About the Firm
We are representing a well-established boutique CPA firm based in Naperville, IL with a tight-knit team and a culture that has kept people around for the long haul. The firm operates as part of a broader platform, giving the local practice access to national-level resources including a dedicated recruiting team, operations manager, and back-end infrastructure that most firms this size simply don't have. Despite that backing, the local team runs with significant autonomy — the leader sets the direction, and the platform makes sure they have everything they need to scale.
About the Role
Our client is seeking a Senior Tax Manager to step into a succession role as one of the firm's two principals approaches retirement over the next one to two years. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for someone who wants to plant roots, take ownership of a $5.5M book of business, and grow into a principal-level seat. The incoming leader will run the tax department, develop staff, and gradually take over client relationships with a clear and supported path upward.
Key Responsibilities
Assume day-to-day leadership of the tax department, including oversight of staff and workflow management across concurrent engagements
Take over and maintain client relationships, serving as the primary point of contact for an established book of business
Review tax returns across individual, business, and pass-through entity structures
Drive proactive tax planning and advisory conversations focused on long-term client strategy
Lead, mentor, and develop tax staff, including performance oversight and professional growth
Research complex tax issues and deliver well-reasoned, practical resolutions
Collaborate with firm principals and serve as a trusted senior resource across the practice
Requirements
10+ years of public accounting experience with a focus on individual and business taxation
CPA required, EA accepted
Generalist background across individual and small business tax
Proven ability to lead and develop staff in a client-facing environment
Proficiency with Lacerte preferred
Strong interpersonal skills, professional presence, and the ability to build and maintain long-term client relationships
Local to the Naperville, IL area with the ability to be in office a minimum of 3 days per week; full-time in office preferred
Benefits
Strong base salary and bonus structure
BCBS medical coverage with family and individual plan options
HSA
3% safe harbor 401(k)
20 days PTO
11 paid holidays including your birthday
Clear path to principal with compensation that grows as responsibilities expand
Skills Required
- 10+ years of public accounting experience focused on individual and business taxation
- CPA certification or Enrolled Agent designation
- Generalist background across individual and small business tax
- Proven ability to lead and develop staff in a client-facing environment
- Strong interpersonal skills and professional presence
- Ability to build and maintain long-term client relationships
- Proficiency with Lacerte
- Local to the Naperville, Illinois area
- Ability to work in the office at least three days per week
What We Do
White Tiger Connections specializes in advising mid-market and enterprise businesses on mergers and acquisitions (M&A), succession planning, and expansion strategies. They assist leaders in driving growth, optimizing transactions, and forming strategic partnerships, primarily serving clients in public accounting and wealth management.
