Overview: Menn Law Firm, Ltd. traces its roots to 1926, when two young lawyers, Homer H. Benton and Alfred C. Bosser, formed a partnership. Benton and Bosser envisioned a law firm that specialized in both advising and advocating on behalf of clients, with a goal to create a preeminent law firm in Appleton with one group of attorneys concentrating on litigation, and one group of attorneys concentrating on business and personal legal matters. Over the years, the firm has grown and evolved but has stayed true to the vision established by Benton and Bosser, and remains dedicated to providing its clients with timely, practical and cost-effective services of the highest quality.
Job Description: This hybrid role offers two complementary areas of focus. The successful candidate will provide tax advisory services on the tax consequences of business purchases, sales, and ownership transfers—particularly partnership and corporate tax issues—supplementing clients’ primary CPAs when specialized analysis is needed. In addition, the role encompasses preparation and review of estate tax returns (Form 706), gift tax returns (Form 709), and fiduciary income tax returns (Form 1041) for the firm’s clients, working closely with our probate and estate administration attorneys to ensure complete documentation and IRS-compliant filings.
The position averages 25–30 hours per week, is fully remote, and provides substantial schedule flexibility outside of client and attorney consultations. It is ideal for an experienced tax professional seeking meaningful work with work-life balance, autonomy, and the opportunity to learn from seasoned practitioners. There is potential for transition to a full-time salaried position if workload justifies expansion.
Transactional Tax Advisory
- Advise firm attorneys and clients on federal tax implications of business sales, acquisitions, partner buyouts, ownership restructurings, and related transactions, with emphasis on partnership taxation (Subchapter K) and corporate taxation.
- Analyze and communicate tax consequences of alternative deal structures, including basis adjustments, §754 elections, profits interests, §338 elections, and other planning opportunities.
- Prepare tax models, scenario comparisons, and memoranda summarizing risks, opportunities, and recommended approaches for optimal tax outcomes.
- Collaborate with and supplement clients’ existing CPAs by providing specialized, transaction-specific insight and analysis.
- Participate in consultations with clients and attorneys; receive training and mentorship from our current part-time tax consultant during the transition period.
Fiduciary, Estate & Gift Tax Returns
- Prepare and/or review United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Returns (Form 706) and related schedules for estates.
- Prepare and/or review United States Gift (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Returns (Form 709) for lifetime transfers.
- Prepare and/or review U.S. Income Tax Returns for Estates and Trusts (Form 1041) and associated fiduciary filings.
- Coordinate with probate and estate administration attorneys to gather and organize all required supporting documentation, including appraisals, valuations, inventories, and financial records necessary for complete and accurate IRS filings.
- Research and apply specialized estate and gift tax rules, including valuation principles, deductions, credits, DSUE portability, and generation-skipping transfer tax implications.
- Maintain thorough workpapers, ensure compliance with deadlines and IRS requirements, and assist with responses to any tax authority inquiries as directed.
General Responsibilities
- Uphold the highest standards of professional ethics, confidentiality, and client service.
- Engage in ongoing professional development to stay current on relevant tax law changes.
- Contribute to process improvements and efficient tax workflows within the firm.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Taxation, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field from an accredited institution. Advanced study in taxation (e.g., MST or LLM) is a plus.
- Credentials: CPA license or Enrolled Agent (EA) designation strongly preferred. Candidates actively working toward CPA licensure will be considered.
- Experience: A minimum of three (3) years of professional tax experience in public accounting, tax consulting, or a comparable environment is preferred. Direct experience with partnership/corporate transaction tax analysis or estate/gift/fiduciary return preparation is highly valued but not strictly required for candidates with strong foundational tax knowledge and a clear willingness to learn these specialized areas under mentorship.
- Technical Skills: Strong working knowledge of federal income tax principles. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (including modeling and scenario analysis), Word, and Outlook. Experience with tax preparation software (UltraTax, Lacerte, Drake, etc.) and tax research platforms is advantageous; training will be provided.
- Professional Attributes: Exceptional analytical ability, meticulous attention to detail, and superior written and verbal communication skills with the capacity to explain complex tax concepts clearly to attorneys and clients. Proven ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a remote environment while maintaining proactive communication and meeting deadlines. High integrity and discretion in handling sensitive client information.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Active CPA or EA credential with experience preparing or reviewing Forms 706, 709, and/or 1041.
- Background in business transaction tax planning, M&A tax, or partnership tax advisory work.
- Prior experience supporting legal professionals or working in a law firm environment.
- Familiarity with Wisconsin state tax rules (beneficial but not required, as the role focuses primarily on federal taxation).
Pay: $25.00 - $29.00 per hour
Education:
Experience:
- professional tax : 3 years (Required)
License/Certification:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Appleton, WI 54913