Senior Tax Manager (Director Track)

Make a difference. Empower clients. Lead the future of tax and tax advisory services.

Join Berndt CPA LLC as a Senior Tax Manager - Director Track or Tax Director and help lead one of Wisconsin's top-rated tax advisory teams alongside our Chief Tax Officer. This role is ideal for an experienced tax leader ready to step into broader influence, strategic leadership, and long-term growth within the firm.

Position Summary

This position may be filled at the Senior Tax Manager (Director Track) or Tax Director level, depending on experience. The role assists in managing the firm's tax planning, compliance, and strategy for a portfolio of businesses, while actively contributing to client growth, firm leadership, and team development.

You will collaborate closely with firm partners and executive stakeholders, with significant influence, autonomy, and a clear pathway for advancement.

Description of Duties

• Provide oversight for federal, state, and local tax compliance and filings

• Design and implement tax planning strategies to legally minimize liability and support client profitability

• Represent clients during audits, tax controversies, and negotiations with tax authorities

• Consult on tax implications related to business transactions, M&A, and structural decisions

• Supervise, mentor, and develop a high-performing tax team

• Stay current with evolving tax laws and disseminate insights across the firm

• Enhance tax department efficiency through process improvements, SOPs, automation, and technology adoption

• Collaborate cross-functionally with accounting, payroll, and HR teams to deliver integrated client solutions

• Contribute to business development through RFP participation, networking, and thought leadership

Recommended Skills and Qualifications

• CPA license required (MST or JD/LLM in Taxation highly preferred)

• Senior Tax Manager candidates: 8+ years of progressive tax experience with leadership responsibility

• Director-level candidates: 10-15 years of progressive tax experience, including leadership roles

• Strong experience in public accounting or complex corporate tax environments

• Proficiency with tax software, research, and analytics tools

• Strategic thinking, business acumen, and strong problem-solving skills

• Excellent communication and presentation skills

• Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop tax professionals

• Business development experience preferred (level of involvement scaled to role)

• Commitment to ethics and compliance under Circular 230 and professional standards

• Comfort with digital tax platforms and emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools

Best Practices for Success in This Role

• Translate tax implications into practical business insights

• Significant experience with passthrough entities (S Corporations and Partnerships)

• Significant experience with multi-state tax compliance for businesses and high-net-worth individuals

• Working knowledge of estate and trust taxation preferred

• Our firm does not perform work for publicly traded companies

• Establish KPIs and SOPs to ensure quality and consistency

• Cultivate strong, long-term client relationships

• Champion process improvement through technology and automation

• Maintain high ethical standards across all practice areas

• Mentor team members and help build future firm leaders

What We Offer

At Berndt CPA LLC, we support our team members in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. We provide a collaborative environment where professional growth is encouraged, and personal flexibility is respected. This position offers:

• Competitive compensation and bonus program
• Flex-time or full-time options with partial remote work available
• Comprehensive benefits package (health, dental, vision, 401k match)
• Supportive, people-first firm culture with regular team events
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities
• Paid time for community involvement and networking
• Modern technology and tools in a collaborative environment

Awards And Recognition - Recent

• 2025 - Top Work Places - Small Business - Wisconsin State Journal
• 2025 - Best Places to Work - Small Business - Madison Magazine
• 2025 - Best Accounting Firm to Work For - Accounting Today
• 2024 - People's Choice Awards - Best Accounting Firm
• 2024 - Top Work Places - Small Business - Wisconsin State Journal
• 2024 - Best Places to Work - Small Business - Madison Magazine
• 2024 - InBusiness Executive Choice Award - Accounting Firm
• 2024 - Best Accounting Firm to Work For - Accounting Today

If you're an experienced tax professional ready to grow your leadership impact within a forward-thinking firm, we'd love to start the conversation.