Manufacturing Tax, Senior Manager

Wipfli Advisory LLC•Wauwatosa, WI

About The Position

The Manufacturing Tax Senior Manager leads complex tax engagements and serves as a key tax advisor to clients, with a focus on organizations in the manufacturing industry. The role oversees accurate and timely tax compliance and consulting work, identifies tax planning opportunities, and collaborates with clients and internal teams to resolve complex tax matters. The position manages federal and state tax compliance engagements, advises manufacturing clients on their businesses and tax needs, reviews returns and workpapers—particularly partnership allocations and capital accounting structures—and develops practical recommendations. It also coordinates engagement schedules and resources, communicates with clients and engagement partners, supervises and develops staff, contributes to practice and industry initiatives, and supports client relationship growth and business development.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Active CPA license.
10 or more years of relevant tax experience.
Strong technical knowledge of federal and state taxation.
Prior supervisory, management, and/or mentoring experience.
Demonstrated ability to manage complex tax engagements and client relationships.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical tax matters as clear, practical guidance.
Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple engagements simultaneously.
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

Nice To Haves

Progressive public accounting experience.
Significant experience serving manufacturing and distribution clients.
Experience advising middle-market and/or closely held manufacturing businesses.
Experience with complex multistate tax matters, tax planning, and tax controversy.
Experience identifying and developing additional client-service opportunities.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage complex federal and state tax compliance engagements in line with firm and professional standards, budgets, and deadlines.
Serve as a trusted tax advisor and key contact for manufacturing clients, developing an understanding of their businesses, operations, and tax needs.
Review federal and state income tax returns and related workpapers, particularly partnership allocations and capital accounting structures.
Identify tax risks, planning opportunities, and strategies that support client business objectives while maintaining compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Research complex tax matters and communicate recommendations to clients and firm associates.
Consult with clients and internal teams on unusual or complex tax issues and develop practical solutions.
Communicate engagement status, significant tax matters, upcoming requirements, and additional service opportunities to clients and engagement partners.
Plan and schedule engagements, coordinating client needs and firm resources to support timely, high-quality delivery.
Provide training, coaching, direction, and supervision to staff, senior accountants, and managers.
Maintain and develop expertise in tax matters relevant to manufacturing businesses.
Participate in firm, industry, and practice-development initiatives.
Identify opportunities to expand client relationships and support business-development activities.
Develop knowledge of the firm's broader services and collaborate across service lines when client needs extend beyond tax.