Tax Manager Job Responsibilities by Tenure

Tax managers are given a wide range of responsibilities and tasks as part of their jobs.

Those responsibilities and tasks can be assigned differently based on whether the tax manager works as a public or private tax manager.  For example, public tax managers are often assigned responsibilities that focus more on compliance and regulatory services, whereas private tax managers focus on strategic planning within a specific organization.

Responsibilities are further segmented and assigned based on the experience level and tenure of the tax manager. Here is a general breakdown of the job responsibilities of tax managers by tenure.

1.      Entry-Level Tax Manager

Entry-level tax managers are those within the first three years of their career.  These tax managers are primarily responsible for assisting more senior managers and directors in preparing and filing tax returns for the individuals or businesses that hire them. By extension, their typical duties could be:

• Tax Compliance: This task requires tax managers to ensure filings are timely submitted; accurate; and that they comply with federal, state, and local laws.  As discussed above, this particular assignment is more commonly performed by public tax managers.
• Research and Analysis: Tax laws and regulations change. Entry-level managers are often tasked with researching tax laws in order to provide clients with accurate advice and solutions.
• Client Relations: Entry-level tax managers should expect to participate in initial client meetings and to gather financial information from clients.

Mid-level tax managers are those with between 3 and 7 years of work experience in tax management. While mid-level managers will continue to assist more senior managers and directors, they will now also supervise entry-level tax managers.  Mid-level managers will also be given more complicated cases and greater autonomy with client relations and interactions.  Some of their typical duties include:

• Tax Planning: This task requires tax managers to develop and assist in implementing targeted tax strategies meant to help limit a client’s tax liability.
• Complex Filings: Not surprisingly, some filings are more complicated than others.  As tax managers gain more experience, they will be assigned returns and filings for higher-net-worth individuals and larger organizations.
• Client Relation Management:  More experienced managers will no longer just be asked to sit in on client meetings and collect documents.  Mid-level managers will be responsible for acting as the primary contact for their client’s tax matters and understanding their client’s needs to improve the overall customer experience.

Senior tax managers typically have more than seven years of relevant work experience and are thus asked to take on leadership roles within their organizations.  Their typical duties would be:

• Strategic Tax Planning: Senior tax managers are responsible for leading the long-term tax strategies of their clients.  This requires keeping abreast of the impacts of new tax legislation and changes in market conditions.  Strategic tax planning is a responsibility more commonly practiced by private tax managers.
• Leadership and Management: With all this experience, tax managers are given their own teams to manage that are comprised of mid-level and entry-level tax professionals.  Senior tax managers must oversee the work of their team and mentor team members.
• Client Acquisition: It is no longer enough to just maintain current client relations. If working for a tax firm, senior managers are now responsible for acquiring and bringing in new clients to the firm.
• Complex Advisory Services: Senior tax managers must provide advice on highly complex tax issues, including international tax planning; transfer pricing; and mergers and acquisitions.

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