Tax Manager, Trust & Estate

Who We Are

About Ascend

Backed by private equity from people-focused Alpine Investors Ascend is building a dynamic platform for regional accounting firms that enables them to stay independent while accessing the resources of a Top 25 firm to help them grow. Ascend provides access to growth capital robust talent acquisition and training leading quality management resourcesbest-of-breed technology AI tools an offshore captive shared back-office services a catalytic leadership system and modernized equity incentives so that firms can surmount todays industry challenges to reach their full potential.

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About Blackman & Sloop

At Blackman & Sloop we hire great people and give them a great place to work. We listen to what our employees value and being a local firm gives us the advantage of flexibility. Our secret to retaining staff is a positive culture strong community involvement and a dedication to constantly increasing our competencies. We are a single-office firm with approximately 45 full-time staff.

For 7 consecutive years weve been honored as one of Accounting Todays Best Accounting Firms to Work For! Weve also been recognized by Business North Carolina as one of the Best Employers in North Carolina list for the past 4 years. Most recently we are proud to have received BDOs award for outstanding workplace culture! We believe were receiving this recognition based on our commitment to and from each employee regardless of level.

As an independent member of the BDO Alliance we have access to the resources of BDO USA LLP the worlds 5th largest accounting and consulting firm. Additionally in April 2024 we made the strategic decision to join Ascend to usher us in our next stage of growth. What this means to you is that while were a local accounting firm our reach and expertise have no boundaries. Each member of our staff has access to an unlimited amount of resources to gain valuable information on levels that most local firms do not encounter.

The Role

Blackman & Sloop is seeking a Tax Manager with specialized experience in the preparation and/or review of fiduciary tax returns. This position focuses primarily on trust estate gift and individual tax compliance and consulting for our high net-worth clients.

As a Tax Manager you will lead and manage all phases of client tax advisory and compliance engagements. You will manage clients independently and carry out your outstanding project management analytical interpersonal and communication skills. You will perform technical reviews of business and individual returns participate in training and supervision of staff conduct tax research and advise on tax matters. Our company is team-oriented and prides itself on providing quality work and excellent customer relations in a friendly superior working environment. A dedication to excellent client service and a sense of humor are a must!

Key Responsibilities

• Perform initial and/or final review of tax senior tax staff and intern work products forindividual trust estate and gift returns.
• Act as primary client point of contact for the firm.
• Identify opportunities for value added services for clients by staying abreast of their business needs.
• Communicate staffing and workload issues to Resource Planning.
• Review and confirm assignment objectives scope and work plan with client.
• Resolve work product issues using firm resources.
• Contribute to the development and management of comprehensive strategies to identify and meet all client needs.
• Identify and research technical issues to ensure compliance with federal state and local tax laws.
• Coach and mentor staff to assist with enhancing their skills and further develop their career.
• Identify and pursue new clients and identify any additional needs to cross sell other firm products and services to existing clients.
• Support the partner team in the development and planning of strategy objectives and budgets.
• Prepare and/or review monthly client bills.
• Anticipate identify and resolve complex tax-technical issues.
• Effectively manage expectations internal and external concerning changes in project deliverables and/or deadlines.
• Support business development efforts by nurturing existing relationships and helping to identify new client opportunities.

Required Qualifications

• CPA or Enrolled Agent (EA)
• 8 years of tax prep & review experience
• Well-versed in individual trust estate and gift returns
• 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
• Excellent work ethic and a sense of humor are a must!
• Ability or interest in business development and expanding client relationships

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with CCH Axcess Tax and CCH Engagement
• Experience leading teams

Who We Look For

A perceptive team-player who excels in a progressive & collaborative environment blending sharp analytical skills with exceptional communication. A detail-oriented leader who embodies critical thinking & high standards. A proactive professional committed to delivering outstanding service while embracing and driving curiosity & innovation.

Location

At Blackman & Sloop weve designed a flexible work structure that enables both teamwork and independence enhancing our employees work experience while promoting personal well-being. This role can be hybrid out of Chapel Hill or remote.

What We Offer

We hire good people and give them a good place to work. Our secret to keeping them around is a positive culture strong community involvement and a dedication to constantly increasing our competencies. We truly believe that when you succeed the firm succeeds and we make sure you have whatever tools you need to make that success possible.

Join our team and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that supports well-being health and ongoing professional growth:

• Unlimited PTO
• Medical Dental Vision & Voluntary Insurance Options
• 401(k) Matching
• Performance Bonus
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Off-season Flex Fridays
• Closed on Fridays for the month of June
• Commitment to Professional Development
• Equity Program Eligibility at Sr. Manager Level top performing Managers

How to Apply

Submit your information in the application section directly below! This will include:

• Basic contact information
• Resume/CV and optional cover letter upload
• Work eligibility and compensation
• Voluntary demographic & self-ID questions

For questions or inquiries about the role please reach out to Kim Chedgy Lead Recruiter at .

At Ascend we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all candidates regardless of race color religion national origin gender pregnancy sexual orientation gender identity/expression age marital status disability or any other legally protected characteristic. Ascend hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.