Tax Manager (Estate & Trust)

Ascend Partner Firms

$135K — $200K *
Legal & Accounting
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field
  • 5+ years of experience preparing and/or reviewing forms 706, 709, and/or 1041
  • Skilled in researching the Internal Revenue Code and related tax guidance
  • Familiarity with wills and trust instruments
  • Excellent project management, analytical, and communication skills
  • Self-motivator with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines
  • Desire for career advancement towards future firm ownership

Responsibilities

  • Manage estate and trust tax engagements from planning to completion
  • Serve as the primary client relationship contact for estate and trust tax matters
  • Manage engagement economics including budgets and scheduling
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax requirements
  • Prioritize and manage multiple engagements and staff assignments
  • Supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff performance
  • Direct and review tax research on complex issues and communicate findings effectively

Benefits

  • Flexible PTO
  • Excellent Voluntary Insurance Options
  • 401(k) Matching
  • Discretionary Bonus
  • Commitment to Professional Development
  • Meaningful work that makes a difference
Full Job Description
The Role

Tax Manager

As a Tax Manager (Estate and Trust) at Lucas Horsfall, you will manage estate and trust tax engagements from start to finish, overseeing the preparation and review of returns and leading the teams that support them. You will apply outstanding project management, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills while managing client relationships and engagement workflow across a portfolio of clients. You will lead the training, supervision, and development of staff, direct and review complex tax research, and serve as a trusted advisor to clients and firm leadership on estate and trust tax matters. Our company is team-oriented and prides itself on providing quality work and excellent customer relations in a friendly, superior working environment. This role will be performed in a hybrid environment out of either our Pasadena, CA or Encino, CA office location.

Key Responsibilities
  • Manages estate and trust tax engagements from planning through completion, including final review of returns prepared and reviewed by staff and supervisors before partner sign-off.
  • Serves as the primary client relationship contact, delivering prompt, professional communication, advising on estate and trust tax matters, and identifying planning opportunities.
  • Manages engagement economics, including budgets, scheduling, billing, and realization, and escalates issues to partners proactively.
  • Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local requirements by researching and interpreting regulations, resolving complex technical issues, and advising clients and management on needed actions.
  • Prioritizes and manages multiple engagements, deadlines, and staff assignments across the practice.
  • Supervises, develops, mentors, and evaluates staff and supervisors, including real-time coaching, technical review, and formal performance feedback.
  • Directs and reviews tax research on complex estate and trust issues and communicates conclusions clearly to clients and firm leadership.
  • Supports business development and firm growth, including client and prospect pursuits, expanding services to existing clients, and contributing to proposals.
  • Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops or classes, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies.
  • Contributes to firm culture and growth initiatives, including mentoring, recruiting, and knowledge sharing.
  • Communicates effectively with all levels of the firm as well as clients.


Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field
  • 5+ years of experience preparing and/or reviewing forms 706, 709, and/or 1041
  • Skilled in researching the Internal Revenue Code, Treasury Regulations, and related tax guidance to analyze and resolve tax issues
  • Familiarity with wills, trust instruments, and asset title and ownership transfer documents
  • Excellent project management, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills
  • Self-motivator with the ability to multi-task and complete assignments within time constraints and deadlines
  • A strong desire toward career advancement and goal toward future firm ownership


Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's Degree in Taxation or JD Degree
  • Active CPA
  • Knowledge of CCH Axcess Tax and Lacerte


What We Offer

As a firm, we offer great benefits, a competitive salary and tuition reimbursement for advanced education. Headquartered in Pasadena, CA with offices in Encino and Irvine, Lucas Horsfall is a growing CPA and consulting firm focused on tax, audit, and consulting needs. Explore the opportunities that await you today! Join our team and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that supports well-being, health, and ongoing professional growth:
  • Flexible PTO
  • Excellent Voluntary Insurance Options
  • 401(k) Matching
  • Discretionary Bonus
  • Commitment to Professional Development
  • Meaningful work that makes a difference in our clients' lives


How to Apply

Submit your information in the application section directly below! This will include:
  • Basic contact information
  • Resume/CV and optional cover letter upload
  • Work eligibility, credentials, and compensation
  • Voluntary demographic & self-ID questions

For further questions or inquiries about the role, please reach out to Aidan Jebson, Sr. Recruiter at [redacted].

The pay range for this role is $135,000 - $200,000+ per year. This range includes the anticipated low and high end of the pay range for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on various factors, including experience, education, and/or skill level.

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