Most tax roles are about looking backward — filing what already happened. This one is about looking forward. Our client, an established Dallas CPA firm, is growing its tax practice and needs a Tax Manager who can own complex returns end-to-end and turn them into proactive planning conversations that save clients real money.

About the Firm

Our client is a Dallas-based CPA firm serving individuals and closely held businesses with tax preparation, proactive tax planning, and advisory services. The firm's approach centers on year-round planning rather than once-a-year compliance — helping clients make decisions before deadlines instead of reacting after them. The firm's identity will be shared with qualified candidates during the screening process. [Confirm anonymized description with client — size, client mix, growth.]

About the Role

This is a senior individual-contributor position — deep technical work and direct client relationships, without formal staff-management responsibilities. Twelve months in, you will own a book of complex individual and entity returns from preparation through final review, serve as the primary tax contact for your clients, and have identified planning opportunities that clients can see in their bottom line. You'll report directly to the firm's leadership and work as a peer alongside the tax team.

What You'll Do

• Prepare and review complex federal and state tax returns — individual, partnership, S-corporation, C-corporation, and trust — across a variety of industries
• Own client relationships directly: manage expectations, deadlines, and deliverables, and serve as the first call when tax questions come up
• Drive proactive tax planning engagements — entity structure, timing strategies, and projections — for individuals and closely held businesses
• Research complex tax matters and document clear, defensible positions
• Respond to IRS and state notices and support clients through examinations
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and translate them into practical guidance for clients and the firm
• Strengthen the firm's processes — bring forward better ways of working as the practice grows

What We're Looking For

Required

• Active CPA license (or EA with significant equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of recent public accounting experience with heavy individual and pass-through entity tax work
• Demonstrated review-level experience on complex returns
• Strong tax research skills and the ability to communicate technical conclusions in plain English
• Ability to manage multiple engagements and deadlines through peak season

Preferred

• Master's in Taxation (MST) or equivalent advanced coursework
• Hands-on tax planning or advisory engagement experience beyond compliance
• Experience in a small or mid-size firm environment where you've worn multiple hats
• Proficiency with professional tax software and research platforms
• A senior seat with direct access to firm leadership — your work is visible and your voice carries
• Genuine planning work, not just compliance volume