8+ years in public accounting, and experience overseeing complex tax filings and strategic planning for high-net-worth clients.

Qualifications

• Active CPA designation, ideally licensed in California.
• 8+ years of progressive public accounting experience.
• Experience as a Tax Manager, Tax Supervisor or Senior Tax professional.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related discipline.
• Master's in Taxation (MST) is highly advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Manage and review complex federal and multi-state tax engagements for individuals, corporations, partnerships and S corporations.
• Oversee preparation and review of Forms 1040, 1065, 1120, 1120-S and other tax filings.
• Provide strategic tax planning and advisory services to high-net-worth individuals, privately held companies and business owners.
• Advise clients on tax-efficient business structures and complex compliance matters.
• Manage client portfolios and develop long-term professional relationships.
• Lead, mentor, and review the work of Tax Associates and Seniors.
• Collaborate with Partners on technical tax matters and engagement delivery.

Skills

Tax planning

Client advisory

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Master's in Taxation (MST)

Tools

CCH Axcess

GoSystem

UltraTax

Lacerte

Job description

Tax Manager – EA or CPA | Public Accounting

Multiple California Opportunities | Tax Leadership & Advisory

Locations: Los Angeles, San Diego, Woodland Hills, Torrance & other California locations

Work Model: Onsite / Hybrid / Fully Remote (select opportunities)

Employment: Permanent, Full-Time

Salary: $120k - $180k base salary dependent on experience

Experience: 8+ Years in Public Accounting

Qualification: CPA or EA Required

About the Opportunity

We are currently connecting with experienced Tax Managers and Senior Tax Professionals for opportunities with established and growing CPA firms across California.

Our clients range from boutique public accounting practices to larger regional firms, offering professionals the opportunity to work with diverse client portfolios, sophisticated tax engagements and experienced leadership teams.

We are particularly interested in California-licensed CPAs with strong technical expertise in federal and state taxation, tax planning, and client advisory services.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and review complex federal and multi-state tax engagements for individuals, corporations, partnerships and S corporations.
• Oversee preparation and review of Forms 1040, 1065, 1120, 1120-S and other relevant tax filings.
• Provide strategic tax planning and advisory services to high-net-worth individuals, privately held companies and business owners.
• Advise clients on tax-efficient business structures, investment activities and complex compliance matters.
• Manage client portfolios and develop long-term professional relationships.
• Lead, mentor and review the work of Tax Associates and Seniors.
• Collaborate closely with Partners on technical tax matters, engagement delivery and client advisory.
• Support process improvements, technical research and practice development initiatives.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Active CPA designation, ideally licensed in California.
• 8+ years of progressive public accounting experience.
• Previous experience as a Tax Manager, Tax Supervisor or experienced Senior Tax professional.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related discipline.
• Master's in Taxation (MST) highly advantageous.
• Strong understanding of federal, California state and multi-state taxation.
• Experience with corporate, partnership, S corporation and individual taxation.
• Exposure to high-net-worth clients, privately held businesses or real estate investments.
• Demonstrated client relationship management and leadership capabilities.
• Proficiency in tax software such as CCH Axcess, GoSystem, UltraTax or Lacerte.

What Makes These Opportunities Attractive?

Depending on the firm and position, candidates may benefit from:

• Greater exposure to sophisticated tax planning and advisory engagements.
• Direct collaboration with Partners and senior leadership.
• Opportunities to take ownership of established client portfolios.
• Potential progression to Senior Tax Manager, Tax Director or Partner level.
• Opportunities across boutique and regional public accounting environments.
• Flexible working arrangements, including select fully remote opportunities.

Ideal Candidate

We're particularly interested in candidates combining strong technical tax expertise, client-facing advisory experience and the ability to lead and develop tax teams.

Professionals from Big Four, national, regional and established local CPA firms are encouraged to express interest.