About the RoleWe are seeking a Tax Manager with public accounting experience to join our team. Tax Managers own assigned engagements from planning through Principal review, often serving as the client service contact, and provide detailed review of complex tax returns, tax authority notices, and research engagements. You will apply professional judgment to work supported by automation and AI-enabled tools, surface planning and advisory opportunities throughout the year, and participate in billing your engagements.
You will also develop, train, and motivate team members - including those working remotely or on shared-service teams - and may serve as a Career Advisor. This role fits someone who wants to own client relationships end to end, build a specialized area of tax expertise, and work with a collaborative team that invests in your growth and community involvement.
This position will report into Jackson Thornton's Birmingham office with hybrid flexibility. Key Responsibilities - Manage assigned engagements from planning through Principal review.
- Review complex individual, corporate, partnership, trust, and estate returns, tax authority notices, and research engagements.
- Serve as the primary client contact and business advisor for assigned clients.
- Identify tax planning and advisory opportunities throughout the year, not just at deadlines.
- Delegate with engagement economics and team development in mind, including work prepared by shared-service or outsourced teams.
- Develop and coach team members across in-person, hybrid, and remote settings; provide timely feedback and evaluation input.
- Monitor engagement progress, staffing, out-of-scope work, and billing input.
- Use AI-enabled research and review tools appropriately, retaining ownership of every conclusion delivered to clients.
- Represent clients at audits, document tax advice, and monitor team adherence to quality assurance and ethical standards.
- Support business development through referral sources, networking, proposals, and expanded services.
Qualifications - B.A./B.S. degree in Accounting or a related field.
- CPA license required; EA or JD/LL.M. also considered.
- Five or more years of public accounting experience with a focus on tax.
- Small and mid-sized business (SMB) tax return experience preferred.
- Strong federal and state tax compliance knowledge, with experience reviewing complex returns.
- Working knowledge of tax research, preparation, and AI-enabled review tools.
- Proven ability to manage multiple complex engagements while developing team members.
- Strong project management, communication, and interpersonal skills, including with remote teams.
Jackson Thornton offers a comprehensive, competitive benefit package to all of our professionals, which includes health, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, long term and short term disability plans, medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts, paid time off plan, and a 401(k) plan with a match.
How to ApplySubmit your information in the application section directly below! This will include:
- Basic contact information
- Resume/CV and optional cover letter upload
- Work eligibility and compensation
- Voluntary demographic & self-ID questions
For further questions or inquiries about the role, please reach out to Olivia Riley, Sr. Recruiter at olivia.riley@ascendtogether.com.
