POSITION SUMMARY
The Tax Manager is responsible for managing a portfolio of tax engagements, reviewing and preparing tax returns, supporting client relationships, and helping the team deliver accurate, timely work. This is a high-autonomy role requiring a strong technical foundation in individual and small business taxation and the judgment to recognize when a compliance issue also presents a tax planning or strategy opportunity. The role also carries a people-development component: coaching staff, delegating thoughtfully, and helping other professionals grow in confidence, judgment, and independence. Lay & Company currently has two open Tax Manager seats. Both report to Vanessa Lay (Managing Partner) and work alongside the firm's existing Tax Managers.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Engagement & Portfolio Management
- Manages tax engagements from planning through final delivery, including timelines, client communication, work assignments, review, and follow-up
- Independently organizes and prioritizes a portfolio of work, anticipates upcoming needs, and maintains consistent progress across multiple deadlines
- Independently prepares and finalizes individual and small business tax returns, including multi-state filings and Schedule C/E activity
- Prepares entity returns (1120-S, 1065) and coordinates entity-to-individual filings for closely-held business clients
- Prepares quarterly estimated tax calculations for assigned clients
Technical Review & Tax Strategy
- Prepares and reviews federal and state tax returns for individuals, small businesses, and other assigned clients
- Reviews work for technical accuracy, completeness, consistency, and appropriate application of tax positions and planning decisions
- Maintains awareness of tax strategy and planning concepts so potential opportunities, implementation issues, or areas requiring deeper analysis are identified and raised appropriately
- Escalates complex or high-risk returns to Vanessa Lay or the Lead Tax Manager with a clear recommendation
Client Relationships
- Meets with clients to understand their tax situation, explain findings clearly, answer questions, and guide next steps
- Manages all client calls, questions, and one-off inquiries for the assigned book
- Reviews client billing and package inclusions; escalates billing discrepancies as needed
Staff Coaching & Team Development
- Coaches and develops tax professionals through practical instruction, delegation, review feedback, and ongoing support
- Sets clear expectations for team members, monitors progress, addresses recurring errors, and helps employees build stronger ownership and problem-solving skills
Process, Systems & Technology
- Improves workflows, documentation, training materials, and review processes to increase quality, consistency, and efficiency
- Uses CCH and TaxDome for return workflows, client communication, and documentation
- Stays current on relevant tax law changes, IRS guidance, and professional standards
- Collaborates with firm leadership and other team members to resolve client issues, improve service, and support the continued growth of the firm
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- 5+ years of public accounting tax experience serving individuals and small business owners
- 2+ years of experience leading, supervising, reviewing, or developing other tax professionals
- Active CPA license
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, set priorities, manage deadlines, and follow work through to completion
- Strong tax preparation and review skills, with sound technical judgment and attention to detail
- Ability to coach others, provide direct and constructive feedback, and develop professionals with different experience levels
- Strong client communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to explain complex matters clearly and confidently
- Ability to manage multiple engagements in a fast-paced environment while maintaining quality and responsiveness
- Comfort learning and using new systems, tools, and technologies
Preferred
- Working knowledge of CCH tax software and/or TaxDome practice-management software
- Exposure to tax planning or tax strategy, including the ability to recognize planning opportunities and understand how strategies affect return preparation and implementation
- Experience improving tax workflows, review processes, training materials, or team operating procedures
- Experience working directly with business owners and high-net-worth individuals
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This description is intended to provide a clear overview of the role. Responsibilities may evolve as the firm grows and business priorities change. Lay & Company LLC offers competitive compensation and benefits designed to support employees professionally and personally. Lay & Company LLC is committed to equal employment opportunity and considers qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Employment with Lay & Company LLC is at-will.
Pay: $90,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Work from home
Work Location: Remote
