Tax Manager - Estate & Trust Team

Kerkering Barberio & Co•Sarasota, FL

2d•$94,000 - $130,000•Hybrid

About The Position

At Kerkering, Barberio & Co., we believe exceptional client service starts with exceptional people. As one of the largest locally owned public accounting firms in Southwest Florida, we have built our reputation through trusted relationships, technical excellence, and a commitment to helping our clients, employees, and communities thrive. We are proud to remain independent and focused on long-term success. We are seeking an experienced Tax Manager to join our Estate & Trust Team. This is an opportunity for a tax professional with meaningful estate, trust, gift, and high-net-worth individual experience to take ownership of complex engagements, develop trusted client and professional relationships, and help develop the professionals around them. The ideal candidate combines strong technical knowledge with sound judgment, curiosity, and a relationship-focused approach to client service. They are comfortable managing multiple engagements, anticipating issues before they become problems, and working directly with clients, fiduciaries, attorneys, financial advisors, and other professionals to move matters forward.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a related field.
CPA license required.
7+ years of progressive public accounting experience, including meaningful experience with estate, trust, fiduciary, gift, and high-net-worth individual taxation.
Strong technical knowledge of federal, state, and local tax matters affecting estates, trusts, gifts, fiduciaries, beneficiaries, and individuals.
Significant experience preparing and reviewing Forms 1040, 1041, and 706; experience with Form 709 and fiduciary accountings strongly preferred.
Ability to interpret wills, trust documents, financial records, tax documents, and related supporting information.
Demonstrated progression in the complexity, scope, and management of tax engagements.
Sound critical thinking, professional judgment, and decision-making skills, including the ability to identify issues, evaluate alternatives, and recommend solutions.
Strong client relationship and communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with attorneys, financial advisors, fiduciaries, and other professionals.
Proven ability to supervise, coach, and develop less-experienced professionals.
Excellent organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
Proficiency with tax preparation software, spreadsheets, tax research tools, and other business technology.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Form 709 and fiduciary accountings strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Assume responsibility for all phases of assigned estate, trust, gift, and related individual tax engagements.
Serve as a primary point of contact for clients throughout the year and develop a thorough understanding of their estate planning, fiduciary, tax, and personal needs.
Manage multiple concurrent engagements, including planning, scheduling, staffing, workflow, deadlines, and budgets.
Anticipate engagement issues and client needs, evaluate potential solutions, and keep Shareholders informed of significant developments.
Communicate complex tax matters clearly and professionally with clients, fiduciaries, beneficiaries, attorneys, financial advisors, and other professional partners.
Identify opportunities to provide additional value to clients and collaborate with other KB service areas when appropriate.
Oversee the preparation and review of complex fiduciary income tax returns, including Form 1041 and related beneficiary reporting.
Oversee the preparation and review of complex individual income tax returns, including returns for high-net-worth individuals, fiduciaries, and beneficiaries.
Prepare and review estate and gift tax returns, including Forms 706 and 709.
Review estate and trust financial activity, distributions, deductions, income allocations, and supporting documentation.
Provide guidance on fiduciary accountings and tax matters related to estate and trust administration.
Research complex estate, trust, gift, fiduciary, and individual tax matters and recommend practical solutions.
Identify tax-planning opportunities and matters requiring additional consultation with a Shareholder.
Oversee extended returns, amended returns, tax notices, and other post-filing matters.
Ensure engagements and work products are completed in accordance with professional standards, Firm policies, and quality control requirements.
Supervise engagement teams and provide clear direction, coaching, and on-the-job development.
Review tax returns, workpapers, and other deliverables prepared by team members for technical accuracy, completeness, and adherence to Firm standards.
Provide timely, constructive feedback that supports continued technical and professional development.
Mentor and counsel team members and participate in performance appraisals and goal-setting.
Assist with recruiting, onboarding, training, and other professional development initiatives.
Promote accountability, collaboration, and knowledge sharing across the team.
Build and maintain trusted relationships with clients and professional partners.
Participate in Firm practice development efforts and identify opportunities to develop new and expanded client relationships.
Develop relationships within the professional and local community through civic, charitable, business, and industry involvement.
Contribute to the continued growth and reputation of the Estate & Trust practice and the Firm.
Maintain compliance with Firm policies, professional standards, and quality control requirements.
Maintain current technical knowledge through continuing professional education and developments from the IRS, Congress, AICPA, and other applicable authorities.
Meet established performance expectations related to productivity, realization, and client service.
Effectively manage billing and collections for assigned client relationships.
Contribute to special projects and other Firm initiatives as needed.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.