Tax Supervisor (Estate & Trust)

Ascend; Pasadena (CA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible PTO

Excellent Voluntary Insurance Options

401(k) Matching

Discretionary Bonus

Commitment to Professional Development

Meaningful work that makes a diff

Job summary

Ascend wants a Tax Supervisor (Estate and Trust) to lead the tax return work for estate and trust engagements and mentor staff. You will manage workflows, provide technical guidance, and ensure compliance with applicable regulations, while liaising with clients to deliver timely, accurate results.

The role supports a hybrid work model from Pasadena, CA or Encino, CA, with opportunities for professional development and advancement within a growing CPA practice.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• 4+ years of experience preparing and/or reviewing Form 706, 709, and/or 1041.
• Skilled in researching the Internal Revenue Code, Treasury Regulations, and related tax guidance to analyze and resolve tax issues.
• Familiarity with wills, trust instruments, and asset title/ownership transfer documents.
• Excellent project management, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.
• Strong desire toward career advancement and potential firm ownership.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the preparation and review of estate and trust tax returns, supervising staff.
• Manage workflow across multiple client engagements and assign work.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local requirements; research and interpret regulations.
• Prioritize and manage multiple projects and deadlines across engagements.
• Supervise, train, develop, and mentor staff with coaching and feedback.
• Serve as a primary client contact, delivering professional communication on estate and trust tax matters.
• Conduct and review tax research on complex estate and trust issues and communicate conclusions.
• Maintain professional knowledge via workshops, publications, and professional networks.
• Communicate effectively with all levels of the firm and with clients.

Skills

Estate & trust tax research

Form 706/709/1041 experience

Wills & trust instruments knowledge

Project management

Time management/multitasking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance

CPA

Master's in Taxation

JD degree

Tools

CCH Axcess Tax

Lacerte

Job description

About Ascend

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 Lucas Horsfall

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 Supervisor to help deliver personal and experienced service to our vast array of clients.

The Role

Tax Supervisor

As a Tax Supervisor (Estate and Trust) at Lucas Horsfall, you will oversee the preparation and review of estate and trust tax returns and supervise the staff who support those engagements. You will apply outstanding project management, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills while managing workflow across multiple client engagements. You will lead the training, supervision, and development of staff, conduct and review complex tax research, and advise clients and firm leadership on estate and trust tax matters. Our company is team‑oriented and prides itself on providing quality work and excellent customer relations in a friendly, superior working environment. This role will be performed in a hybrid environment out of either our Pasadena, CA or Encino, CA office location.

Key Responsibilities

• Reviews estate and trust tax returns prepared by staff for accuracy and completeness, and prepares complex returns directly, by collecting and analyzing financial information and related documents.
• Oversees engagement workflow, assigning work to staff and reviewing deliverables before submission to Managers.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local requirements by researching and interpreting regulations, enforcing adherence to requirements, and advising clients and management on needed actions.
• Prioritizes and manages multiple projects, deadlines, and staff assignments across concurrent engagements.
• Supervises, trains, develops, and mentors staff, including providing real‑time coaching and timely performance feedback.
• Serves as a key point of contact for clients, delivering prompt, professional communication and advising on estate and trust tax matters.
• Conducts and reviews tax research on complex estate and trust issues and communicates conclusions clearly.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops or classes, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies.
• Communicates effectively with all levels of the firm as well as clients.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field
• 4+ years of experience preparing and/or reviewing forms 706, 709, and/or 1041
• Skilled in researching the Internal Revenue Code, Treasury Regulations, and related tax guidance to analyze and resolve tax issues
• Familiarity with wills, trust instruments, and asset title and ownership transfer documents
• 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

• Master's Degree in Taxation or JD Degree
• Active CPA
• 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

How To Apply

Submit your information in the application section directly below! This will include:

• Basic contact information
• Resume/CV and optional cover letter upload
• Work eligibility, credentials, and compensation
• Voluntary demographic & self‑ID questions

The pay range for this role is $110,000 - $135,000 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.