Tax Manager- Estates and Trusts

Witt/Kieffer; Wilmington (NC); Hybrid; USD 124,600 - 164,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

401K match

Paid time off

11 holidays

Job summary

PBMares seeks an experienced Tax Manager – Trusts & Estates to lead complex tax compliance and planning for trusts, estates, gifts, and high‑net‑worth individuals. This role serves as a trusted advisor to clients and professional partners while leading engagement teams, mentoring staff, and delivering exceptional client service.

The ideal candidate is technically strong, relationship‑focused, and enjoys solving complex tax issues while helping clients navigate estate and trust planning.

Qualifications

• CPA or JD required.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Accounting, Taxation, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in trust, estate, and high-net-worth individual tax compliance and planning.
• Experience researching and resolving complex tax issues.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex trust, estate, gift, and fiduciary tax engagements from planning through completion.
• Review and prepare Forms 1041, 706, 709, and related tax filings.
• Research complex tax issues and develop practical planning strategies.
• Interpret trust and estate documents and advise clients on tax implications.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, attorneys, and other advisors.
• Supervise, coach, and develop tax professionals.
• Review staff work for quality, accuracy, and compliance.
• Manage engagement budgets, workflow, and profitability.
• Identify opportunities to expand client relationships and support business development.
• Stay current on tax law changes and communicate planning opportunities to clients and the team.
• Leverage tax technology and firm‑approved AI tools to improve efficiency while maintaining professional judgment.

Skills

Analytical skills

Client relationship management

Mentoring tax professionals

Communication

Tax planning

Education

CPA or JD

Bachelor's or Master's in Accounting/Taxation/Finance

Tools

CCH Axcess

SurePrep

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the Organization

About the Organization Your future, our focus! If you're looking to join a firm that is as committed to you as we are to our clients, keep reading! At PBMares you'll find great people, challenging work, rewarding opportunities and a culture that embraces integrity, creativity, and teamwork. We're a perennial top-100 firm according to Inside Public Accounting and Accounting Today recently named us one of the fastest growing firms overall. Continuous learning, work-life balance, and challenging opportunities are just a start. We're over 300 strong in 12 offices across Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina and we are looking for new teammates.

Workplace Type

Hybrid or Remote

Location(s)

Wilmington, Fairfax, Fredericksburg, Harrisonburg, Morehead City, New Bern, Newport News, Norfolk, Richmond, Rockville, Warrenton, Williamsburg

Employment Details

Exempt

Full‑Time

Description

We are seeking an experienced Tax Manager – Trusts & Estates to lead complex tax compliance and consulting engagements for trusts, estates, gifts, fiduciaries, and high‑net‑worth individuals. This role serves as a trusted advisor to clients and professional partners while leading engagement teams, mentoring staff, and delivering exceptional client service.

The ideal candidate is technically strong, relationship‑focused, and enjoys solving complex tax issues while helping clients navigate estate and trust planning.

Core Values

• Integrity
• Trust
• Respect
• Accountability
• Caring

What you will do

• Manage complex trust, estate, gift, and fiduciary tax engagements from planning through completion.
• Review and prepare Forms 1041, 706, 709, and related tax filings.
• Research complex tax issues and develop practical planning strategies.
• Interpret trust and estate documents and advise clients on tax implications.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, attorneys, and other advisors.
• Supervise, coach, and develop tax professionals.
• Review staff work for quality, accuracy, and compliance.
• Manage engagement budgets, workflow, and profitability.
• Identify opportunities to expand client relationships and support business development.
• Stay current on tax law changes and communicate planning opportunities to clients and the team.
• Leverage tax technology and firm‑approved AI tools to improve efficiency while maintaining professional judgment.

What you get

• Full benefits: medical, dental, 401K match
• Paid Time Off
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Flexible work schedule to include hybrid work environment.
• Summer Hours‑Friday half days (based on a minimum 40 hour work week)
• Company investment of a minimum of 40 hours learning and development annually
• Path to Partner Program
• CPA Certification reimbursement and bonus program
• The opportunity to grow and shape the future of the firm

Qualifications

• CPA and/or JD required.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Accounting, Taxation, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in trust, estate, and high‑net‑worth individual tax compliance and planning.
• Strong knowledge of fiduciary, gift, and estate taxation.
• Experience researching and resolving complex tax issues.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and client relationship skills.
• Experience leading and mentoring tax professionals.
• Proficiency with tax software such as CCH Axcess, SurePrep, Microsoft Office, and related tax technologies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with international estate planning and foreign trusts.
• Ability to interpret complex trust documents.
• Experience advising high‑net‑worth individuals and family offices.
• Strong business development mindset.

Why Join Us?

You’ll have the opportunity to work with sophisticated clients, collaborate with experienced professionals, and help grow a premier Trusts & Estates practice. We offer a collaborative culture, leadership opportunities, challenging work, and a commitment to professional growth and exceptional client service.

Remote Eligibility

Remote eligibility may be considered for candidates located in Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Florida, Colorado, South Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, Tennessee, New Mexico, Indiana, Missouri and Illinois.

Salary Range

The salary range for this position is $124,600-$164,000. Actual compensation within the range will be determined based on a variety of factors, including the candidate’s skills, experience, qualifications, geographic location, internal equity, and business needs. Placement within the range is at PBMares’ discretion and is based on the specific circumstances of each candidate and position. PBMares also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, a 401(k) retirement plan, paid holidays, paid time off, and other employee benefit programs.

EOE Statement

Our Firm’s policy is to provide equal opportunity for employment to all individuals regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug‑free workplace and perform pre‑employment substance abuse testing. This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60‑741.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability, and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities. Must be authorized to work in the United States permanently without the requirements of sponsorship at any point in the future.