Tax Manager – Real EstateAbout Walter Shuffain: Established in1994, WS Advisorsis a Boston-based advisory and accounting firm dedicated to delivering thoughtful tax, financial, and business guidance that helps clients make confident, forward-looking decisions. We pride ourselves on a collaborative culture rooted in accountability, respect, responsiveness, and continuous learning, where diverse perspectives are welcomed and individual growth is encouraged.
Recognized for excellence, innovation, and a supportive work environment, WS Advisors has been named anIPA Top 200 Firm, anIPA Fastest Growing Firm, anIPA Best of the Best Firm, and one ofAccounting Today’s Best Firms to Work For. We invest in our people and foster meaningful careers built on teamwork, integrity, and shared success.
About Ascend: 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.
Role Summary:
We are seeking an experiencedTax Managerwith deep expertise in real estate to oversee tax compliance, planning, and advisory services for real estate clients, including partnerships, funds, and high-net-worth investors. This role requires a strong understanding of the real estate industry’s economic and operating structures, as well as the ability to interpret complex partnership agreements and apply advanced tax regulations. The ideal candidate will serve as a strategic advisor to clients on structuring, transactions, and ongoing tax matters specific to real estate investments and operations.
Essential Functions:
Manage multiple client engagements within the real estate sector, including partnerships, real estate funds, and closely held entitiesServe as the primary point of contact for clients, including owners, investors, and senior stakeholders, providing proactive tax planning and advisory servicesReview and oversee preparation of complex partnership tax returns, ensuring accuracy in allocations, reporting, and complianceInterpret and apply partnership operating agreements, including capital account provisions, distribution waterfalls, income/loss allocations, and liability allocation provisionsAdvise clients on real estate-specific tax matters, including structuring acquisitions, dispositions, and financing transactionsApply technical expertise in key tax areas such as:
IRC Sections 704(b), 704(c), and 752 allocations
Section 163(j) business interest limitations
Section 199A qualified business income deductions
UBTI reporting considerationsOversee tax treatment of real estate transactions, including 1031 exchanges, disguised sales, and debt-financed distributionsAnalyze and apply depreciation methods, including MACRS and ADS, and advise on cost recovery strategiesProvide guidance on partner basis, at-risk limitations, and Section 754 step-up elections and adjustmentsAdvise on state and local tax considerations, including Pass-Through Entity Tax (PTET) regimesIdentify and resolve complex tax issues through research, technical analysis, and consultationAct as a strategic business advisor to clients, providing insights on growth, structuring, and exit strategies within the real estate lifecycleDevelop and mentor staff, manage project budgets and workflow, and contribute to training initiativesParticipate in business development efforts, including expanding relationships within the real estate client baseEducation, Skills, and ExperienceBachelor’s or Master’s degree in Accounting, Tax, or a related fieldMinimum of 6 years of public accounting experience, with a strong focus on real estate clientsDemonstrated expertise in real estate partnership taxation and underlying industry economic modelsExtensive experience reviewing partnership tax returns and interpreting complex operating agreementsStrong technical knowledge of:
IRC Sections 704(b), 704(c), 752, and 754
1031 exchanges, disguised sale rules, and partner basis/at-risk rules
Section 163(j), Section 199A, and UBTI reporting
MACRS and ADS depreciation methodologies
Debt-financed distributions and interest tracing rules
State Pass-Through Entity Tax (PTET) mattersProven ability to lead and manage teams while handling multiple client engagementsStrong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills with attention to detailExcellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex tax concepts to clients and stakeholdersAbility to exercise independent judgment and provide strategic recommendations on client tax mattersThe annual base salary range for this role is $145,000-175,000. This range includes the anticipated low and high end of Walter Shuffain’s salary range for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on various factors, including experience, education and/or skill level.