Tax Manager - HNW
Location: Denver, CO
Employment Type: Full-Time
Experience Level: Senior Level (5+ years)
About Our Firm
Our client is a premier CPA firm in Denver specializing in comprehensive tax, accounting, and advisory services for ultra-high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and private equity clients. Their growing practice serves clients with complex financial structures across multiple states and international jurisdictions. They pride themselves on delivering exceptional client service while maintaining the highest professional standards.
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced CPA-licensed Tax Manager to lead our Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individual practice. This role offers the opportunity to work with sophisticated clients, manage complex tax structures, and lead a team of talented tax professionals. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in high-net-worth tax planning, multi-state and international compliance, and team leadership.
Key Responsibilities
Client Management & Technical Expertise
- Manage tax compliance and planning for 30-50 ultra-high-net-worth clients with net worth exceeding $10M
- Prepare and review complex individual tax returns (Forms 1040, 1041, 706, 709) involving multiple entities
- Handle sophisticated tax structures including family limited partnerships, grantor trusts, charitable remainder trusts, and private placement investments
- Coordinate multi-state income tax filings and residency planning strategies
- Manage international tax compliance including FBAR, Form 8938, Form 3520, and other offshore reporting requirements
- Develop and implement tax planning strategies for wealth transfer, estate planning, and income optimization
- Interface directly with high-profile clients, attorneys, financial advisors, and family office personnel
Team Leadership & Development
- Supervise and mentor a team of 4-6 tax professionals including seniors and staff accountants
- Conduct performance evaluations, provide feedback, and create development plans for team members
- Manage workload allocation and ensure timely completion of all deliverables
- Train staff on complex tax issues and firm methodologies
- Participate in recruiting and interviewing potential team members
Business Development & Client Relations
- Build and maintain strong relationships with existing clients and referral sources
- Participate in business development activities and networking events
- Identify opportunities for additional services and tax planning engagements
- Collaborate with partners on client expansion and retention strategies
- Represent the firm at professional organizations and industry conferences
Quality Control & Process Improvement
- Ensure all work meets firm quality standards and professional requirements
- Review complex returns and tax research prepared by team members
- Stay current on tax law changes affecting high-net-worth individuals
- Implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and client service
- Manage engagement budgets and profitability targets
Required Qualifications
Education & Certification
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
- CPA license in Colorado (or ability to obtain within 6 months)
- Master's degree in Taxation strongly preferred
Experience Requirements
- Minimum 5 years of public accounting experience with focus on individual taxation
- At least 4 years of experience serving ultra-high-net-worth clients ($10M+ net worth)
- Proven experience with complex trust and estate tax planning
- Multi-state and international tax compliance experience required
- Previous team leadership and staff management experience
Technical Skills
- Expert knowledge of individual, trust, gift, and estate taxation
- Proficiency with CCH Axcess, ProSystem fx, or similar professional tax software
- Advanced Excel skills and experience with tax research databases (RIA, BNA, CCH)
- Knowledge of partnership and S-corporation taxation as it relates to individual clients
- Understanding of alternative investments, private equity, and hedge fund taxation
Professional Skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines
- Professional demeanor suitable for high-net-worth client interactions
- Leadership skills with ability to motivate and develop team members
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with family office clients and multi-generational wealth planning
- Knowledge of Colorado state tax regulations and planning opportunities
- Private equity or hedge fund tax experience
- Estate and gift tax return preparation experience
- International tax planning and compliance background
- Previous experience in a managerial role at a regional or national CPA firm
What We Offer
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive base salary based on experience and education
- Performance-based annual bonus opportunity
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) plan with firm matching
- Professional development and continuing education support
- CPA license maintenance and professional membership fees covered
Work Environment & Culture
- Hybrid work arrangement
- Collaborative team environment with opportunity for advancement
- Exposure to sophisticated clients and complex tax planning scenarios
- Modern office in downtown Denver
- Firm-sponsored networking and social events
- Commitment to work-life balance outside of tax season
Career Development
- Clear path for advancement to Senior Manager and Partner levels
- Mentorship from experienced partners and senior staff
- Opportunities to specialize in niche areas of high-net-worth taxation
- Support for advanced certifications and continuing education
- Leadership development programs and management training
