Tax Manager, Trust & Estate
Ascend, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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. About Blackman & Sloop
At Blackman & Sloop, we hire great people and give them a good 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, we’ve been honored as one of Accounting Today’s “Best Accounting Firms to Work For”! We've 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 BDO's award for outstanding workplace culture! As an independent member of the BDO Alliance, we have access to the resources of BDO USA, LLP, the world’s 5th largest accounting and consulting firm. In April 2024, we made the strategic decision to join Ascend to usher us in our next stage of growth. 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. 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 for individual, 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, we’ve 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. 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
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, Manager of Recruiting at kchedgy@ascendtogether.com. 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.
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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. About Blackman & Sloop
At Blackman & Sloop, we hire great people and give them a good 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, we’ve been honored as one of Accounting Today’s “Best Accounting Firms to Work For”! We've 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 BDO's award for outstanding workplace culture! As an independent member of the BDO Alliance, we have access to the resources of BDO USA, LLP, the world’s 5th largest accounting and consulting firm. In April 2024, we made the strategic decision to join Ascend to usher us in our next stage of growth. 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. 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 for individual, 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, we’ve 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. 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
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, Manager of Recruiting at kchedgy@ascendtogether.com. 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.
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