Tax Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Job Summary:

A Tax Manager, Credits & Incentives is responsible for advising clients of the credit & incentive opportunities relating to their business objectives, recommending alternate courses of action, as well as identifying different methods of complying with credits & incentives statutes and regulations. In this role, the Tax Manager, Credits & Incentives is charged with marketing, networking and business development within his/her area of experience and specialization, and recognizing potential changes in credit & incentives policy. In addition, the SALT Credits & Incentives Manager works with the Core Tax Partners, Directors, and Senior Managers to provide credits & incentives expertise to their clients.

Job Duties:

Research:

• Identifies complex credits & incentives situations, when research is necessary, providing an outline of the issue(s) and the appropriate source of research to be conducted
• Analyzes researched facts and the sources utilized prior to composing a detailed report or preparing a credits & incentives opportunities matrix of the research findings
• Develops relationships with in-state and out of state Department of Tax (DOT)/Department of Revenue (DOR) and Economic Development personnel

Tax Compliance:

• Conducts detailed reviews of income tax returns, and identifies the most significant statutory credit opportunities
• Evaluates a client’s current compliance processes, and provides customized and automated solutions for the client to comply with annual credits & incentives reporting

Tax Consulting:

• Drafts credits & incentives memorandums and other documentation on various credits & incentives issues
• Conducts review of a client’s operations to determine in which jurisdictions credits & incentives opportunities may exist
• Applies all applicable state tax consulting sub-specialties, and confers with other Tax professionals when appropriate
• Ensures tax engagement letters are adopted prior to engagement work commencing, and manages engagements
• Assists in the development of consultative credits & incentives strategies
• Manages the expectations of assigned clients

Tax Controversy:

• Drafts responses to notices from state taxing authorities
• Represents clients before any tax authority on credits & incentives issues
• Assists with exam support

Tax Related Software:

• Utilizes credits & incentives research databases and other credits & incentives related software in the completion of assigned tasks

Tax Specialization:

• Provides technical client service to multi-state clients on credits & incentives matters
• Conducts negotiation credits & incentives matters
• Drafts technical memorandums regarding credits & incentives issues

Strategy Development:

• Reviews studies of credits & incentives opportunities to identify alternative courses of actions to benefits clients
• Develops new or improved ideas to advance the position of clients in maximizing credits & incentives awards
• Assists with researching credits & incentives strategies
• Suggests marketing approaches for new client acquisitions

Other duties as required

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervises the day-to-day workload of SALT Senior Associates and Associates on assigned engagements, and reviews work product
• Ensures SALT Senior Associates, Associates and Interns are trained on all relevant tax software
• Evaluates the performance of SALT Senior Associates and Associates, and assists in the development of goals and objectives to enhance professional development
• Delivers periodic performance feedback, and completes performance evaluations for SALT Senior Associates, Associates and Interns
Acts as Career Advisor to SALT Senior Associates and Associates, as appropriate

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or other relevant field, required
• Master’s degree in Accounting or Taxation or Juris Doctorate, preferred

Experience:

• Five (5) or more years of state and local/multistate tax experience required, with experience in credits & incentives strongly preferred,
• Experience supervising tax professionals on a project or engagement basis, required
• Experience preparing and/or reviewing tax provisions, preferred

License/Certifications:

• CPA or other relevant certification, required

Software:

• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel and Word, preferred
• Exposure to and familiarity with standard tax applications and research tools, preferred

Language:

• N/A

Other Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Superior analytical and research skills
• Solid organizational skills, with the ability to meet project deadlines with a focus on details
• Ability to successfully multi-task while working independently or within a group environment
• Ability to work in a deadline-driven environment, and handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Capable of effectively managing a team of tax professionals, and delegating work assignments as needed
• Capacity to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and client personnel
• Ability to encourage a team environment on engagements, and contribute to the professional development of assigned personnel
• Executive presence, with the ability to act as primary contact on assigned engagements
• Ability to successfully interact with professionals at all levels
• Advanced knowledge of appropriate application of tax standards to ensure effective and efficient delivery of credits & incentives services
• Advanced knowledge of sources utilized in credits & incentives filings
Advanced knowledge and understanding of cause / effect for taxable conditions on clients, and the potential credits and incentives opportunities

Individual salaries that are offered to a candidate are determined after consideration of numerous factors including but not limited to the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and geography.

National Range: $79,800 - $168,000
Maryland Range: $79,800 - $168,000
NYC/Long Island/Westchester Range: $79,800 - $168,000
Washington DC Range: $79,800 - $168,000

At BDO, how we show up matters. We build strong relationships by supporting one another, our clients, and our communities with care, curiosity, and a commitment to helping one another grow and succeed. Here, you’ll find meaningful work, leaders invested in your success, and opportunities to build a career around what matters most to you.

Our purpose is to be the people our clients count on to grow with confidence and achieve what matters most. Our values guide how we bring that purpose to life each day. Together, they shape how we work with one another, serve our clients, and create meaningful impact.

BDO provides assurance, tax, and advisory services to clients across the U.S. and around the world. No matter your role, you’ll be part of a team helping clients navigate complexity and move forward with clarity.

As technology continues to shape how we work, BDO values the ability to apply generative and agentic AI solutions to develop work products, improve workflows and identify potential risks. Across our firm, we emphasize professional judgment in validating AI-generated outputs for accuracy, quality, and compliance.

We are proud to be an ESOP company, offering participants a stake in the firm’s success through beneficial ownership and a unique opportunity to enhance their financial well-being. As a qualified retirement plan, the ESOP is a meaningful addition to our comprehensive compensation and Total Rewards benefits* offerings. It also reinforces an ownership mindset that strengthens our connection to one another, our clients, and the future we’re building together.

Learn more about our benefits: BDO Total Rewards encompass more than traditional benefits. Click here to find out more !

*Benefits may be subject to eligibility requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets
Click here to find out more !