Tax Manager – Individual and Closely Held Business Tax

Who We Are 

About Sweeney Conrad  

At Sweeney Conrad, our foundation of “people first” begins with our employees—because we know the success of our firm stems from the relationships within it. We consider our employees family and foster a positive work culture, encouraging a healthy balance between work and life; building a career over having a job; continuing education and skill development; and being actively involved in the Puget Sound community where we live, work, and play. 

We’re proud of our employees and our culture and have been recognized by Accounting Today as one of the “Best Accounting Firms to Work For” and by Puget Sound Business Journal as one of “Washington’s Best Workplaces”. For more information, visit www.sweeneyconrad.com. 

About Ascend  

Backed by private equity from people-focused Alpine Investors, Ascend is building a dynamic platform for regional accounting firms that enables them to stay independent while accessing the resources of a Top 25 firm to help them grow. Ascend provides access to growth capital, robust talent acquisition and training, leading quality management resources, best-of-breed technology, AI tools, an offshore captive, shared back-office services, a catalytic leadership system, and modernized equity incentives so that firms can surmount today’s industry challenges to reach their full potential. For more information, visit www.ascendtogether.com. 

Tax Manager

As trusted advisors and dedicated partners, our highly motivated tax managers work with other team members to provide closely held companies and high net worth individuals with tax and accounting services (including planning, consulting, research, and compliance) that meet their present needs and help them secure a prosperous future. Tax managers have full client responsibility and play an integral role in developing our tax staff into future firm leaders. They also represent Sweeney Conrad in the community and develop referral relationships with professionals in related industries. 

The Tax Manager is responsible for overseeing tax engagements, managing client relationships, and providing technical tax expertise to ensure high-quality service delivery.  The ideal candidate has experience serving high-net-worth individuals and closely held businesses. The Tax Manager serves as the POC and a trusted advisor to clients, mentors and develops staff, manages engagement deadlines, and collaborates with firm leadership to support client and firm growth. Strong technical knowledge, leadership skills, and a commitment to exceptional client service are essential for success in this role. This position reports directly to the Tax Partner and is based in Kirkland, Washington, with a hybrid work schedule. 

Specific Duties Will Include 

• Manage and review complex federal, state, and local tax returns for individuals, partnerships, S corporations, trusts, and other entities 
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships by serving as a trusted advisor and primary point of contact
• Review work prepared by associates and seniors, providing technical guidance, coaching, and constructive feedback
• Manage multiple engagements simultaneously, ensuring projects are completed accurately, timely, and within budget
• Identify opportunities to improve client tax positions and support long-term financial goals
• Contribute to business development efforts by identifying opportunities within existing client relationships and supporting prospective client initiatives
• Stay current on changes in tax laws, regulations, and industry trends to ensure compliance and deliver proactive guidance
• Perform other duties as assigned by the department managers 

The successful candidate will have 

• 5 to 10 years’ experience in public accounting tax experience, including experience managing client engagements
• Experience managing individual and entity client engagements
• Minimum bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Taxation
• Active CPA license or Enrolled Agent (EA) credential  
• Strong tax compliance experience with individuals, partnerships, S corporations,  trusts, and other business entities
• Experience reviewing tax returns and workpapers, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable regulations
• Experience serving high-net-worth individuals and closely held businesses
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite Demonstrated experience in managing multiple tasks and in organizing and prioritizing work assignments and ongoing duties  
• Ability to communicate effectively and timely in writing and verbally with colleagues, clients, and other external partners 
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse team environment  

Benefits: 

The pay range for this role is $115,000 - $150,000 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. 

 For employees working 30 or more hours per week, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as dependent coverage; Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts; and employer-paid life and disability insurance; and a 401(k) plan with employer match. We also provide flexible time off (PTO) and 12 paid holidays. 

At Ascend, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Ascend hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.