Tax Manager (Business + Individual)

Ascend Partner Firms; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition reimbursement

Discretionary bonus

Flexible PTO

401(k) matching

Job summary

Lucas Horsfall is seeking a Tax Leader to guide all phases of business and individual tax engagements, lead client relationships, and mentor staff. The role focuses on high-quality advisory and compliance work within a collaborative firm culture.

You will supervise staff, perform technical reviews, and participate in training while delivering responsive, value-driven service to a diverse client base. Pasadena/Encino/Irvine offices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• 5-10+ years of tax prep & review experience.
• Excellent project management, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.
• Aim for future ownership in the firm.

Responsibilities

• Perform tax engagements for business and individual clients.
• Review work products of staff and interns.
• Serve as primary client contact for the firm.
• Identify opportunities for value-added services for clients.
• Coach and mentor staff to enhance their skills.
• Develop strategies to meet client needs and manage expectations.

Skills

Project management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Multi-tasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance

CPA licensed

Tools

CCH Axcess Tax

Lacerte

Job description

Who We Are

Backed by private equity from people-focused Alpine Investors, Ascend is building a dynamic platform for regional accounting firms that enables them to stay independent while accessing the resources of a Top 25 firm to help them grow. Ascend provides access to growth capital, robust talent acquisition and training, leading quality management resources,best-of-breed technology, AI tools, an offshore captive, shared back-office services, a catalytic leadership system, and modernized equity incentives so that firms can surmount today’s industry challenges to reach their full potential. For more information, visit www.ascendtogether.com.

About Ascend

Have you dreamt about a career in public accounting with work-life balance? Enjoying the diversity of clients and the challenging work public accounting offers with the added benefits of professional growth and opportunity for advancement? Have you experienced a culture that is fun and diverse offering an authentic family feel with people that truly care about you and your professional development? Lucas Horsfall is that CPA firm. Celebrating our 68th year anniversary in 2025, we attribute our exceptional growth and low turnover to our appreciation of our people and clients. This growth has provided a need for a Tax Manager or Sr. Manager (Partner Track) to help deliver personal and experienced service to our vast array of clients.

The Role

As a Tax Leader at Lucas Horsfall, you will lead and manage all phases of business (1120, 1120S, 1065) and individual client tax advisory and compliance engagements. You will manage clients independently and carry out your outstanding project management, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills. You will perform technical reviews of business and individual returns, participate in training and supervision of staff, conduct tax research, and advise on tax matters. Our company is team-oriented and prides itself on providing quality work and excellent customer relations in a friendly, superior working environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform initial and/or final review of manager, tax senior, tax staff and intern work products.
• Act as primary client point of contact for the firm.
• Identify opportunities for value added services for clients by staying abreast of their business needs.
• Communicate staffing and workload issues to Resource Planning.
• Review and confirm assignment objectives, scope, and work plan with client.
• Resolve work product issues using firm resources.
• Contribute to the development and management of comprehensive strategies to identify and meet all client needs.
• Identify and research technical issues to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax laws.
• Coach and mentor staff to assist with enhancing their skills and further develop their career.
• Identify and pursue new clients and identify any additional needs to cross sell other firm products and services to existing clients.
• Support the partner team in the development and planning of strategy, objectives, and budgets.
• Prepare and/or review monthly client bills.
• Anticipate, identify, and resolve complex tax-technical issues.
• Effectively manage expectations, internal and external, concerning changes in project deliverables and/or deadlines.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field
• 5-10+ years of tax prep & review experience
• Excellent project management, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Self-motivator with the ability to multi-task and complete assignments within time constraints and deadlines
• A strong desire toward career advancement and goal toward future firm ownership

Preferred Qualifications

• Licensed and currently active CPA
• Strong background in individual taxation
• Consultative/Advising Experience
• Knowledge of CCH Axcess Tax and Lacerte

What We Offer

As a firm, we offer great benefits, a competitive salary and tuition reimbursement for advanced education. Headquartered in Pasadena, CA with offices in Encino and Irvine, Lucas Horsfall is a growing CPA and consulting firm focused on tax, audit, and consulting needs. Explore the opportunities that await you today! Join our team and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that supports well-being, health, and ongoing professional growth:

• Flexible PTO
• Excellent Voluntary Insurance Options
• 401(k) Matching
• Discretionary Bonus
• Commitment to Professional Development
• Meaningful work that makes a difference in our clients’ lives

The pay range for this role is $135,000 - $200,000+ per year. This range includes the anticipated low and high end of the pay range for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on various factors, including experience, education, and/or skill level.

At Ascend, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Ascend hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.

For further questions or inquiries about the role, please reach out to Aidan Jebson, Sr. Recruiter at [e-mail].