Tax Manager
A firm where busy season doesn’t take over your entire life.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to work somewhere that actually means it when they say work–life balance, this is that place.
They’re around 30 people, fully independent, and growing steadily after a recent acquisition. Instead of pushing everyone to absorb the extra work, they hired proactively to keep workloads sane. Busy season typically caps around 60 hours, and outside of it, non-partners stay in the 50s, with reduced-schedule options if that’s something you want.
They have budgeted hours which are closely watched and managed so no one can slip under the radar drowning.
And they actually do things that support balance, not just talk about it:
• They close every Friday in the summer.
• They have a fun committee during busy season (free lunches, treats, anything to break up the long days).
• There’s a thank-you box where people call out each other’s help, simple yet effective, everyone uses it.
• After April 15th, they host a big paid-for celebration and families are invited.
• On Tax Day, the office closes early and lunch is catered.
What the role looks like –
You’ll work on a mix of S-Corps, partnerships, 1040s, supporting the team who also does property tax, payroll and bookkeeping. Their clients range from farms and trucking companies to local family-owned businesses.
This hire is all about growth, not backfilling burnout. They want someone who enjoys managing work, reviewing returns, answering questions, and helping senior associates step up.
Preferably you’ll already had your CPA, but they’re also open to people working toward it (or EA).
You’ll be working in an older-style building with an open layout. People actually talk to each other, ask questions, and solve things together.
You will need to be local enough to be in the office regularly, this isn’t fully remote. You’ll be someone who enjoys collaboration and in person support to your team.
If you’re looking for a firm where you can do good work, manage a solid team, and still have a life outside of April, this is a genuinely great fit.
Not ready with a resume? Or want a bit more information before applying? No problem. You can still apply the old-fashioned way, or just reach out to start a conversation with Imogen via LinkedIn or the Distinct Recruitment website or contact her cell at 312-584-9844. She’ll be happy to tell you more about the firm, the job and the prospects before you commit further.
Imogen Talbot-Slack is a Recruiter with Distinct Recruitment. She’s been recruiting in finance for over 9 years, with a focus on public accounting firms across Illinois and Indiana. She’s not a career salesperson she’s built her reputation by actually listening to what candidates want, whether that’s better hours, a path to partner, or simply a firm where they’ll enjoy going to work.
Think you only have 87% of the required experience? Perfect – apply anyway. The CPA firms we partner with want diverse, interesting people, not corporate clones stamped from the same tedious mould.
Don’t overthink it. The worst outcome is a pleasant conversation about your career. The best? Well, that’s where it gets rather exciting.