Tax Manager - Estate & Trust Team

Responsive recruiter Benefits: Health insurance Opportunity for advancement Paid time off Parental leave Relocation bonus Training & development Vision insurance Wellness resources 401(k) 401(k) matching Company parties Competitive salary Dental insurance Free food & snacks Tuition assistance Tax Manager – Estate & Trust At Kerkering, Barberio & Co., we believe exceptional client service starts with exceptional people. As one of the largest locally owned public accounting firms in Southwest Florida, we have built our reputation through trusted relationships, technical excellence, and a commitment to helping our clients, employees, and communities thrive. We are proud to remain independent and focused on long-term success. We are seeking an experienced Tax Manager to join our Estate & Trust Team. This is an opportunity for a tax professional with meaningful estate, trust, gift, and high-net-worth individual experience to take ownership of complex engagements, develop trusted client and professional relationships, and help develop the professionals around them. The ideal candidate combines strong technical knowledge with sound judgment, curiosity, and a relationship-focused approach to client service. They are comfortable managing multiple engagements, anticipating issues before they become problems, and working directly with clients, fiduciaries, attorneys, financial advisors, and other professionals to move matters forward. What You'll Do Client & Engagement Management Assume responsibility for all phases of assigned estate, trust, gift, and related individual tax engagements. Serve as a primary point of contact for clients throughout the year and develop a thorough understanding of their estate planning, fiduciary, tax, and personal needs. Manage multiple concurrent engagements, including planning, scheduling, staffing, workflow, deadlines, and budgets. Anticipate engagement issues and client needs, evaluate potential solutions, and keep Shareholders informed of significant developments. Communicate complex tax matters clearly and professionally with clients, fiduciaries, beneficiaries, attorneys, financial advisors, and other professional partners. Identify opportunities to provide additional value to clients and collaborate with other KB service areas when appropriate. Estate, Trust & Tax Expertise Oversee the preparation and review of complex fiduciary income tax returns, including Form 1041 and related beneficiary reporting. Oversee the preparation and review of complex individual income tax returns, including returns for high-net-worth individuals, fiduciaries, and beneficiaries. Prepare and review estate and gift tax returns, including Forms 706 and 709. Review estate and trust financial activity, distributions, deductions, income allocations, and supporting documentation. Provide guidance on fiduciary accountings and tax matters related to estate and trust administration. Research complex estate, trust, gift, fiduciary, and individual tax matters and recommend practical solutions. Identify tax-planning opportunities and matters requiring additional consultation with a Shareholder. Oversee extended returns, amended returns, tax notices, and other post-filing matters. Ensure engagements and work products are completed in accordance with professional standards, Firm policies, and quality control requirements. Leadership & Development Supervise engagement teams and provide clear direction, coaching, and on-the-job development. Review tax returns, workpapers, and other deliverables prepared by team members for technical accuracy, completeness, and adherence to Firm standards. Provide timely, constructive feedback that supports continued technical and professional development. Mentor and counsel team members and participate in performance appraisals and goal-setting. Assist with recruiting, onboarding, training, and other professional development initiatives. Promote accountability, collaboration, and knowledge sharing across the team. Practice & Relationship Development Build and maintain trusted relationships with clients and professional partners. Participate in Firm practice development efforts and identify opportunities to develop new and expanded client relationships. Develop relationships within the professional and local community through civic, charitable, business, and industry involvement. Contribute to the continued growth and reputation of the Estate & Trust practice and the Firm. What You'll Bring Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a related field. CPA license required. 7+ years of progressive public accounting experience, including meaningful experience with estate, trust, fiduciary, gift, and high-net-worth individual taxation. Strong technical knowledge of federal, state, and local tax matters affecting estates, trusts, gifts, fiduciaries, beneficiaries, and individuals. Significant experience preparing and reviewing Forms 1040, 1041, and 706; experience with Form 709 and fiduciary accountings strongly preferred. Ability to interpret wills, trust documents, financial records, tax documents, and related supporting information. Demonstrated progression in the complexity, scope, and management of tax engagements. Sound critical thinking, professional judgment, and decision-making skills, including the ability to identify issues, evaluate alternatives, and recommend solutions. Strong client relationship and communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with attorneys, financial advisors, fiduciaries, and other professionals. Proven ability to supervise, coach, and develop less-experienced professionals. Excellent organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines. Proficiency with tax preparation software, spreadsheets, tax research tools, and other business technology. Additional Responsibilities Maintain compliance with Firm policies, professional standards, and quality control requirements. Maintain current technical knowledge through continuing professional education and developments from the IRS, Congress, AICPA, and other applicable authorities. Meet established performance expectations related to productivity, realization, and client service. Effectively manage billing and collections for assigned client relationships. Contribute to special projects and other Firm initiatives as needed. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned. Working Requirements Occasional local and overnight travel for client meetings, professional development, networking events, and Firm-related activities. Extended hours may be required throughout the year to meet client needs and business demands, with increased workloads expected during peak tax seasons. Kerkering, Barberio & Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors. Flexible work from home options available. Compensation: $94,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year Kerkering, Barberio & Co. has been recognized by the Tampa Bay Business Journal as the #7 firm on their 2023 Top Accounting Firms; 2022 Best of SRQ Platinum Winner: Best CPA Firm; Top 300 Firms, MOVE - Best Firm for Women and Equity Leadership 2022 ; Top 25 Most Generous Workplaces in Sarasota, United Way Suncoast and more. Kerkering Barberio has three offices: downtown Sarasota, Tampa, and Lakewood Ranch. Our headquarters is in Sarasota, where we have the honor of enjoying in one of Money Magazine’s “Best Small Cities to Live.” As a Firm, we work in a progressive business atmosphere that embraces work/life balance, is on the leading edge of technology and strongly supports the training and advancement of our staff through company paid professional development, paid licenses and professional dues, tuition reimbursement, production bonuses, the opportunity to bank time, and a competitive compensation package. For individuals who aspire for a career in public accounting, Kerkering Barberio can provide the best of both worlds. Rich with culture, our small-town location is great for a more relaxed lifestyle without forgoing recreational and entertainment value. In addition, the array of services offered by our firm makes us more comparable to a Big Four environment than to the typical local practice, providing greater career growth and diversity. Kerkering Barberio is a unique professional option.