Tax Manager

Distinct | North America; Wheeling (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A public accounting firm in Wheeling, Illinois is seeking an experienced Manager to oversee work quality and guide staff while being directly involved in client management. The role involves reviewing work and assisting in the integration of new clients from various sectors. Ideal candidates will have 2+ years in a Manager role and a CPA certification, with opportunities for rapid career advancement including partnership. The firm values collaboration and offers a healthy work-life balance.

Qualifications

• 2+ years at Manager level in public accounting
• CPA certification
• Experience in client management and staff mentoring

Responsibilities

• Review and guide work, and assist in integrating new clients.
• Engage with a broad client base including manufacturing and logistics.
• Participate in hands-on decision-making alongside Partners.

Job description

(You’ll already have around 2+ years operating at Manager level in public accounting plus CPA)

Start date flexible around busy season. They’ve got capacity to interview now, planning ahead for 4.15.

They’re happy to speak now if you want to be organised ahead of 4.15 but equally understand some people won’t interview until busy season is done. Either works.

They’re a 70-person firm, multiple “Best Place to Work” awards (2022 & 2023) and growing steadily by acquiring smaller practices and developing them properly. Not private equity. Not constant restructuring. Just a firm getting bigger in a controlled way, which keeps the work interesting without turning chaotic.

One of the Partners has a young child at home and is very open about wanting a career that’s sustainable long-term but progressive. He got to partner quickly. The expectation here is that people work hard during season but not to the point it burns them out.

You won’t be sitting three layers away from decisions either. Partners are hands-on they review, advise and stay involved in complex work and expect Managers to operate alongside them, not underneath them.

This is a true manager role.

• You’ll review the majority of work, guide staff, stay close to clients and help shape how newly acquired clients are integrated into the firm.
• The client base is broad (manufacturing, professional services, real estate, logistics, non-profits and more) so you can build a niche or stay well-rounded.

Busy season runs around 55–60 hours. From May through August it drops to 37.5 with early Fridays.

They are mostly onsite initially because collaboration matters here and flexibility grows naturally once you’re embedded in the team.

This suits someone comfortable running work, mentoring staff and being part of Partner conversations not waiting for permission from above.

Long-term, Partnership is absolutely on the table and can happen in a short period time is you're eager.

If you’re thinking about a move after 4.15, you can either get ahead now or come back to it once things settle.

Interested?

Click the apply button, and I’ll be in touch to discuss the opportunity.

If you'd prefer a chat first, feel free to call me, Imogen Talbot Slack, at 312-584-9844 or connect with me on LinkedIn at Imogen Talbot-Slack, Distinct North America.

Not Sure You Meet All the Qualifications?

We still encourage you to apply if you have public accounting experience! If you don’t meet every requirement, don’t let that stop you. The firm is dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace, and we are always looking for talent with a range of experiences. If this role isn’t the perfect fit, we may have other opportunities in public accounting that are a better match.