Senior Tax Manager – Director Track

Berndt CPA LLC•Madison, WI

12d•Hybrid

About The Position

Make a difference. Empower clients. Lead the future of tax and tax advisory services. Join Berndt CPA LLC as a Senior Tax Manager - Director Track or Tax Director and help lead one of Wisconsin's top-rated tax advisory teams alongside our Chief Tax Officer. This role is ideal for an experienced tax leader ready to step into broader influence, strategic leadership, and long-term growth within the firm. Position Summary This position may be filled at the Senior Tax Manager (Director Track) or Tax Director level, depending on experience. The role assists in managing the firm's tax planning, compliance, and strategy for a portfolio of businesses, while actively contributing to client growth, firm leadership, and team development. You will collaborate closely with firm partners and executive stakeholders, with significant influence, autonomy, and a clear pathway for advancement.

Requirements

CPA license required (MST or JD/LLM in Taxation highly preferred)
Senior Tax Manager candidates: 8+ years of progressive tax experience with leadership responsibility
Director-level candidates: 10-15 years of progressive tax experience, including leadership roles
Strong experience in public accounting or complex corporate tax environments
Proficiency with tax software, research, and analytics tools
Strategic thinking, business acumen, and strong problem-solving skills
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop tax professionals
Commitment to ethics and compliance under Circular 230 and professional standards
Comfort with digital tax platforms and emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools

Nice To Haves

Business development experience preferred (level of involvement scaled to role)
Working knowledge of estate and trust taxation preferred

Responsibilities

Provide oversight for federal, state, and local tax compliance and filings
Design and implement tax planning strategies to legally minimize liability and support client profitability
Represent clients during audits, tax controversies, and negotiations with tax authorities
Consult on tax implications related to business transactions, M&A, and structural decisions
Supervise, mentor, and develop a high-performing tax team
Stay current with evolving tax laws and disseminate insights across the firm
Enhance tax department efficiency through process improvements, SOPs, automation, and technology adoption
Collaborate cross-functionally with accounting, payroll, and HR teams to deliver integrated client solutions
Contribute to business development through RFP participation, networking, and thought leadership