Tax Manager (CPA Required)

Graystone Group; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Graystone Group, partnered with a boutique public accounting firm in Columbia, SC, seeks an experienced Tax Manager to lead preparation and review of federal and state returns (1040, 1120-S, 1120). The role emphasizes client relationships, staff mentorship, and tax operations oversight within a growing practice.

Ideal candidates are CPAs with public accounting experience, capable of managing deadlines, guiding staff, and contributing to strategic growth toward partnership.

Qualifications

• Active CPA license required
• Experience in public accounting
• Strong experience preparing and reviewing 1040, 1120-S, and 1120 returns
• Ability to manage client relationships and deadlines
• Experience reviewing staff work and mentoring junior staff

Responsibilities

• Prepare and review federal and state tax returns (1040, 1120-S, 1120)
• Manage client relationships and tax deadlines
• Review staff work and provide technical guidance
• Oversee tax-season workflow and client deliverables
• Assist ownership with succession and partnership planning
• Mentor junior accounting and tax professionals
• Maintain high-quality standards and compliance with tax laws

Skills

Client relationship management

Leadership

Strong communication skills

Tax knowledge review

Mentoring juniors

Education

CPA license

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

CCH ProSystem fx Tax

Job description

Graystone Group is exclusively partnered with a well-established boutique public accounting firm in Columbia, SC on their efforts to add an experienced Tax Manager to the team.

This is a hands-on tax leadership opportunity for an experienced CPA who wants more than just another Tax Manager position. The firm's owner is intentionally looking for someone who can become a key part of the practice, take on increasing responsibility for clients and tax operations, and ultimately grow into a Partner within the firm.

The Tax Manager will be heavily involved in both the preparation and review of federal and state tax returns, with the firm's work primarily consisting of individual (1040), S Corporation (1120-S), and C Corporation (1120) returns. The position will also have responsibility for managing client relationships, reviewing staff work, overseeing tax-season workflow, and helping drive the continued growth of the practice.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys the client-focused environment of a smaller CPA firm and wants the autonomy, visibility, and long-term upside that comes with joining a boutique practice.

Key Responsibilities

Tax Preparation & Review

• Prepare and review federal and state tax returns, with a primary focus on:
• Individual returns (Form 1040)
• S Corporation returns (Form 1120-S)
• C Corporation returns (Form 1120)
• Handle more complex individual and closely held business tax situations
• Review returns prepared by staff and provide technical guidance and feedback
• Research and resolve federal and state tax issues
• Assist clients with tax planning, projections, estimated payments, and other tax-related matters
• Ensure returns and supporting documentation meet the firm's standards for accuracy, quality, and compliance
• Remain current on changes to federal and state tax laws and their impact on clients

Client & Practice Management

• Serve as a primary point of contact and trusted tax advisor for a portfolio of individual and business clients
• Develop a strong understanding of each client's financial and tax situation
• Provide proactive tax planning and identify opportunities to better serve clients throughout the year
• Build long-term relationships with business owners, individuals, and other key clients
• Assist ownership with managing tax deadlines, workflow, and client deliverables
• Help improve internal processes, efficiencies, and quality-control procedures
• Gradually assume greater responsibility for client relationships and practice management as part of the firm's succession and partnership strategy
• Review work prepared by tax staff and provide timely, constructive feedback
• Assist with workflow management and prioritization during tax season
• Mentor and develop junior accounting and tax professionals
• Serve as a technical resource for staff on individual and business taxation
• Help maintain a collaborative, accountable, and client-focused culture
• Balance hands-on tax preparation with review, client management, and leadership responsibilities

Required Qualifications

• Active CPA license required
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• Previous public accounting experienceStrong experience preparing and reviewing 1040, 1120-S, and 1120 tax returns
• Experience handling complex individual and closely held business tax matters
• Ability to independently manage client relationships and deadlines
• Strong understanding of federal and state taxation
• Experience reviewing the work of other tax professionals
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Comfortable working in a smaller, entrepreneurial public accounting environment
• Genuine interest in assuming greater leadership responsibility and pursuing future partnership

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous Tax Manager or comparable senior-level public accounting experience
• Experience working directly with business owners and high-net-worth individuals
• Experience with CCH ProSystem fx Tax or similar professional tax software
• Experience mentoring or managing junior tax professionals
• Background within a small or mid-sized CPA firm