Senior Tax Manager

About Kirkland & Ellis

At Kirkland & Ellis, we are united in our ambition and drive to move forward. We share core values that help us achieve excellence: collaboration, talent empowerment, service, inclusion, respect and gratitude. Our people are our greatest asset, and we invest in the brightest talent and encourage a diversity of perspectives and strengths to create dynamic teams that operate at the pinnacle of their field. Our talented professionals show up every day knowing they will engage in meaningful work, continuous learning and professional development.
 
As one of the world’s leading law firms, we serve a broad range of clients with market-leading practices in private equity, M&A and other complex corporate transactions; investment fund formation and alternative asset management; restructurings; high-stakes commercial and intellectual property litigation; and government, regulatory and internal investigations. We handle the most complicated and sophisticated legal matters because we don’t just meet industry standards, we create them. We bring innovation and entrepreneurialism to every engagement and, as a result, have long-standing client relationships with leading global corporations and financial sponsors. With 6,500 employees (including 3,500 lawyers) operating from 20 offices across the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, we are one of the largest law firms in the world and a top financial performer.

Essential Job Functions

The Senior Tax Manager will be an integral member of the Finance Tax leadership group and be responsible for the management and review of partnership and other business tax returns, estimates, extensions, and provide support for inquiries from various tax authorities. This position will mentor the department’s tax analysts. This individual will work with both internal and external parties and must be able to handle multiple projects concurrently. The ideal candidate collaborates with the accounting and leadership teams within Finance and the Firm to identify opportunities for process improvement and potential areas of risk.  They will monitor current and impending changes to tax regulations and support Tax Director and Tax Associate Director in making the appropriate updates to policies and strategies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented and changed as necessary.)

• Ensure the accurate and timely filing of complex federal, state and local income tax returns as well as other business related filings.
• Review tax returns and quarterly/yearly estimated tax projections. 
• Manage the administration and calculation of Pass-Through Entity taxes, including, but not exclusive to, reviewing partner allocations, set-up, and tracking of payments.
• Collaborate with Finance and Tax leadership in developing and implementing strategic tax planning for federal and state taxes.
• In collaboration with the Tax Director and Tas Associate Director, manage and facilitate IRS and state income tax audits including preparing responses, creating schedules, etc.
• Develop and review the Firm’s tax trial balance to ensure accuracy (e.g. all accruals and other adjustments are accounted for).
• Liaise with outside tax consultants on various tax studies (e.g. M&E, etc.).
• Assist with documentation and implementation of policies and process improvements.
• Other related duties and special projects as required.

Qualifications & Requirements

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting/Finance; strong accounting, analytical, and research skills are required.
• Law firm/professional services firm experience with both US and International operations is desired; experience with a “Big 4” or other National CPA firm is a plus.
• At least 10 years of experience managing the preparation of US federal, state, and local income tax returns is required.
• Extensive individual and partnership tax knowledge; familiarity with U.S. federal, state and local reporting requirements; and knowledge of tax code and compliance requirements are necessary.
• This individual should be organized, proactive, and results oriented.  
• The ability to collaborate and effectively facilitate information sharing within Finance and other functions within the Firm to meet sensitive tax filing deadlines through the year is required.
• Needs to be a critical thinker who possesses a high level of intellectual curiosity, while at the same time is comfortable navigating the details involved with the tax function and its responsibilities.
• Management experience and the ability to organize and prioritize tasks and the tasks of other tax team members to drive process improvements.
• Work well independently as well as with stakeholders; excellent written and verbal communication skills with personnel of all levels.

Technologies/Software

• MS Office with emphasis on Word and Excel
• Familiarity with Elite 3E a plus

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in Kirkland & Ellis LLP.  To complete an application and submit your resume, please click "Apply Now."

Equal Employment Opportunity

All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Closing Statement

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