Tax Manager (Estate & Trust)

Ascend Partner Firms•Pasadena, TX

17h•Hybrid

About The Position

Ascend is building a dynamic platform for regional accounting firms, enabling them to stay independent while accessing resources to help them grow. Lucas Horsfall is a CPA firm that attributes its exceptional growth and low turnover to its appreciation of its people and clients. This growth has created a need for a Tax Manager to help deliver personal and experienced service to their vast array of clients. As a Tax Manager (Estate and Trust) at Lucas Horsfall, you will manage estate and trust tax engagements from start to finish, overseeing the preparation and review of returns and leading the teams that support them. You will apply outstanding project management, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills while managing client relationships and engagement workflow across a portfolio of clients. You will lead the training, supervision, and development of staff, direct and review complex tax research, and serve as a trusted advisor to clients and firm leadership on estate and trust tax matters. The company is team-oriented and prides itself on providing quality work and excellent customer relations in a friendly, superior working environment. This role will be performed in a hybrid environment out of either their Pasadena, CA or Encino, CA office location.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field
5+ years of experience preparing and/or reviewing forms 706, 709, and/or 1041
Skilled in researching the Internal Revenue Code, Treasury Regulations, and related tax guidance to analyze and resolve tax issues
Familiarity with wills, trust instruments, and asset title and ownership transfer documents
Excellent project management, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills
Self-motivator with the ability to multi-task and complete assignments within time constraints and deadlines
A strong desire toward career advancement and goal toward future firm ownership

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree in Taxation or JD Degree
Active CPA
Knowledge of CCH Axcess Tax and Lacerte

Responsibilities

Manages estate and trust tax engagements from planning through completion, including final review of returns prepared and reviewed by staff and supervisors before partner sign-off.
Serves as the primary client relationship contact, delivering prompt, professional communication, advising on estate and trust tax matters, and identifying planning opportunities.
Manages engagement economics, including budgets, scheduling, billing, and realization, and escalates issues to partners proactively.
Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local requirements by researching and interpreting regulations, resolving complex technical issues, and advising clients and management on needed actions.
Prioritizes and manages multiple engagements, deadlines, and staff assignments across the practice.
Supervises, develops, mentors, and evaluates staff and supervisors, including real-time coaching, technical review, and formal performance feedback.
Directs and reviews tax research on complex estate and trust issues and communicates conclusions clearly to clients and firm leadership.
Supports business development and firm growth, including client and prospect pursuits, expanding services to existing clients, and contributing to proposals.
Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops or classes, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies.
Contributes to firm culture and growth initiatives, including mentoring, recruiting, and knowledge sharing.
Communicates effectively with all levels of the firm as well as clients.