Job Description

Walter Shuffain is seeking a skilled and motivated Tax Manager- Individual (HNW), Trust & Estate to lead and manage complex estate, trust, and high-net-worth individual tax engagements while supporting the continued growth of our Estates & Trusts practice. In this role, you will serve as a trusted advisor to high-net-worth individuals and families, providing comprehensive tax compliance and strategic planning services across fiduciary, estate, gift, and individual matters. Responsibilities include overseeing complex filings (including fiduciary, estate, and gift tax returns), advising on wealth preservation and transfer strategies, reviewing trust and estate structures, building long-term client relationships, mentoring staff, and contributing to practice development initiatives.

The ideal candidate brings strong technical expertise in estate, trust, and individual taxation, along with sound judgment, leadership ability, and excellent communication skills to deliver exceptional client service while driving team and firm success.

About Walter Shuffain:

Established in 1994, WS Advisors is a Boston-based advisory and accounting firm dedicated to delivering thoughtful tax, financial, and business guidance that helps clients make confident, forward-looking decisions. We pride ourselves on a collaborative culture rooted in accountability, respect, responsiveness, and continuous learning, where diverse perspectives are welcomed and individual growth is encouraged.

Recognized for excellence, innovation, and a supportive work environment, WS Advisors has been named an IPA Top 200 Firm, an IPA Fastest Growing Firm, an IPA Best of the Best Firm, and one of Accounting Today’s Best Firms to Work For We invest in our people and foster meaningful careers built on teamwork, integrity, and shared success.

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. For more information, visit www.ascendtogether.com

Essential Functions:

• Oversee multiple client engagements; Technical planning and advising of clients that include private entities (including C-Corp, S-Corp, Trusts, and Partnerships) as well as high-profile individuals/families
• Develop and maintain excellent client relationships through superior customer service
• Serve as the primary client contact on all related matters and directly interact with client owners and senior team members
• Recognize and resolve potential or existing problems with appropriate research and consulting on tax services performed
• Consulting, working with, and servicing client base to make recommendations on business improvement and process improvement and serve as a business advisor to clients
• Thorough knowledge and exposure to issues which include but are not limited to mergers and acquisitions, entrepreneurship, funding requirements, growth objectives and exit strategies
• Assist in the development and execution of department’s various training programs
• Set and monitor budgets, assist with staff scheduling and workload assignments
• Prepare client billings timely and direct and assist with collection efforts
• Establish and conduct formal training seminars for staff members
• Think proactively and have involvement in practice development opportunities that cross sell to existing clients as well as new clients
• Participate in recruitment events, employee performance management, training support, and business development opportunities
• Building effective long-term relationships with our clients, understanding their unique needs to provide a tailored service to our complex clients

Education, Skills and Experience:

• BS or MS in Accounting or Tax
• 6 years of experience within a Public Accounting firm as a Tax Manager
• Ability to lead and manage a team of tax professionals
• Ability to meet challenging client requirements, provide excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills, analytical and research capabilities
• Strong knowledge of Tax laws and able to communicate to shareholders
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and make sound decisions and recommendations in client related matters pertaining to tax returns