Tax Manager (Trust & Estate)

Description

Hungerford is a forward-thinking, innovative firm with over 85 years of proud service to West Michigan. We offer expertise in tax, audit, accounting, business advisory, technology, and wealth management. Our culture is rooted in excellence, inclusivity, and a shared dedication to client success and employee growth. By exchanging innovative ideas, we help organizations thrive, create new opportunities for our people, and give back in meaningful ways. Through it all, we make sure to have fun. As a locally owned and operated firm, we’re proud to call Grand Rapids, Greenville, Holland, Muskegon, and St. Joseph home.

Your Impact

As a Tax Manager specializing in Estate and Trust Taxation, you will play a strategic role in helping individuals, families, trustees, and advisors navigate complex tax and wealth transfer matters. This position combines technical expertise, client advisory services, and team leadership to deliver meaningful solutions that preserve wealth and support long-term financial goals. You will serve as a trusted advisor while mentoring staff and contributing to the continued growth of Hungerford’s tax practice.

How You Will Add Value

• Lead the preparation and review of fiduciary, gift, and estate tax returns, ensuring accuracy and compliance with current tax laws and regulations.
• Provide comprehensive estate and trust tax planning services, including estate plan reviews and wealth transfer strategies.
• Deliver exceptional consulting and advisory services to high-net-worth individuals, families, fiduciaries, and related advisors.
• Collaborate with trustees, attorneys, personal representatives, and other professionals to execute tax strategies and manage client engagements.
• Analyze trust and estate documents to identify tax implications and planning opportunities.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments affecting estate, gift, and fiduciary taxation and advise clients accordingly.
• Manage client relationships, engagement planning, project timelines, and deliverables.
• Perform technical reviews and quality control procedures to maintain high standards of client service.
• Mentor, coach, and develop tax professionals while supporting a collaborative team environment.
• Participate in business development efforts and cultivate relationships within the West Michigan professional community.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field.
• Active CPA license required.
• 5+ years of public accounting tax experience.
• 3+ years of experience focused on estate, gift, and trust tax planning and compliance.
• Strong technical knowledge of federal and state tax laws related to fiduciaries, estates, and trusts.
• Proven ability to manage multiple engagements and client relationships      effectively.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with a commitment to developing and mentoring team      members.
• Strong project management, communication, and organizational skills.
• Client-focused mindset with a passion for delivering exceptional service.
• Professional, collaborative, and relationship-oriented approach.
• Adaptability and ability to work across a variety of industries and client situations.
• Embraces technology and seeks opportunities to improve efficiency through innovation and process improvement.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality.

What You Will Gain

• Immediate eligibility for medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible scheduling and work-life balance
• Generous PTO, paid holidays, and parental leave
• 401(k) and retirement planning resources
• Paid volunteer time
• Employee engagement initiatives focused on wellness, sustainability, and community involvement

Join Us

If you're passionate about helping clients navigate complex estate, trust, and wealth transfer matters while developing your career with one of West Michigan's leading public accounting firms, we'd love to hear from you. Join a collaborative team that values expertise, innovation, relationships, and community impact.