Estate & Trust Manager | $110K–$165K CPA Growth Role in Columbus
Career & Market Insight
Compensation & Market Position: The $110,000–$165,000 range is competitive for a Manager-level estate and trust tax role at a regional CPA firm. Major market benchmarks for this level typically fall between $105,000–$160,000 at mid-tier firms, so Boulay is tracking with or slightly above average. Additional incentive compensation is also available, which can meaningfully boost total earnings.
Skills & Career Development: This role builds highly specialized, in-demand expertise:
- Complex estate and gift tax planning — a niche with limited supply of experienced practitioners
- Fiduciary accounting and trust administration
- Client relationship management and leadership — skills transferable to partner-track progression
- Mentorship and team development — critical for advancement to Senior Manager or Partner
Culture & Growth Signals: Boulay positions itself as entrepreneurial and inclusive, with an emphasis on professional development (tuition reimbursement, CPE compliance support). The reference to "strategic firm initiatives" and business development responsibilities signals this is a partner-track role, not a purely technical one.
Green Flags: Flexible/hybrid work, strong benefits package, clear upward trajectory toward partner. Watch for: Estate and trust tax is a specialized niche — confirm the firm has a robust pipeline of estate planning clients to keep engagements varied and growth-oriented. The 6+ years experience requirement also means limited entry for mid-level professionals still building specialization.
We are currently looking for an Estate and Trust Manager to join our team!
Our Estate & Trust professionals work closely with individuals, families, fiduciaries, and beneficiaries in the administration of estates and trusts, including the analysis of related documents, preparation and review of tax returns, and fiduciary accounting. The team also consults with clients on strategies to minimize estate and gift taxes while helping them achieve their broader estate planning, charitable, and financial goals.
The Estate & Trust Manager is responsible for leading client engagements related to estate, gift, and trust taxation, fiduciary accounting, and estate administration. This role involves managing a portfolio of client relationships, overseeing complex tax and consulting engagements, and serving as a trusted advisor to individuals, families, fiduciaries, and beneficiaries. The Estate & Trust Manager is responsible for managing multiple projects simultaneously while ensuring exceptional client service and technical excellence.
This is an excellent opportunity for a tax professional who enjoys building client relationships, solving complex tax issues, and making a meaningful impact on clients' long-term financial and legacy planning goals.
Responsibilities
- Oversee and review complex estate, gift, trust, and fiduciary income tax engagements.
- Review fiduciary accounting and trust administration engagements.
- Serve as a trusted advisor on complex tax, estate planning, and trust matters.
- Manage multiple client relationships and serve as a primary point of contact.
- Oversee engagement budgets, billing, scheduling, and overall project execution.
- Anticipate, identify, and resolve technical, operational, and client service issues.
- Collaborate across departments to deliver comprehensive client solutions.
- Lead, mentor, and develop staff through delegation, coaching, and performance feedback.
- Foster team accountability, engagement, and professional growth.
- Stay current on tax laws, professional standards, and industry trends.
- Maintain accurate time entries, CRM records, calendars, and CPE compliance.
- Contribute to business development, recruiting efforts, and strategic firm initiatives.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
- 6+ years of experience in estate, gift, trust, and fiduciary taxation, including the preparation and review of complex tax returns and related engagements.
- CPA, EA, or J.D. required.
- Strong understanding of tax law, the Internal Revenue Code, and related tax compliance and planning concepts.
- Proficiency with tax, accounting, and Microsoft Office applications.
- Proven ability to analyze complex client information, solve problems creatively, and develop practical tax solutions.
- Demonstrated ability to manage client relationships, lead engagements, and oversee multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Ability to mentor, delegate, supervise, and review the work of less experienced team members.
The annual salary range for this position is: $110,000 – $165,000. This salary range reflects the anticipated responsibilities and qualifications of a successful candidate for this role. Final compensation may vary depending upon an individual's experience, knowledge, and skills. Individuals may be eligible for additional compensation in the form of incentives, commissions, profit sharing, and more, depending on the role.
Boulay offers a wide range of benefits such as medical, dental, vision, 401k, flexible schedules, hybrid (or remote, as applicable) work environment, paid time away, and more.
Boulay is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to all applicants. If you require any accommodation, contact Jenna Nutting at [email protected].
Boulay is committed to attracting and developing highly talented professionals while providing a premier and inclusive candidate experience. Our Talent Acquisition Team strives to source and recruit diverse talent with an entrepreneurial mindset who will help contribute to the Firm's continued success.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
- Work from home
Frequently Asked Questions
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