Senior Manager, Trust and Estates

PBMares LLP•Wilmington, NC

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced Tax Senior Manager – Trusts & Estates to lead complex fiduciary, estate, gift, and high-net-worth individual tax engagements. This leadership role combines deep technical expertise with client advisory responsibilities, team development, and practice growth initiatives. The ideal candidate is a trusted advisor who excels at building relationships, delivering strategic tax planning solutions, and mentoring professionals in a collaborative environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Taxation, Finance, or a related field.
CPA required (JD considered with significant trusts and estates tax expertise).
8+ years of progressive public accounting tax experience.
Significant experience with trusts, estates, gift taxation, and high-net-worth individual tax planning.
Strong leadership, client relationship management, tax research, project management, and communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Taxation, Accounting, or related field.
Experience with international estate planning, foreign trusts, and global wealth transfer matters.
Experience advising affluent families, family offices, and fiduciaries.
Recognized expertise in trusts, estates, or wealth preservation planning.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary advisor to high-net-worth individuals, trusts, estates, fiduciaries, and family groups.
Provide strategic guidance on estate planning, wealth transfer strategies, charitable giving, and trust structures.
Collaborate with attorneys, wealth advisors, trustees, and internal teams to deliver integrated solutions.
Proactively identify planning opportunities and help clients navigate complex tax matters.
Lead and review complex fiduciary, estate, gift, and individual tax returns, including Forms 1041, 706, and 709.
Advise on federal, state, multi-jurisdictional, and cross-border trust and estate tax matters.
Conduct tax research, develop and defend tax positions, and stay current on legislative and regulatory developments.
Contribute to technical training and thought leadership within the firm.
Mentor, coach, and develop tax professionals.
Provide performance feedback and support career growth.
Help drive recruiting, onboarding, retention, and succession planning initiatives.
Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Manage engagement economics, including budgeting, realization, profitability, and billing.
Identify opportunities to expand client services and strengthen relationships.
Participate in business development, networking, and community engagement activities.
Support strategic growth initiatives for the Trusts & Estates practice.