Tax Manager - Private Foundations

CareerNerds; Northbrook (IL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Award-Winning Culture

Path to Partner

75% Remote Work Model

Summer Fridays Off

37-hour workweeks

Work-Life Balance

Modern, Paperless Office

Professional Development Curriculum

Business Casual Dress Code

Regular firm-wide events

Job summary

CareerNerds, LLC seeks an experienced Tax Manager specializing in nonprofit organizations, private foundations, trusts, estates, and high-net-worth individuals to join its growing tax practice in the Chicagoland area. You will lead complex returns and provide advisory services with direct Partner interaction in a hybrid environment.

The ideal candidate will bring 7–10+ years of tax experience, CPA or equivalent, and strong client management skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
• 7–10+ years of relevant tax experience including preparation, review, and management of complex tax returns.
• Experience with Forms 990, 990-PF, 1040, and 1041.
• Strong technical knowledge of nonprofit, private foundation, fiduciary, and individual taxation.
• Experience working with nonprofit organizations, foundations, trusts, estates, and high-net-worth clients.
• At least one credential such as CPA, EA, MST, JD, LLM, CTFA, or AEP.
• Strong client relationship management and advisory capabilities.
• Excellent communication, presentation, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple client engagements and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Manage and review complex federal and state tax returns for nonprofit organizations, private foundations, trusts, estates, and individuals.
• Oversee preparation and review of IRS Forms 990, 990-PF, 1040, and 1041.
• Provide technical guidance on nonprofit taxation and related matters.
• Research complex tax issues, filing requirements, and regulatory developments.
• Identify tax planning opportunities and provide proactive recommendations to clients.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop tax associates and senior accountants.
• Review staff work and provide technical guidance and feedback.

Skills

Client relationship management

Leadership/mentoring

Tax advisory

Nonprofit tax expertise

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

CPA or equivalent credential (CPA, EA, MST, JD, LLM, CTFA, or AEP)

Job description

Join One of Chicagoland’s Top CPA Firms

Recognized as one of the top CPA firms in the Chicagoland area and a Great Lakes Regional Leader (Crain’s Chicago Business and Accounting Today, 2020), our firm is committed to helping both our clients and our people succeed. With over 70 years in business, we continue to grow by acquiring forward-thinking firms and investing in talented professionals.

We offer a clear career path, significant growth and income potential, and comprehensive benefits in a supportive, collaborative, and people-first environment.

Tax Manager – Nonprofit, Private Foundations, Trusts & High-Net-Worth Individuals

Public Accounting | Greater Chicagoland Area | Hybrid | Direct Hire

The Opportunity

Our client, a highly respected, nationally recognized CPA and advisory firm in the greater Chicagoland area, is seeking an experienced Tax Manager specializing in nonprofit organizations, private foundations, trusts, estates, and high-net-worth individuals to join its growing tax practice.

This established firm provides sophisticated tax planning, compliance, and advisory services to privately held businesses, business owners, families, nonprofit organizations, and high-net-worth individuals.

The ideal candidate will bring strong technical tax expertise, excellent client relationship skills, and the ability to serve as a trusted advisor on complex tax matters.

This opportunity offers direct Partner interaction, a hybrid work environment, significant professional growth, and a potential path to Partner within a collaborative and supportive firm.

Key Responsibilities

Tax Compliance & Advisory

• Manage and review complex federal and state tax returns for nonprofit organizations, private foundations, trusts, estates, and individuals.
• Oversee preparation and review of IRS Forms 990, 990-PF, 1040, and 1041.
• Provide technical guidance on nonprofit taxation, private foundation regulations, fiduciary taxation, and high-net-worth individual tax matters.
• Research complex tax issues, filing requirements, and regulatory developments.
• Identify tax planning opportunities and provide proactive recommendations to clients.
• Serve as an internal technical resource for nonprofit and private foundation tax matters.

Client Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with nonprofit organizations, private foundations, high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and professional advisors.
• Collaborate with attorneys, financial planners, wealth advisors, and other professional service providers.
• Serve as a trusted advisor by identifying client needs and recommending appropriate tax and advisory solutions.
• Work directly with firm Partners on client engagements and strategic initiatives.
• Participate in client presentations, educational programs, and business development activities.

Leadership & Practice Development

• Supervise, mentor, and develop tax associates and senior accountants.
• Review staff work and provide technical guidance and feedback.
• Improve tax department processes, workflow efficiency, and quality control.
• Collaborate with other practice areas to identify cross-service opportunities.
• Support the continued growth and development of the firm's nonprofit, foundation, and private client tax practice.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 7–10+ years of relevant tax experience, including preparation, review, and management of complex tax returns.
• Demonstrated experience with Forms 990, 990-PF, 1040, and 1041.
• Strong technical knowledge of nonprofit, private foundation, fiduciary, and individual taxation.
• Experience working with nonprofit organizations, foundations, trusts, estates, and high-net-worth clients.
• At least one relevant professional credential or advanced qualification, such as CPA, EA, MST, JD, LLM, CTFA, or AEP.
• Strong client relationship management and advisory capabilities.
• Excellent communication, presentation, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple client engagements and competing deadlines.

Preferred

• Prior experience within a midsize or larger CPA firm, law firm, trust company, or family office.
• CPA designation or advanced tax degree.
• Experience advising high-net-worth families and private foundations.
• Demonstrated ability to identify additional client service opportunities.
• Previous experience supervising and mentoring tax professionals.
• Strong professional network within the nonprofit, legal, financial advisory, or wealth management communities.

Compensation & Benefit

What We Offer:

• Award-Winning Culture – Named a “Best Place to Work”
• Path to Partner – Real opportunities for career advancement
• 75% Remote Work Model with year-round flexible scheduling
• Summer Fridays Off (Memorial Day–Labor Day)
• 37-hour workweeks outside of peak season
• Work-Life Balance – Generous paid time off and a people-first culture
• Modern, Paperless Office with leading-edge technology
• Professional Development Curriculum to sharpen both technical and leadership skills
• Business Casual Dress Code
• Regular firm-wide events that celebrate team spirit, friendship, and success

As a member of our growing team, you’ll gain hands‑on training, direct client and partner contact, diverse industry exposure, and the opportunity to make a real difference. Most importantly, you’ll be supported in becoming a key player in our firm’s future.