Tax Manager

Strategic Employment Partners (SEP); Villa Park (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision

Life and disability insurance

Paid vacation

401(k) with profit-sharing

Hybrid scheduling

Job summary

Strategic Employment Partners (SEP) in the western Chicago suburbs is seeking an experienced Tax Manager to lead tax return work for closely held businesses and their owners, while mentoring staff and contributing to advisory services.

This role offers a clear path to partnership for the right person, with a busy season demanding 55+ hours per week and a collaborative firm culture focused on client service.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years public accounting experience preparing/reviewing tax returns (2023 or newer).
• Strong working knowledge of federal tax law for corporations, partnerships, and individuals.
• CPA or EA credential preferred, not required.

Responsibilities

• Review and prepare income tax returns for closely held businesses (S corporations, C corporations, partnerships) and individuals.
• Supervise and manage tax return compliance engagements and tax planning for firm clients.
• Serve as a direct client contact on tax matters throughout the year.

Skills

8+ years public accounting experience

Tax return preparation/review

Tax planning

Client advisory

Education

CPA license or EA credential preferred

Job description

For over 100 years, we've been the go-to CPA firm for closely held businesses, high-net-worth individuals and families, and not-for-profit organizations in Chicago's western suburbs. We've stayed independent by choice - we've never sold or merged into a larger practice, and we don't plan to start now. We take a consultative, relationship-driven approach with our clients, not a high-volume compliance model.

About the Role

We're looking for an experienced Tax Manager to join our established, independent public accounting firm in the western Chicago suburbs. You'll review and prepare income tax returns for closely held businesses and their owners, working directly with clients as a trusted advisor while helping develop our less experienced staff. And there's a genuine path to partnership here for the right person - not just a bigger title.

Responsibilities

• Review and/or prepare income tax returns for closely held businesses (S corporations, C corporations, and partnerships) and individuals
• Supervise and manage tax return compliance engagements and tax planning work for firm clients
• Serve as a direct point of contact for clients on tax matters throughout the year
• Mentor and help develop less experienced tax staff
• Stay current on federal and Illinois tax law affecting closely held businesses and individuals
• Contribute to both compliance and consulting-side work as needed

Qualifications

• At least 8 years of public accounting experience preparing/reviewing income tax returns, with recent (2023 or later) public accounting experience
• Strong working knowledge of federal tax law for C corporations, S corporations, partnerships, and individuals
• CPA license or EA credential preferred, not required
• Comfort working across both tax compliance/consulting and, ideally, assurance/audit engagements
• Experience with complex trusts and estates a plus, not required
• Must already reside in the Chicagoland area - relocation assistance and visa sponsorship are not available
• Comfortable with a seasonal workload of 55+ hours/week during busy periods (January-April 15 and August-October 15), including some Saturdays

Pay range and compensation package

• Base salary in the $120,000-$175,000 range, open to negotiation based on experience
• Overtime bonus structure based on annual billable hours
• Lifetime 15% commission on new business brought into the firm
• 9% discretionary profit-sharing contribution to 401(k), delivered consistently for 20+ years
• Full health, dental, and vision coverage; life and disability insurance
• Paid vacation and paid overtime/comp time
• Hybrid scheduling available outside of busy season after an initial onboarding period
• Long-term stability at a firm with 100+ years of history and no intention of selling or merging, plus a genuine partnership track

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are committed to diversity and inclusivity in our hiring practices and workplace culture.