Senior Tax Manager

Job Title: Senior Tax Manager

Location: Plymouth, MI 48170

Work Arrangement: On-site

Experience Level: Mid-Senior

Experience Required: 7+ Years

Education: Bachelor’s Degree

Job Function: Accounting/Auditing

Industry: Accounting

Compensation: $150,000/Year

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Tax Manager to lead and oversee a Tax and Accounting Services practice within a well-established public accounting firm.

This is a hands-on leadership opportunity for a seasoned professional who can take ownership of complex tax and accounting engagements, review financial statements and tax returns, manage client relationships, mentor professional staff, and contribute to business development and firm growth.

The ideal candidate will have strong public accounting experience, advanced knowledge of tax and accounting principles, experience working with closely held and family-owned businesses, and a strong background in construction accounting. The position offers significant long-term career potential, including an ownership/partnership opportunity and a potential fast track to Partner.

The firm is seeking someone who takes their career seriously, is willing to roll up their sleeves, and is looking for a long-term opportunity.

Must-Have Skills & Qualifications

• Active CPA license — Required

• 7–8+ years of progressive public accounting experience

• Strong accounting and audit background

• Extensive experience with tax and accounting engagements

• Strong experience with 1040 and 1120 tax returns

• Strong tax planning experience

• Construction accounting experience — Highly Important

• Experience with Percentage of Completion (POC) accounting

• Strong understanding of GAAP

• Experience preparing/reviewing financial statements

• Experience with multi-state tax returns

• Experience with closely held/family-owned businesses

• Advanced proficiency with QuickBooks Online and Desktop

• Strong proficiency with Thomson Reuters products, including:

  • UltraTax CS

  • Accounting CS

  • Practice CS

  • Fixed Assets CS

  • Related applications

• Proven leadership and staff-management experience

• Strong client-facing and relationship-management skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities

• Willingness to work extended hours during busy seasons

• Ability to work on-site, 5 days per week

Leadership & Management

• Manage and oversee the firm's accounting and tax practice.

• Supervise, mentor, and develop professional staff, including managers, seniors, and associates.

• Review work products for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with professional standards.

• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching and professional development.

• Foster a positive, collaborative, and client-focused culture.

• Take ownership of review work and complex client engagements.

Client Service

• Serve as the primary relationship manager for key clients.

• Provide proactive tax planning, consulting, and accounting solutions.

• Meet regularly with clients to understand their business needs and identify opportunities for additional services.

• Maintain exceptional client satisfaction through responsive and professional service.

• Work directly with family-owned businesses and closely held companies.

• Assist clients with financing and financial planning needs.

Technical Responsibilities

• Review complex business, partnership, trust, and individual tax returns.

• Review financial statements, compilations, reviews, and accounting engagements.

• Ensure financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP and applicable reporting standards.

• Research and resolve complex tax and accounting issues.

• Provide technical guidance to staff regarding accounting, tax, and financial reporting matters.

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations.

• Stay current on tax law changes, GAAP requirements, and accounting standards.

• Handle multi-state tax returns, including Michigan, Florida, Ohio, and other applicable states.

• Perform and review Percentage of Completion (POC) accounting.

• Calculate and analyze EBITDA.

• Assist with year-end planning, particularly during October and November.

• Support estate planning and estate tax matters.

• Handle referral work and other complex accounting/tax assignments.

Technology & Process Management

• Demonstrate advanced proficiency in QuickBooks Online and Desktop.

• Utilize Thomson Reuters products, including UltraTax CS, Accounting CS, Practice CS, Fixed Assets CS, and related applications.

• Assist in improving firm workflows, efficiencies, and technology utilization.

• Support implementation of best practices and quality-control procedures.

Business Development & Growth

• Participate in business development initiatives and networking opportunities.

• Identify opportunities to expand services within existing client relationships.

• Assist partners in strategic planning and firm growth initiatives.

• Build and maintain strong client relationships.

• Candidates who can bring in new business will be appropriately compensated.

• Demonstrate the ability and willingness to contribute to the continued growth of the practice.

Firm & Client Environment

• Established 9–10 person public accounting firm focused primarily on family-owned businesses.

• Heavy presence in the construction industry.

• Additional industries served include:

  • CNC

  • Restaurants

  • HVAC

  • Heating & Cooling

  • Asphalt

• Clients are primarily Michigan-based, with additional clients in Florida and Ohio.

• Experience handling multi-state tax returns is important.

• Client businesses can be as large as $60M+.

• The firm has successfully transitioned clients from larger firms such as UHY and Plante Moran.

• The firm is known for consistency and exceptional client service.

• Strong employee retention, with team members having 8+ years of tenure.

Career Opportunity

• The firm is seeking a seasoned professional at the Manager/Senior Manager level; a Senior is already in place.

• The successful candidate will take on significant review responsibilities and work with family-owned corporations.

• This is intended to be a long-term career opportunity.

• Ownership/partnership opportunity is available.

• Potential fast track to Partner for the right individual.

• The candidate should be career-oriented, accountable, hands-on, and committed to professional growth.

• Target start date: October 1st.

Work Schedule & Culture

• On-site, 5 days per week

• Fridays off during June and July

• Very laid-back and supportive work environment.

• Family comes first.

• Strong emphasis on work-life balance outside of peak periods.

• Additional hours are expected during tax season and other busy periods.

• October and November involve significant review, year-end planning, and tax-planning responsibilities.

• The firm provides a collaborative, team-oriented environment with strong employee retention.

Benefits

Benefits and perks include:

• Health insurance through Blue Care Network / Aflac

• 401(k) with 4% match

• PTO negotiable

• Performance/business-development compensation opportunities

• Lunches during tax season

• Staff outings, including ball games

• Westland Country Club membership

• Continuing professional education

• Professional dues

• Potential advancement and partnership opportunities