Tax Manager (Estate & Trust)

Tax Manager (Estate & Trust)

Encino, CA; Pasadena, CA

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

About Lucas Horsfall

Have you dreamt about a career in public accounting with work-life balance? Enjoying the diversity of clients and the challenging work public accounting offers with the added benefits of professional growth and opportunity for advancement? Have you experienced a culture that is fun and diverse offering an authentic family feel with people that truly care about you and your professional development? Lucas Horsfall is that CPA firm. Celebrating our 68th year anniversary in 2025, we attribute our exceptional growth and low turnover to our appreciation of our people and clients. This growth has provided a need for a Tax Manager to help deliver personal and experienced service to our vast array of clients.

The Role

Tax Manager

As a Tax Manager (Estate and Trust) at Lucas Horsfall, you will manage estate and trust tax engagements from start to finish, overseeing the preparation and review of returns and leading the teams that support them. You will apply outstanding project management, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills while managing client relationships and engagement workflow across a portfolio of clients. You will lead the training, supervision, and development of staff, direct and review complex tax research, and serve as a trusted advisor to clients and firm leadership on estate and trust tax matters. Our company is team-oriented and prides itself on providing quality work and excellent customer relations in a friendly, superior working environment. This role will be performed in a hybrid environment out of either our Pasadena, CA or Encino, CA office location.

Key Responsibilities

• Manages estate and trust tax engagements from planning through completion, including final review of returns prepared and reviewed by staff and supervisors before partner sign-off.
• Serves as the primary client relationship contact, delivering prompt, professional communication, advising on estate and trust tax matters, and identifying planning opportunities.
• Manages engagement economics, including budgets, scheduling, billing, and realization, and escalates issues to partners proactively.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local requirements by researching and interpreting regulations, resolving complex technical issues, and advising clients and management on needed actions.
• Prioritizes and manages multiple engagements, deadlines, and staff assignments across the practice.
• Supervises, develops, mentors, and evaluates staff and supervisors, including real-time coaching, technical review, and formal performance feedback.
• Directs and reviews tax research on complex estate and trust issues and communicates conclusions clearly to clients and firm leadership.
• Supports business development and firm growth, including client and prospect pursuits, expanding services to existing clients, and contributing to proposals.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops or classes, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies.
• Contributes to firm culture and growth initiatives, including mentoring, recruiting, and knowledge sharing.
• Communicates effectively with all levels of the firm as well as clients.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field
• 5+ years of experience preparing and/or reviewing forms 706, 709, and/or 1041
• Skilled in researching the Internal Revenue Code, Treasury Regulations, and related tax guidance to analyze and resolve tax issues
• Familiarity with wills, trust instruments, and asset title and ownership transfer documents
• Excellent project management, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Self-motivator with the ability to multi-task and complete assignments within time constraints and deadlines
• A strong desire toward career advancement and goal toward future firm ownership

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Taxation or JD Degree
• Active CPA
• Knowledge of CCH Axcess Tax and Lacerte

What We Offer

As a firm, we offer great benefits, a competitive salary and tuition reimbursement for advanced education. Headquartered in Pasadena, CA with offices in Encino and Irvine, Lucas Horsfall is a growing CPA and consulting firm focused on tax, audit, and consulting needs. Explore the opportunities that await you today! Join our team and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that supports well-being, health, and ongoing professional growth:

• Flexible PTO
• Excellent Voluntary Insurance Options
• 401(k) Matching
• Discretionary Bonus
• Commitment to Professional Development
• Meaningful work that makes a difference in our clients' lives

How to Apply

Submit your information in the application section directly below! This will include:

• Basic contact information
• Resume/CV and optional cover letter upload
• Work eligibility, credentials, and compensation
• Voluntary demographic & self-ID questions

For further questions or inquiries about the role, please reach out to Aidan Jebson, Sr. Recruiter at ajebson@ascendtogether.com.

The pay range for this role is $135,000 - $200,000+ per year. This range includes the anticipated low and high end of the pay range for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on various factors, including experience, education, and/or skill level.

At Ascend, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Ascend hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.