Tax Manager

Tax Manager / Experienced Senior AssociatesChicago Downtown | HybridYou're probably at the stage where you can do the work. The question is whether you're being allowed to own the client relationship as well.You're already capable of leading client conversations. You just might not be getting enough opportunities to do it.In many firms, those relationships naturally stay with Partners and Directors. Here, they don't.From day one, you'll be encouraged to lead meetings, build your own client relationships and become the person clients pick up the phone to, not simply prepare work for someone else to present.This small, independent Chicago CPA firm with less than 30 staff has been growing, and they're building their next layer of talent because of it. This is a growth hire, with a clear path for someone who wants more client ownership, more advisory work, and genuine progression.The client base is where things get interesting.You'll work with a mix of closely held businesses, high net worth individuals, trusts and real estate-related clients, giving you broad exposure rather than being pushed into one niche area.A lot of the firm's clients have real estate investments or property portfolios as part of their wider financial picture, so if you have some exposure to real estate entities, property investments or related tax matters, that will certainly help. But this is very much a generalist tax role at its core.You'll manage a varied portfolio covering both compliance and advisory work. One day that might mean planning for a closely held business owner, the next reviewing individual and entity returns, supporting a high net worth client, or advising on the tax implications of a property investment.They're open on level, so this could suit:A Senior Tax Associate ready for more ownership and a step towards Manager.An experienced Tax Manager looking to continue leading.They're looking for someone who enjoys working directly with clients. Someone who wants to lead conversations, build relationships, and become a trusted adviser, rather than simply preparing work for someone else to present.The team is around 25 people. It has that smaller firm feel where people know each other, but with real momentum behind it. People take ownership, support one another, and grow with the business.A few practical bits so you know what day-to-day looks like:Hybrid setup.Fridays off throughout the summer.Real estate exposure is valuable given the client base, but you do not need to be a real estate specialist.CPA or EA preferred, especially if progression matters to you.If you're looking for a role where you'll be trusted with clients earlier, have more ownership over your portfolio, and continue developing your advisory skills, I'd be happy to tell you more.If you're just browsing the job boards and you haven't dusted off your resume yet, that's not a problem. You can give me a call first on 312-564-5028. If you prefer, you could drop me a connection or message on LinkedIn (Lucy Weibel at Distinct), and we can pick things up there.If you've read this advert and you're unsure whether to apply because you don't have every bit of experience listed, I'd still encourage you to apply. We support the CPA firms we partner with in building diverse, inclusive and equitable workplaces, and the right attitude often goes further than ticking every box.If this position isn't quite right, it's highly likely I'll be working on another Public Accounting opportunity that is.