CPA Firm Senior Tax Manager
Are you having second thoughts about staying at your present firm after this past tax season?
Do you genuinely enjoy working directly with clients and preparing complex, high‑level returns?
Are you tired of rigid hierarchies, limited influence, and layers of bureaucracy that keep you from doing meaningful work?
Would you like to earn up to 50% of your billings with no cap on your income?
Would you like to join a firm where people start after college and stay through retirement because they feel valued, supported, and trusted?
Would you like to work in a firm that truly walks the talk on work‑life balance — including flexible schedules and a hard cap of 60 hours during tax season?
Would you like to be the technical backbone of a growing office, with real autonomy and a clear path to partner?
If you answered yes, Hocking Denton Palmquist may be the right place for you.
Since 1958, Hocking Denton Palmquist has been taking care of the accounting and business needs of closely held companies and their families. With three offices and six partners, we are committed to helping each client achieve and maintain long‑term success. Our services are efficient, trustworthy, and reliable — and our people stay because they love the work, the culture, and the stability.
There is a reason why people start here right out of college and don’t leave until retirement. You will not find another firm where you can earn more, grow faster, and have more control over your career. We are a no‑drama firm without a rigid corporate structure. You will not be micromanaged. You will learn from highly experienced partners, collaborate daily, and have the freedom to grow at your own pace. You will have personal time flexibility, and you will never work more than 60 hours during tax season unless you choose to. For the right person, there is a clear and realistic partner track.
This role is ideal for someone who genuinely enjoys complex tax work and wants to stay close to clients rather than being pushed into a purely supervisory position.
Due to a retirement and continued business growth, we are seeking a Senior Tax Manager who enjoys working directly with clients, thrives on preparing and reviewing complex returns, and wants to stay deeply involved in the technical work. If you are a self‑starter who values meaningful client relationships and hands‑on problem‑solving, you will thrive here. You will be given meaningful client ownership, become their trusted advisor, and work in a supportive environment where you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. This is a place where you can build a long‑term home.
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Our requirements are stringent:
- 5–10+ years of public accounting tax experience
- CPA strongly preferred (EA or CPA candidate considered with strong experience)
- Comfortable preparing and reviewing returns for closely held businesses and their owners
- Proven track record of training, reviewing, and mentoring 2+ staff
- Demonstrated ability to maintain client relationships and serve as a trusted business advisor
- Comfortable with financial statement preparation, compilations, and reviews
- Strong QuickBooks experience
- Lacerte experience a plus
- Industry experience a plus in: physician practices, retail, oil & gas, agriculture, and small closely held businesses
- Must be willing to work onsite in Bakersfield (this is a hands‑on, client‑facing role)
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We offer an outstanding compensation package including:
- Base salary of $130k to $200k, commensurate with experience
- Annual bonus potential between 8% and 12%
- Earning potential up to 50% of your billings (uncapped)
- 401k with 3% company match
- Profit sharing plan
- Health, dental & vision insurance — 100% paid for employees, partial for family
- Flexible scheduling and true work‑life balance
- A clear path to partnership for the right candidate
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Why this role matters
This is not a typical Senior Manager role. This is a builder role — perfect for a manager who wants:
- More autonomy
- More influence
- More client ownership
- More hands‑on technical work — especially complex business and individual returns
- More earnings tied to production
- A real path to partner
- A long‑term home in a stable, respected Bakersfield firm
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $130,000.00 - $200,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Relocation assistance
- Vision insurance
Education:
Experience:
- CPA Firm Tax Preparation: 5 years (Required)
- CPA Firm Staff Supervisory: 2 years (Required)
License/Certification:
Ability to Commute:
- Bakersfield, CA 93309 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Bakersfield, CA 93309: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
