Manufacturing Tax, Senior Manager

Wipfli•Milwaukee, 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 works with clients and internal teams to resolve complex tax matters. It also includes managing client relationships, coordinating engagement delivery and firm resources, supervising and developing staff, maintaining manufacturing tax expertise, and supporting practice development and business development.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Active CPA license.
10+ 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 translate technical tax matters into clear, practical guidance.
Ability to effectively 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 accordance with firm and professional standards, budget expectations, and deadlines.
Serve as a trusted tax advisor and key contact for manufacturing clients, developing a strong understanding of their businesses, operations, and tax needs.
Review federal and state income tax returns and related workpapers, particularly partnership returns and related allocation and capital accounting structures.
Identify tax risks, planning opportunities, and strategies that support client business objectives while maintaining compliance with applicable tax laws and regulations.
Research and address complex tax matters, and communicate recommendations clearly to clients and firm associates.
Consult with clients and internal teams on unusual or complex tax issues and develop practical solutions based on client needs.
Communicate with clients and engagement partners about engagement status, significant tax matters, upcoming requirements, and additional service opportunities.
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 existing client relationships and support business-development activities.
Develop an understanding of the firm's broader service offerings and collaborate across service lines when client needs extend beyond tax.