Tax Manager - Gifts, Estates, and Trusts
Topel Forman
$130,000 - $170,000 / year
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Description
Job Description
We are looking for a Tax Manager for our Chicago office to join our Gift, Estate, and Trust team. This role supports our work with high‑net‑worth individuals, families, and closely held businesses, providing advanced tax planning, compliance, and advisory services in a fast‑changing tax environment. You will have the opportunity to work directly with clients, firm leaders, and play an active role in mentoring and developing staff within the firm.
This position is hybrid in our Chicago office with the flexibility for you to choose when you would like to work in the office.
Responsibilities
- Technical review and approval of a variety of tax returns such as gifts, estate, and trusts, as well as related individual and investment partnerships.
- Advise and consult clients on wealth transfer strategies, estate and gift tax planning strategies involving Irrevocable Trust structures like GRATs and SLATs, valuation discounts and GST planning to support multi-generational wealth and succession goals
- Research tax issues and legislative changes, applying sound professional judgment to support client‑focused tax solutions
- Identify and communicate tax and accounting issues to staff, supervisors, managers and partners, and participate in training and development efforts
- Assume responsibility and ownership for own client list as well as serve as a firm resource on specialty tax issues and/or questions
- Develop and maintain an excellent working relationship with all levels of client staff to add value internally and strengthen client relationships
- Assist with business development and firm marketing initiatives
- Actively participate in the firm mentoring program
- Additional responsibilities not listed above may be expected as needed
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree/ and Master’s in Accounting/Taxation
- Minimum of 7 years of recent, relevant trust, estate, and gift tax experience
- CPA/EA license
- Prior public accounting tax experience
- Knowledge of tax software and MS Office
- Ability to provide exceptional client service as well as develop trusted client relationships
- Strong leadership and personnel management skills
Preferred Qualifications
- CCH Axcess/ProSystem fx® tax
- Big 4 experience from a private client service group
- Experience with family limited partnerships (FLPs) and investment partnerships of family groups
- Form 706 estate tax compliance experience
About Us
Topel Forman is a leading certified public accounting firm in the Midwest and the Denver region providing a wide range of attest, accounting, tax, advisory, and consulting services to individuals, professionals, closely-held and family-owned businesses and corporations. At Topel Forman, you’ll find the high level of talent and expertise you’d expect from a larger firm, but with the accessibility and collaboration that are usually only available at a smaller organization. You can expect to work directly with clients, senior-level management, and partners with knowledge of various disciplines. A proactive, hands-on approach to our clients allows you to grow in your expertise and advance in your career. For more information on Topel Forman, please visit our website at www.topelforman.com.
Benefits
- Competitive salary with the range of $130,000 to $170,000, with annual merit increases
- Annual discretionary bonus eligibility
- 35-hour workweek during non-busy season
- To learn more about our firm and benefit offerings, please visit our careers page.
Hybrid Work Internet Policy
Internet requirements for working hybrid: We require an internet plan with the following minimum upload and download speeds for best connection: 100+ Mbps download and 20+ Mbps upload. Home Wi-Fi should be password protected.
Benefits
- Competitive salary with the range of $130,000 to $170,000, with annual merit increases
- Annual discretionary bonus eligibility
- 35-hour workweek during non-busy season
- To learn more about our firm and benefit offerings, please visit our careers page .
About this role
Topel Forman's Chicago office is seeking a Tax Manager to lead technical and advisory work for high-net-worth clients, families, and closely held businesses in the gifts, estates, and trusts space. You would review and approve complex tax returns, guide clients through wealth transfer and estate planning strategies—including specialized structures like GRATs, SLATs, and family limited partnerships—and stay current on legislative changes to inform client solutions. The role combines hands-on client service with internal leadership: you'll own your own client relationships, mentor junior staff, and serve as a firm resource on specialty tax issues.
This position requires at least seven years of recent trust, estate, and gift tax experience, a CPA or EA license, and a master's degree in accounting or taxation. Prior public accounting background is essential. You should be comfortable with tax software and capable of building strong client relationships while managing people and contributing to business development efforts. The salary range is $130,000 to $170,000 with annual merit increases and discretionary bonus eligibility.
The role is hybrid based in Chicago, offering flexibility to choose your office days. You'll work a 35-hour week during non-busy seasons and have direct access to firm leaders and partners across disciplines. This is a fit for someone with solid estate tax compliance experience who wants to deepen expertise while taking on greater client and staff responsibility at a mid-sized firm known for collaboration and hands-on growth.
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Pay for this role
$130,000 to $170,000 per year
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