Senior Tax Manager
robert halfEvanston (IL)
$120,000 – $175,000
Apply (opens in a new tab)Senior Tax Manager
Posted 23 days ago
robert halfEvanston (IL)
SENIORITY
Lead
SALARY
$120,000 – $175,000
About the role
Job Title:
Tax Manager/Sr. Manager – Direct Succession Track (No Business Development Required)
Location: West/South-West Suburbs, IL (Hybrid: 2 Days Onsite / 3 Days Remote)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Compensation: $120,000 – $175,000+ Base + Discretionary Annual Bonus + Profit Sharing
About the Opportunity Are you tired of 70+ hour busy seasons, private equity disruptions, or being told you have to build a brand-new book of business from scratch just to move into firm leadership? We are exclusively partnering with an established, highly respected, and strictly independent full-service CPA firm in the Western/South-West Suburbs of Chicago to recruit an experienced Tax Manager. Due to upcoming senior partner retirements over the next 12–18 months, the incoming manager will directly inherit an established, high-performing portfolio of closely held businesses and private clients. There is zero business development or sales requirement tied to this role. Your sole focus will be high-level tax strategy, client advisory, engagement delivery, and team leadership. Why Public Accounting Tax Professionals Love This Firm: True Work-Life Balance (Capped Busy Season): Spring peak (mid-Feb through April 15) is strictly managed at 50–55 hours/week. There are no mandatory weekend hours—overtime is handled during the work week so your weekends stay yours.40-Hour Rest of the Year: Predictable, sustainable ~40-hour weeks outside of spring busy season (fall deadline weeks rarely exceed 45 hours).Genuine Hybrid Flexibility: 2 days in the office, 3 days remote each week. You have flexibility on which days you choose to work from home.100% Independent & Stable: Committed to remaining private and partner-owned. No private equity roll-ups, no sudden outsourcing mandates, and no corporate restructuring. Full Dedicated Admin Support: The firm employs an exceptional administrative and office operations team so Managers spend their time consulting and reviewing—not printing, binding, or tracking down paperwork.
What You’ll Be Doing:
Act as the primary trusted advisor to business owners, executives, and high-net-worth families across various industries (manufacturing, distribution, professional services, healthcare).Review complex federal and state returns with a heavy emphasis on flow-through entities (S-Corporations, Partnerships), as well as related high-net-worth individuals, trusts, and estates. Collaborate 1-on-1 with retiring partners to ensure a smooth, multi-year transition of longstanding client relationships. Lead tax planning, structuring, and advisory projects directly with client decision-makers, external corporate attorneys, and financial advisors. Mentor, review, and develop Senior and Staff accountants in a collaborative, supportive environment.
Qualifications:
5–6+ years of progressive public accounting tax experience.
Credential: Active CPA or EA required (CPA preferred).Demonstrated experience with flow-through entities (S-Corps, Partnerships) and closely held/middle-market business clients. Exposure to trusts/estates is a plus.
Strong client-facing communication skills and the confidence to advise business owners directly.
Ability to commute to the Western/South-West Suburbs office 2 days per week.
Total Rewards & Perks:
Base Salary: $120,000 – $175,000+ (commensurate with experience)
Discretionary annual performance bonus + annual profit-sharing contribution4-5+ weeks of PTOComprehensive health coverage (individual coverage paid at high firm contribution)401(k) retirement plan with company match Flexible summer hours / early Friday departures Monthly technology/cell allowance + mileage reimbursement
Next Steps:
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