Trusts and Estates Senior Manager

RHH202112

Public Accounting

THE COMPANY

Since 1932, this award-winning CPA and advisory firm has built its reputation on partnering with their clients’ businesses within the traditional middle market by delivering an unparalleled breadth of technical expertise. Their professional specialties include; Accounting, Audit, Assurance, IT Assurance & Security, Domestic & International Tax, Employee Benefits, Valuation & Litigation Support, Payroll, Business Consultative Services, and Wealth Management. Playing an integral role in their clients’ goals and dreams, helping them to better understand the state of their businesses, and how to manage them more effectively – all while proactively introducing opportunities for growth and wealth. With offices in 4 states and 2 international locations, and is headquartered in Oakland County, Michigan. Our client is one of the fastest organic growth firms in the nation and is consistently named among the 50 best-managed firms in the country. They are uniquely positioned to help and support their clients’ business needs.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Our client is seeking an experienced, high integrity Tax professional who has substantial experience and expertise in Gift, Trust and Estate taxation and who will play a key role in moving this CPA Firm forward. (S)he will be responsible for determining the tax treatment of an estate and/or trust based on the legal documents that created it. They will consult and advise on income and transfer tax options that may be available to the entity to either defer or mitigate these tax exposures. (S)he must have a solid understanding of trust accounting and preparation of trust accounting statements. They will be able to prepare and/or review gift, trust and estate tax returns and manage and train lower-level staff in preparation and review of these returns; Including how these rules are applied on a state-by-state basis. Experience with foreign trust, estate and gift taxation is a plus but not a requirement for this position. (S)he will also help train staff and make internal and external presentations in these areas to improve the expertise of the firm and to help market the firms’ expertise to current and potential clients. Candidate(s) need to be able to work independently and be adaptable, as work assignments may lead to other related projects that involve other areas of tax that they may play a role in completing and/or managing their completion.

This position reports to the Trusts and Estates Shareholder

JOB DEFINITION

The ideal candidate will have ten plus years of public accounting experience specializing in Estate, Gift and Trust taxation, consulting and return preparation. This role is responsible for working with a client’s attorney’s, financial advisors, and various tax authorities in the event an inquiry and/or an audit arises.

SKILLS

Must be passionate about providing excellent client service by producing quality work, quick turnaround, and attentive service with clients.

Lead multiple tax engagements; Delivering quality tax preparation, research, planning and consulting services for a variety of clients.
Ensures that the client’s perspective is communicated to the staff working on the engagement and keeping the client relationship Partner informed as to the status of the work being performed.
Work with clients, attorneys, related professionals, and internal engagement teams to resolve tax related issues and administration matters.
Routinely advises and consults with firm leadership and clients on Estate, Gift and Trust tax planning matters or proposed tax legislation in these areas.
Keeps abreast of legislative changes that may affect clients and monitors the latest trends, compliance, and precedents within these areas of tax .
Acts as a resource on the interpretation of existing or proposed local, state, or federal laws and regulations.
Builds strong partnerships internally, and externally, to ensure the highest degree of client integrity is met.
Commitment to the highest ethical and professional standards; personal and professional integrity beyond reproach; unquestioned discretion in maintaining confidentiality.
Prepare estate, trust, and gift tax returns in compliance with federal and state laws.
Review, analyze and interpret trust documents and wills for tax implications.
Review, analyze and apply gift tax rules to inter vivos transfers.
Well versed on U.P.I.A (Uniform Prudent Investor Act); With direct experience in applying the knowledge on behalf of clients.
Serve as national firm resource on matters related to Trust, Estate, and gift taxation; Facilitate in-house training on estate, trust and gift tax preparation as well as promote trusts and estates knowledge sharing, planning opportunities, and tax law changes.
Develop new processes and improve existing processes to streamline services for estate, trust, and gift tax compliance.
Conduct tax research related to estate, trust, and gift tax matters.
Proven ability to articulate and explain legal terminology and concepts in the course of business.
Support firm leadership in client development efforts by participating in client engagement meetings, targeted new client presentations and proposals; Works closely with firm leadership in developing and implementing strategic plans to sustain client growth.

BACKGROUND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required and Masters of Tax or JD preferred.
CPA Designation is required, with a minimum of seven (7) years of public accounting experience.
Demonstrated technical knowledge in estate, trusts and gift taxation and return preparation.
Excellent written and oral communications skills in public and private settings with diverse audiences; ability to translate and present complex tax issues to an unsophisticated to clients, prospective clients, and staff.
Excellent analytical, research, problem-solving and organizational skills.
Ability to manage multiple engagements and meet deadlines is critical.
Team player who can also work independently.
Must possess a can-do attitude, with a roll-up sleeves mentality.

If you have these qualifications and are looking for a challenging career, please submit your Resume using the button below.

Eric Hohauser

Lead Consultant

Jodi Ellis

Director, Executive Recruitment