Job Description
Job Description
Our client, a CPA firm in the greater Wilkes-Barre area, is seeking to hire a Tax and Audit Manager to join their team. The Tax and Audit Manager is a senior-level professional responsible for managing the firm’s tax compliance, advisory, and audit review functions. This role provides day-to-day technical leadership to staff accountants and tax preparers while coordinating closely with the firm’s non-working owner and Office Manager to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant service delivery.
The Tax and Audit Manager oversees individual, corporate, and partnership tax engagements; monitors staff workflow and quality; manages filing deadlines and extensions; responds to taxing authority notices; and advises clients on tax planning and savings opportunities.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Tax Compliance & Technical Oversight
• Manage and oversee the preparation, review, and timely filing of:
• Individual income tax returns
• Corporate and S-corporation returns
• Partnership returns
• Related state and local filings
• Ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with federal, state, and local tax laws and professional standards.
• Review complex tax returns and resolve technical issues prior to submission.
• Manage extensions, estimated tax payments, and filing calendars for all clients.
• Monitor changes in tax law and assess firm and client impact.
Client Service & Tax Advisory
• Serve as a primary technical contact for assigned clients.
• Advise clients on tax planning strategies and legitimate tax savings opportunities.
• Assist with and respond to IRS and state tax notices, audits, and correspondence.
• Coordinate with clients to obtain complete and timely tax information.
• Communicate complex tax matters in a clear, professional, and practical manner.
Audit Responsibilities
• Review audit workpapers and draft financial statements for accuracy and compliance.
• Assist with audit planning, supervision, and quality control.
• Prepare or review audit reports for submission, subject to final approval by the firm owner.
• Ensure adherence to applicable auditing standards and firm policies.
Staff Supervision & Workflow Management
• Lead, mentor, and support staff accountants, tax preparers, and seasonal personnel.
• Assign work, monitor progress, and ensure deadlines are met during tax season and throughout the year.
• Review staff work and provide constructive feedback and training.
• Assist in onboarding and training new staff members.
• Identify workflow inefficiencies and recommend improvements.
Office Operations & Process Management
• Coordinate with the Office Manager on tax season scheduling, staffing needs, and workflow planning.
• Assist in developing, updating, and documenting tax office procedures, checklists, and quality control processes.
• Support firm-wide compliance with internal policies and professional standards.
• Participate in continuous improvement of systems, templates, and procedures.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field.
• Active Enrolled Agent (EA) credential or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license required. CPA license strongly preferred.
• At least 6+ years of progressive experience in public accounting.
• Proven expertise in preparing individual, corporate, and partnership tax returns.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state tax laws and regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise and mentor less experienced staff effectively.
• Proficiency with tax software tools, such as CCH ProSystem Fx.
• Excellent communication skills to convey complex tax matters to clients clearly and accurately.