Tax Specialist Team Lead

Busey Bank; Champaign (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Tax Specialist Team Lead to guide a dedicated Tax Team. This pivotal role involves mentoring team members, ensuring compliance with tax laws, and preparing various tax returns. You will collaborate closely with Wealth Advisors and Family Office personnel, providing essential training and support. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills, a solid understanding of federal and state tax regulations, and the ability to analyze complex tax issues. Join a forward-thinking organization that values teamwork and professional growth, and make a significant impact in the financial services sector.

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills and knowledge of federal and state tax laws.
• Ability to prepare complex tax returns and analyze numerical data.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the Tax Team while ensuring timely completion of tax reporting.
• Coordinate with Wealth Advisors on tax-related matters and oversee e-filing.

Skills

Communication Skills

Federal and State Tax Laws

Project Management

Tax Preparation Software

Numerical Data Analysis

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA or Enrolled Agent Certification

5-10 Years of Tax Preparation Experience

3-5 Years of Leadership Experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Smartsheet

Job description

Position Summary

The Tax Specialist Team Lead is responsible for the daily leadership and mentoring of the Tax Team while coordinating with the Fiduciary Tax Team Lead. This role includes ensuring timely completion of tax reporting, preparing trust, individual, and charitable tax returns, interacting with Wealth Advisors and Family Office personnel on tax-related matters, and maintaining the tax preparation systems.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Meet regularly with Tax Specialists and the Fiduciary Tax Team Lead to coordinate efforts and provide feedback.
• Maintain data on tax preparation volume, fees, costs, and growth for budgeting and team development.
• Develop and maintain processes to ensure tax reports and payments comply with regulations and client service standards.
• Assign tax return preparation tasks to Tax Specialists based on their experience levels.
• Analyze tax information, input data, and review return outputs for all types of tax returns.
• Coordinate with the Fiduciary Tax Team Lead to ensure timely provision of tax information for accounts with fiscal year-end.
• Oversee e-filing of tax returns and track filing statuses.
• Provide ongoing tax training to Wealth Advisors, Assistants, and other staff.
• Handle communications with federal and state tax authorities to resolve issues for clients.
• Collaborate with Wealth Advisors and Middle Office staff to ensure correct setup of new trusts and estates for tax reporting.

Education & Experience

• Knowledge of:
  • Strong communication skills (oral and written)
  • Federal and state tax laws and regulations
  • Advanced software systems
  • Excellent time and project management skills
• Ability to:
  • Learn and operate tax preparation software for trusts and personal returns
  • Coordinate communication among Wealth Advisors, Tax Team, and clients during tax season
  • Prepare complex tax returns and research intricate tax issues
  • Analyze and interpret numerical data
  • Work effectively under interruptions and time pressures
  • Maintain focus and attention for extended periods
  • Apply advanced and technical concepts to solve problems

• Education and Training:
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office; familiarity with Smartsheet preferred
  • CPA or Enrolled Agent certification required
  • 5-10 years of prior tax preparation experience
  • 3-5 years of leadership experience