Tax Manager - Private Equity / Operating Companies

Job Description:

We’re KSM, one of the top 50 largest independent advisory, tax, and audit firms in the United States. But more than our size, it’s our people and culture that set us apart. We believe great things happen when people are supported, challenged, and given the freedom to do their very best work. That’s why we’ve built a workplace where your career and personal life can thrive together – where you have the flexibility to manage your time, the resources to grow, and a team that genuinely cares about your success.

We’ve been employee-owned since 2001, giving every team member a stake in our collective success. This ownership mentality fosters a culture of collaboration, curiosity, and excellence  – where new ideas are welcomed, different perspectives are valued, and you’re encouraged to explore what excites you most. Whether you’re expanding your skills, tackling new challenges, or making an impact beyond the office, we provide the resources and support to help you grow in the direction that’s right for you.

At KSM, your contributions matter – not just to the firm, but to your colleagues, clients, and the communities we serve across the U.S. If you’re looking for a place where you can do meaningful work, build lasting relationships, and grow in ways that align with what’s most important to you, we’d love to meet you.

Position Summary: 

Acts as liaison between partners, clients, and staff. Responsibilities include managing multiple projects and client engagements simultaneously while scheduling, staffing, and coordinating engagement workflow. Develops and mentors staff while serving as a trusted advisor to clients. Major involvement in firm practice development efforts, developing advanced technical knowledge and management skills. This role will primarily support private equity-backed operating (portfolio) companies, requiring experience advising businesses through acquisitions, add-on activity, complex partnership taxation, and ongoing compliance. Ability to make sound decisions and effectively delegate work is essential.

Responsibilities:

• Possesses a complete knowledge of the Firm's philosophy on financial, tax, and consulting matters, work quality, and application of professional and Firm standards.
• Serves clients with a primary focus on private equity-backed operating/portfolio companies, providing tax planning, consulting, and compliance throughout the investment lifecycle.
• Advises clients on tax matters related to acquisitions, add-on transactions, partnership allocations, Section 754 elections, F reorganizations, and other issues commonly encountered by PE-backed operating businesses.
• Maintains contact with clients throughout the year and possesses a thorough understanding of each client's business, operations, and ownership structure.
• Plans, schedules, and staffs engagements using firm policies and procedures.
• Supervises staff, provides on-the-job training, and reviews tax returns and related workpapers, including performance evaluations.
• Anticipates engagement challenges and develops solutions while keeping leadership informed of significant developments.
• Communicates engagement progress, issues, and recommendations to clients through written and verbal communication.
• Prepares client invoices, discusses fees with clients, and assists with collections as needed.
• Maintains knowledge of economic, legislative, and regulatory developments that may impact clients, particularly private equity-backed businesses.
• Performs supervisory reviews of complex tax returns and governmental tax examinations.
• Assumes responsibility for preparing and reviewing the firm's most complex business and partnership tax returns.
• Delegates and manages governmental tax examinations and may represent clients before taxing authorities.

Requirements/Qualifications: 

• Minimum of five years of progressive public accounting tax experience demonstrating increasing responsibility, complexity, and leadership.
• Strong experience supporting private equity-backed operating (portfolio) companies is highly preferred. Candidates should have experience working with operating businesses owned by private equity firms rather than primarily fund-level compliance.
• Experience with partnership taxation, complex allocations, Section 754 elections, acquisition and add-on activity, and tax issues affecting PE-owned operating companies is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to develop client relationships and contribute to business development within a CPA firm.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Accounting.
• Current and valid CPA license.
• Active member in good standing with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
• Minimum of 40 hours of continuing professional education annually to maintain and develop technical and business skills.
• Strong technical, analytical, communication, project management, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency with tax technology and Microsoft Office applications.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, veteran status, or any other protected category. 

KSM only accepts resumes directly submitted by a candidate and referrals submitted by current KSM employees. Unsolicited resumes or candidate profiles sent by staffing agencies and fee-based referral services will not be considered outside of a signed KSM vendor contract. KSM will not pay a fee to recruiters or agencies that do not have a signed KSM vendor contract.