Tax Manager - Private Client Services

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 resources, best-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 today’s industry challenges to reach their full potential. For more information, visit www.ascendtogether.com.

About Lucas Horsfall

Have you dreamt about a career in public accounting with work-life balance? Enjoying the diversity of clients and the challenging work public accounting offers with the added benefits of professional growth and opportunity for advancement? Have you experienced a culture that is fun and diverse offering an authentic family feel with people that truly care about you and your professional development? Lucas Horsfall is that CPA firm. Celebrating our 68th year anniversary in 2025, we attribute our exceptional growth and low turnover to our appreciation of our people and clients. This growth has provided a need for a Tax Manager - Private Client Services to help deliver personal and experienced service to our vast array of clients.

The Role

As a Tax Manager - Private Client Services at Lucas Horsfall, you will lead fiduciary accounting for our complex private clients multigenerational family engagements with multiple partnerships and extensive trust structures, including numerous sub-trusts. This role blends technical tax review with hands-on oversight of trust accounting and quarterly beneficiary distributions.You will manage clients independently and carry out your outstanding project management, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills. You will 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.

Key Responsibilities

Trust Accounting & Distributions

• Oversee preparation and review of financial statements and supporting schedules for trusts and sub-trusts.
• Review quarterly trust accounting, including bank reconciliations and the recording and reconciliation of investment activity.
• Manage quarterly distributions to beneficiaries, including distribution calculations, approvals, and disbursements.
• Assist with annual financial statement audits, including communications and documents requested by outside auditors.

Team Leadership & Coordination

• Supervise, review, and develop the staff accountants and return preparers supporting these engagements.
• Work closely with the engagement partners, keeping them informed of status, issues, and risks.

Client Service

• Serve as a primary day-to-day contact for trustees, fiduciaries, and beneficiaries, delivering responsive, high-touch service.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and discretion in all client matters.
• Coordinate with clients’ external advisors, including attorneys, investment managers, and banks.

Tax Compliance & Review

• Manage the full compliance cycle for these engagements, coordinating deadlines, tax return extensions, tax estimates, and deliverables across all entities.
• Review partnership (Form 1065) and fiduciary (Form 1041) income tax returns prepared by staff and senior accountants.
• Provide tax planning and consulting for partnerships, trusts, and individual beneficiaries as needs arise.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• 5-10+ years of public accounting tax experience, with significant partnership and fiduciary/trust compliance work.
• Demonstrated experience reviewing complex returns and supervising staff.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Licensed CPA or Attorney.
• Hands on trust or fiduciary accounting experience.
• Consultative/Advising Experience.
• Knowledge of CCH Axcess Tax.

What We Offer

As a firm, we offer great benefits, a competitive salary and tuition reimbursement for advanced education. Headquartered in Pasadena, CA with offices in Encino and Irvine, Lucas Horsfall is a growing CPA and consulting firm focused on tax, audit, and consulting needs. Explore the opportunities that await you today! Join our team and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that supports well-being, health, and ongoing professional growth:

• Flexible PTO
• Excellent Voluntary Insurance Options
• 401(k) Matching
• Discretionary Bonus
• Commitment to Professional Development
• Meaningful work that makes a difference in our clients' lives

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, credentials, and compensation
• Voluntary demographic & self-ID questions

For further questions or inquiries about the role, please reach out to Aidan Jebson, Sr. Recruiter at [email protected].

The pay range for this role is $135,000 - $200,000+ per year. This range includes the anticipated low and high end of the pay range for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on various factors, including experience, education, and/or skill level.

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.