Jobs › Baker Tilly

Tax Manager

Baker Tilly · Appleton, WI · $90,000–$126,390 a year · Full time

Posted Jun 3, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a tax planning idea you brought to a client that saved them money.

What they are checking: Whether they think proactively about client value rather than only preparing returns.

How do you manage a team of staff and seniors through busy season deadlines?

What they are checking: Workload planning and people leadership when pressure is highest for a tax practice.

Tell me about a time you coached a staff member who kept making the same mistake.

What they are checking: Whether they develop people through clear feedback rather than just fixing the work themselves.

What would you do

How do you handle a client who sends information late and still expects the return on time?

What they are checking: Whether they can manage client expectations firmly while keeping the relationship strong.

A client asks you to take a position you think is aggressive. What do you do?

What they are checking: Professional ethics and whether they can explain risk clearly while protecting the firm.

How do you help grow a client relationship beyond the annual return?

What they are checking: Business development thinking expected of managers at an advisory firm.

About the work

Walk me through how you review a complex business tax return prepared by a senior.

What they are checking: Whether their review goes beyond tie-outs to catch technical issues and planning opportunities.

Which areas of tax are you strongest in, and where do you go for help?

What they are checking: Honest self-awareness of their technical depth and the judgment to consult specialists.

How do you stay current on tax law changes that affect your clients?

What they are checking: Whether they keep learning in a field where rules change often and mistakes are costly.

How do you respond to an IRS or state notice for a client?

What they are checking: Practical experience with tax controversy at a basic level and calm client communication.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Baker Tilly.

Overview Baker Tilly is a leading advisory, tax and assurance firm, providing clients with a genuine coast-to-coast and global advantage in major regions of the U.S. and in many of the world’s leading financial centers – New York, London, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago and Boston. Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and Baker Tilly US, LLP (Baker Tilly) provide professional services through an alternative practice structure in accordance with the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and applicable laws, regulations and professional standards. Baker Tilly US, LLP is a licensed independent CPA firm that provides attest services to its clients. Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and its subsidiary entities provide tax and business advisory services to their clients. Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and its subsidiary entities are not licensed CPA firms. Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and Baker Tilly US, LLP, trading as Baker Tilly, are independent members of Baker Tilly International, a worldwide network of independent accounting and business advisory firms in 141 territories, with 43,000 professionals and a combined worldwide revenue of $5.2 billion. Visit bakertilly.com or join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. Please discuss the work location status with your Baker Tilly talent acquisition professional to understand the requirements for an opportunity you are exploring. Baker Tilly is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable federal, state or local law. Any unsolicited resumes submitted through our website or to Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP, employee e-mail accounts are considered property of Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP, and are not subject to payment of agency fees. In order to be an authorized recruitment agency ("search firm") for Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP, there must be a formal written agreement in place and the agency must be invited, by Baker Tilly's Talent Attraction team, to submit candidates for review via our applicant tracking system. Job Description: Responsibilities This is a great opportunity to be a valued advisor delivering tax and business advisory services and tax compliance to middle market clients. You will work side-by-side with firm leadership to serve clients and build the business, having a direct impact on the firm’s success. Additionally, you will be a coach to a group of talented staff, utilizing your experience to help develop their technical and professional skills. If you are invigorated by these exciting challenges, then this could be the right opportunity for you! As one of the fastest growing firms in the nation, BT has the ability to offer you upward career trajectory, flexibility in how and where you get your work done and meaningful relationships with clients, teammates and leadership who truly care about you and your development. You’ll enjoy this role if: You are looking for an opportunity to expand your career in business tax and accounting, becoming an expert to the clients you serve You can see yourself as a trusted business advisor, working face-to-face with clients to find creative solutions to complex accounting and business challenges You want to work for a leading CPA advisory firm who serves their clients with their clients’ and employees’ best interests in mind and are transparent in their decisions You value your development and want to work for a firm that provides you the autonomy to own your schedule and career through programs (ask us about My Time Off, My Development and Dress for Your Day!) You want to contribute to your engagement team’s professional growth and enhance your own skills to build a career with opportunities now, for tomorrow What you will do: Be a trusted member of the team providing various tax, accounting and advisory services to clients: Oversee and provide services pertaining to accounting, bookkeeping and prepared or compiled financials. Review and analyze accounting records and/or reporting with clients, provide analysis and consultation, and communicate with client to discuss accounting and business matters Deliver best-in-class customer service to clients at all times, with an emphasis on being responsive, timely, professional, and accurate Lead and plan client engagements, and continuously evaluate processes and procedures within the client services and implementation functions with emphasis on implementing efficiencies and identification of internal control issues Provide recommendations for business and process improvements based upon knowledge gained relative to the client’s operations, processes, and business objectives Manage and build client relationships, act as liaison to address and resolve client issues, and assist team leaders in researching and providing additional services to client Effectively delegate and oversee the work efforts by setting goals, providing resources, removing obstacles, and scheduling deadlines to meet client expectations for delivery Maintain current knowledge of local, state, and federal tax practices and laws Assist with managing client engagement staffing, billings/collections, and ensure client profitability targets are met Utilize your entrepreneurial skills to network and build strong relationships internally and externally with clients and the community Invest in your professional development individually and through participation in firm wide learning and development programs Support the growth and development of team members through the Baker Tilly Care and Teach philosophy, helping associates meet their professional goals Enjoy friendships, social activities and team outings that encourage a work-life balance Qualifications • 4-year degree; master's or advanced degree desirable • CPA, Law License, or Enrolled Agent • Five (5) years of experience providing federal and state tax compliance, accounting and advisory services in a professional services firm • Two (2) years of supervisory experience, mentoring and counseling associates • Demonstrated management, analytical, organization, interpersonal, project management, communication skills • Ability to lead and supervise others, provide exceptional client service, demonstrate commitment to continuous learning in order to stay current regarding applicable strategies, see the "big picture" as well as the details, display appropriate ethical knowledge and commitment, and exhibit a sense of urgency and commitment to quality and the timely completion of projects • Highly developed software and Microsoft Suite skills • Eligibility to work in the U.S. without sponsorship preferred The pay rate range for this job position in Appleton & Janesville is $90,000 to $126,390. Actual compensation is influenced by a variety of relevant factors including but not limited to applicant’s skills, prior experience, qualifications, degrees, professional certifications, work arrangements and geographic location. Baker Tilly offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package to eligible employees. The pay rate range for this job position in Madison & Milwaukee is $90,000 to $133,040. Actual compensation is influenced by a variety of relevant factors including but not limited to applicant’s skills, prior experience, qualifications, degrees, professional certifications, work arrangements and geographic location. Baker Tilly offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package to eligible employees.

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